Authorities in Saudi Arabia have announced that all types of visa holders who plan to perform the Umrah pilgrimage will be eligible to do so.
Such a decision comes following the start of the Umrah season for the current year, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to the announcement of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the same Ministry has permitted all types of visa holders from other countries worldwide to visit the country for tourism and visit purposes to perform Umrah while staying in the kingdom.
In addition, local media reports show that the Ministry has allowed incoming travelers who have valid visas from the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as Schengen Zone countries, following the beginning of the Umrah season for this year, after the ending of the Hajj pilgrimage.
It has been confirmed that those who are issued visas upon their arrival at the kingdom from eligible countries, as well as those who have nationalities of the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen Zone countries, are eligible to perform Umrah, provided they carry an entry stamp from the issuing country.
Citizens from other countries who hold a family visit visa or are on a personal visit are also eligible to perform Umrah by making an appointment through the so-called Eatamarna app.
Still, it has been clarified that those who wish to perform Umrah are obliged to hold comprehensive health insurance, which includes Coronavirus treatment coverage, among others.
Back in June, authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia introduced a new electronic visa app for all pilgrims wishing to enter the country to perform the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as Umrah.
The decision was confirmed by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al Rabiah, in a press conference.
In addition, the Minister then stressed that the visa would be given within 24 hours after finalizing the application. At the same time, the new e-Visa app would also help internationals to find accommodation and arrange transportation.
“The safety of pilgrims is our priority, and we are eager to offer the finest services,” Al Rabiah stressed in this regard, as reported by Travelo Biz.Previously, authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that they lifted all the COVID-19 requirements, including to present vaccination as proof of vaccination when planning to enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah as well as the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.