Hundreds of thousands of daily travelers between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain through the King Fahd Causeway may once again access the border crossing when travel restrictions are lifted on Monday; May 17.
Residents shuttle between the two countries via King Fahd Causeway; but the travel artery was closed on March 8; 2020; because of COVID-19 safety precautions.
Travel suspension for citizens; and the opening of land; sea and air ports would be lifted starting Sunday; state news agency SPA reported.
An additional 10 lanes were installed to the departure area; bringing the total to 27 lanes; in addition to 36 lanes in the arrival area; Duwaihi Al-Sahli; director of King Fahd Causeway Passports; was quoted by the report as saying.
However; only those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or those who have recovered from the disease would be allowed to leave the Kingdom; authorities. They would be required to present proof via the Tawakkalna app installed in their mobile phones.
A coronavirus insurance certificate is required for travelers below 18 years.
For travelers heading from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia; they will be in require to carry any of the health applications approved in the GCC countries; which confirm whether they are vaccinated or have recovered from the virus; Bahrain's news agency BNA reported.
They can also present PCR certificates which should not exceed 72 hours from the time of taking the sample; BNA added.
Jordan meanwhile said that exemptions previously for passengers' entry through the Omari border post with Saudi Arabia have been canceled effective on Monday.
The decision was made after a series of measures were taken recently in order to help ease the entry of Jordanians and visitors from Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf countries; state news agency Petra reported; citing Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya.
Border regulations previously required the presentation of a certificate proving they received two coronavirus vaccine doses and a negative PCR test 72 hours prior.
Travelers can now pass without registering on the platform or having a PCR test on the border; the report said.