Saudi Arabia will impose a travel ban of up to three years for citizens who are willing to travel to countries on the Covid-19 red list. It was reported by local media the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) quoted an interior ministry source.

This is the latest attempt by King Salman's country to curb the spread of coronavirus, especially the Delta variant. Those traveling since May 2021 will be penalized for violating the rules that have been made since March 2020.

“Anyone who is proven to be involved will be subject to legal accountability and heavy penalties upon their return, and will be banned from travel for three years,” the official said.

Saudi Arabia has banned travel or transit in a number of countries including Afghanistan, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates.

"The Interior Ministry stresses that citizens are still prohibited from traveling directly or through other countries to this state or other countries that have not controlled the pandemic or new variants have spread," the official said.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia recorded 1,379 new cases of Covid-19 infection, bringing the total to 520,774 cases and 8,189 deaths. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia recorded 1,379 new cases of Covid-19 infection, bringing the total to 520,774 cases and 8,189 deaths.

It saw daily infections fall from a peak above 4,000 in June 2020 to below the 100 mark in early January.