Visitors entering Qatar through the now-open land border with Saudi Arabia will be required to hotel-quarantine.

Travellers entering Qatar from some GCC states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, will be required to abide by Doha’s COVID-19 measures, sources told Doha News.

Those travelling through the Saudi-Qatar border at the Salwa crossing must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate that is issued no more than 48 hours prior, the sources said, noting necessary preparations are being made to accommodate the visitors. 

Arrivals are also required to hotel quarantine at approved facilities, the sources added.

Travellers from Oman – listed on the ministry of health’s Green List – will not be required to quarantine in a hotel.

Exemptions are also likely to be announced for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, sources told Doha News. 

As of yet, the ministry of health has yet to formally detail health measures and procedures for visitors entering through the land border.

The news comes just hours after Qatar and the GCC states restored full diplomatic relations after signing the Al-Ula Declaration at the 41st summit in Saudi Arabia.

Airspace is now open between the neighbouring countries and travel guidelines are set to ensure people’s safety amid the ongoing pandemic.

Meanwhile, local Saudi media announced a clean-up campaign at the Qatar-Saudi crossing in preparation for the resumption of services.

Intensive work is underway to welcome visitors at the border, included planting and decorating streets leading up to the Salwa crossing.

Authorities intensified surveillance in the area, Saudi daily Al-Yaum reported.

Read also: Qatar Airways offers 2021 ‘flexible travel’ as fight against Covid-19 continues

Awareness campaigns were also being plastered across the area to advise visitors to maintain precautionary measures to help stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Passport and customs at border crossing-points remain closed while preparations are underway. An official statement to announce the opening is expected shortly.

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