Dear KAUST community,
As the time for Hajj approaches, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has implemented restrictions on visitors and new arrivals to the Kingdom during the Hajj season, including Muslims and non-Muslims. This does NOT include iqama holders.
From May 30, 2023, to June 28, 2023, visitors on any visa (except Hajj visas) will not be allowed to fly to the following airports:
- King Abdulaziz’s International Airport, Jeddah
- Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Yanbu
- Taif International Airport
- Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madina
However, KAUST Government Affairs has worked with GACA to grant special exemptions for KAUST visitors (personal and business) and new joiners, including staff and students, who need to fly into the airports listed above. This exemption will only be applied to those who have completed this form.
The form should be completed no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24. This will allow sufficient time for the information for each passenger to be passed on to the relevant government officials to ensure a smooth passage through airline check-ins overseas and immigration in Jeddah.
If you have any questions about these GACA regulations, please get in touch with ga.inkr@kaust.edu.sa.
Regards,
Sulaiman Al-Thunayan
Vice President of Government Affairs
FAQs for travel during Hajj
Do I need to complete the form if I have visitors traveling to Saudi Arabia?
Yes. For ALL ARRIVING INTERNATIONAL travel over the period of May 30 to June 28 (inclusive), you will need to complete the form for your visitors for them to be able to fly into any of the airports listed in the announcement above. This includes Jeddah. This is for all visa holders. It does not include iqama holders.
I don’t yet have my flight ticket. What do I do?
Tickets will need to be purchased in order to complete the form. GACA have set the deadline for the list of exceptions by May 24. The form will need to be completed for anyone holding a visa wishing to enter the Kingdom from May 30 to June 28, into the airports listed above. This is for all visa holders. It does not include iqama holders.
I have visitors with a family, business, tourist, etc visa. Can they visit?
The form needs to be completed for all visa holders (except Hajj visa holders) coming into the airports listed over the period May 30 to June 28. This is for all visa holders. It does not include iqama holders.
Do I need to complete this form as an Iqama holder?
No. There are no restrictions on Iqama holders.
Who must fill in the form?
The host institute or iqama holder should complete the form on behalf of their visitors. This is for all visa holders. It does not include iqama holders.
