Saudi Arabia Suspends Entry Of Gulf Nationals To Mecca, Medina

 Kaaba Masjid Al Haram

RIYADH, Feb 29 (NNN-SPA) – Saudi Arabia announced, on Friday, the suspension of the entry of Gulf nationals to Mecca and Medina, as part of precautionary measures against COVID-19.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry, said, the temporary ban does not cover Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, who have been in the kingdom for 14 consecutive days, without showing signs of COVID-19 infection and wish to perform Umrah (minor Haj) or visit the Prophet’s Mosque.

Such GCC nationals can apply through the website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to obtain a permit.

The government of Saudi Arabia said that, the precautionary measures are being reviewed, and additional measures shall be taken.

The measures have been taken after neighbouring countries have confirmed multiple COVID-19 cases.