Are you considering traveling to Saudi Arabia? If yes, you will probably need to undergo a medical test for Saudi Arabia visa. There are also some COVID-related travel guidelines that you will need to acquaint yourself with. In this article, you will find information on visa tests, as well as the applicable COVID guidelines.
6 tests you need to undergo, in order to get a Saudi Arabia visa
The main tests in the Saudi medical check typically include those for:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Syphilis
- BHCG and
- Liver function test
Over and above these, we also have a chest x-ray as part of the Saudi medical check. In addition to this, Women have to go for a pregnancy test.
The procedure you need to follow while undergoing Saudi visa medical test
Firstly, you need to get a passport size photo taken. Carry that photo with you, while going for a test. Also, remember to carry your original passport. If having the original passport with you is not possible, you may instead use your driver’s license. This is to serve as proof of identity.
There are 3 key things that will happen during the actual test:
- The doctor will have a general session with you regarding your current state of health. You may expect questions about your prior medical history. This may touch on medical conditions you have previously suffered from. The doctor will examine both your vision and hearing too.
- The doctor will subsequently take your blood sample. This is for the tests that entail the use of blood, such as HIV and hepatitis.You will then give a urine sample.
- You will finally be directed to an area where you can have your chest x-ray taken.
After all this, you just have to wait for your results. Normally, these should be available within 24 hours.
Saudi Arabia Travel Guidelines
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some travel guidelines that people going to Saudi Arabia have to adhere to. The most important of these is with regard to the need for a negative PCR test. This needs to have been taken within 72 hours. It applies to all non-Saudi nationals, as long as they are above 8 years of age. For Saudi nationals, this requirement doesn’t apply though.
Upon getting to Saudi Arabia:
- If you are fully vaccinated, you won’t be required to undergo any isolation. Here, the vaccination has to be through one of the approved vaccines.
- In case you are partially vaccinated, you will need to undergo a 3-day institutional quarantine. If, after the 3 days, you get a negative PCR test result, you will thereafter be free from quarantine.
- If you are a non-Saudi citizen and you are unvaccinated, you will need to undergo institutional quarantine for 5 days. But if you are a Saudi national, the quarantine would be at home, for 5 days. If, after 5 days, you get a negative PCR result, the quarantine would be lifted.
- For Saudi nationals who have attained recovery from COVID-19, travel is possible within 6 months from the date of diagnosis. However, there is a requirement for such people to give updates on their status, through the Tawakalla app.
Also, note that there is a requirement for medical insurance. This applies to people who plan to visit Saudi Arabia. The insurance has to cover COVID-19. The coverage in that regard has to be both for hospital bills as well as quarantine expenses (up to 14 days). Exemptions are only available for Saudi citizens and residents. GCC citizens are also exempt from that.
Ultimately, the required COVID-related tests are:
- Pre-departure PCR test
- On-arrival PCR test
- Rapid antigen test
Specific Covid-19 travel requirements for Saudi Arabia
- Passenger locator form: Here, passenger location is tracked digitally, via the Tawakkalna app. You have to download and start using this app no more than 8 hours from the time you land to Saudi Arabia.
- Regarding Covid-19 testing: The most important thing here is to undergo a PCR test, no more than 72 hours before departure.
- Children’s testing: Kids whose age is below 8 don’t need to undergo COVID testing for Saudi Arabia travel. However, for those above 8, the testing condition may apply.
- Approved Vaccination: The vaccines that are approved in this nation are Pfizer, Moderna as well as Johnson & Johnson. The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine too has approval. (This is to say that if you are fully vaccinated with any of these, you wouldn’t need to undergo isolation upon arriving in Saudi Arabia)
After getting the visa and before arrival you need to register your status of the vaccine on this website at https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home.
It is worth noting that the travel guidelines with regard to COVID-19 may change from time to time. Therefore it is best for you to visit the Saudi Arabia website that deals with these matters for the latest updates before traveling. Our Private GP London offers visa medicals, including all the tests needed for Saudi Arabia travel.
Tests that are required for Saudi Arabia travel. What Saudi Arabia visa medical tests entail. COVID-related travel requirements for Saudi Arabia.
