Umrah pilgrims from abroad usually go to Saudi Arabia using a travel agency. All the needs of the pilgrims in carrying out the pilgrimage, from visas to lodging in the Kingdom, will be taken care of by the travel bureau.
Umrah pilgrims from abroad usually go to Saudi Arabia using a travel agency. All the needs of the pilgrims in carrying out the pilgrimage, from visas to lodging in the Kingdom, will be taken care of by the travel agency.
However, Umrah pilgrims can now individually apply for visas through the latest services from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Thus, foreign congregations can travel and worship in the Kingdom independently.
On Thursday, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, announced the launch of a new electronic service that allows individual Umrah pilgrims from abroad to apply for an Umrah visa. The visit visa for Umrah can be issued only within 24 hours after the congregation’s use.
He further said that applications for Umrah visas could be submitted from outside Saudi Arabia, away from the Umrah campaigns.
As reported by local media Okaz, apart from applying for an Umrah visa on their own, individual pilgrims can also choose transportation, housing, and other services while in the holy city of Makkah electronically.
The Umrah visa period, which was originally only a month, will also be extended for three months. It allows the visa holder to travel around the country without any restrictions.
Dr. Tawfiq said that this facility is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate the reception of Umrah pilgrims in larger numbers.
This electronic service can only be clicked on the website of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia.
On the same occasion, he also said one million people from within and outside the country would perform Umrah this year. The pilgrims consist of 850,000 foreign pilgrims and 150,000 domestic pilgrims.
Regarding implementing this largest annual worship, Dr. Tawfiq also emphasized that the ministry and other related agencies are working to ensure the health of Hajj pilgrims. He added that the Hajj smart card would be implemented this year and noted that digital technology is very helpful in organizing the implementation of this year’s hajj.
