As the coronavirus pandemic weaken, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the lifting of travel restrictions from January 1, while those in certain categories will be allowed to travel from September 15.

According to the KSA news agency, the Saudi Interior Ministry has said that airports, ports and border checkpoints will be opened from January 1, 2021, while the action plan for Umrah will be decided later.

As per the Interior Ministry, Saudi nationals will be able to come abroad while foreigners will be allowed to return to Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi media, foreigners with exit, residence and visa will also be allowed to come to Saudi Arabia.

It should be noted that on March 12, Saudi Arabia imposed a travel ban on 12 new countries, including the European Union, due to the corona virus, and instructed Umrah pilgrims and visa holders to leave the country.

The World Health Organization reported a record one-day increase in global coronavirus cases on Sunday, with the total rising by 307,930 in 24 hours.

COVID-19 infections are still rising in 58 countries, including surges in Argentina, Indonesia, Morocco, Spain and Ukraine. New cases are falling in the United States and are down about 44% from a peak of more than 77,000 new cases reported on July 16. Cases in Brazil are also trending downward.