The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched an electronic service that issues visas to Umrah pilgrims within 24 hours.
Muslims from countries other than Saudi Arabia who wish to perform Umrah can now apply for the visa independently through a designated web service.
Muslims can perform Umrah at any time of the year; it is a non-required lesser pilgrimage to Mecca.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Saudi’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, said the validity of Umrah visa has also been extended from one month to three months.
He stated that pilgrims who visit the kingdom to perform Umrah are also free to visit other Saudi cities.
“Until recently, the usual way to apply for Umrah visas is through tourism agents to perform the rituals of Umrah,” he said.
“But the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a new e-service that enables pilgrims to apply for the Umrah visas online which facilitates pilgrims to perform Umrah. The individuals can directly now obtain Umrah visas online as well as choose online the transportation, housing and many others that are suitable for them while arriving in Makkah.
“The Umrah visa will be issued in less than 24 hours online. The ministry has also extended the validity of the Umrah visa from one month to be valid for three months without restrictions. Umrah visa holders are also allowed to move around the Kingdom’s regions.
“The ministry will contribute to developing the Umrah experience for pilgrims. There are several companies who are now offering the service of issuing the Umrah visa online.”
According to the minister, one million people are expected to perform hajj in 2022, including 85 per cent of foreign pilgrims.
#VIDEO: Minister of #Hajj and Umrah Dr. @tfrabiah announced the launching of an electronic service to apply for #Umrah visa for individual Umrah pilgrims from outside #SaudiArabia. “The visit visa for Umrah will be issued now within 24 hours. — https://t.co/8niJh8r5B9 pic.twitter.com/rsOK3DUIpi
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) June 2, 2022