Saudi Arabia on Tuesday suspended 20 countries from entering its Kingdom, ranging from some neighboring states to the United States. The Muslim nation is doing this to curb the jump in coronavirus infection.
The temporary suspension was announced by the interior minister, adding that it would be effective from 9.00 pm (1800 GMT) on Wednesday, according to the official Saudi Press.
The ban is applied to neighboring Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and by extension, to Lebanon and Turkey but it excludes Nigeria.
The affected countries in Europe included Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The ban also applies to the US, and others such as Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, and South Africa.
According to the minister, Saudi citizens, diplomats as well as health workers coming from the banned countries will be allowed to enter the kingdom “in accordance with the precautionary measures”, it added.
On Sunday, Saudi health minister, Tawfiq al-Rabiah warned that a new coronavirus restriction could be imposed if citizens and residents do not comply with health instructions.
