Saudi Arabia has ordered a ban on the entry of travelers from 20 countries including some from the Middle East to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

The interior ministry announced that the temporary suspension of entry will start from 9PM, Wednesday, based on the report of Saudi Press Agency. 

The travel ban applies to Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Turkey.

The Kingdom also prohibits the entry of those coming from Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland.

There will also be a ban on travelers from the United States,  Argentina, Brazil, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and South Africa.

Saudi citizens, diplomats and healthcare workers from other countries will be allowed to enter subject to existing COVID-19 protocols. 

So far, Saudi Arabia has reported over 368,000 coronavirus cases and at least 6,400 deaths. It has the most number of COVID-19 cases in the Gulf State. 

The Kingdom has launched its COVID-19 vaccination program last December after the shipment from Pfizer arrived last year. 

The roll out, however, was delayed due to issues on vaccine deliveries.