Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam's holiest sites, has started issuing electronic visas for Muslims who wish to visit the kingdom to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage that can be done throughout the year.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia announced that applications for obtaining the Umrah visa are presented via the Nusuk platform (www.nusuk.sa/ar/about), which facilitates procedures including accommodation and transportation for pilgrims from around the world.
The visa holders will start arriving in the kingdom to perform Umrah as of the first of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which falls on July 21 this year.
The e-visa will be a one-year, multiple-entry visa, allowing tourists to spend up to 90 days in the country. The tourist visa also allows to take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family and relatives visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying or working.
Saudi Arabia has also introduced a host of facilities for overseas Muslims to come to the country to perform Umrah. Muslims holding different types of entry visas such as personal, visit, and tourism visas are allowed to undertake Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, where the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him0 is located at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina after booking an e-appointment.
Saudi authorities have extended the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 and allowed holders to enter the kingdom via all land, air, and sea outlets and leave from any airport. The kingdom has also announced the expatriates residing in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are eligible to apply for a tourist visa, regardless of their profession, and be able to perform Umrah. Likewise, holders of the Schengen, US, and UK visas can book appointments to perform Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa via the Nusuk app before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to the world through its new tourist visa, which aims to showcase the warm hospitality of the Saudi people, the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of the country. The kingdom expects to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues.
Umrah is a voluntary act of worship that involves visiting Mecca and performing certain rituals such as circling around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwa hills, and shaving or cutting one's hair. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year expect during the Hajj season, which is the annual pilgrimage that is obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it once in their lifetime. Hajj is expected to take place from August 6 to August 11 this year.
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