Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the start of the Umrah season on July 11, thus offering foreigners the opportunity to enter the country in order to complete the pilgrimage.
There are several types of visas that allow interested persons to perform the Umrah pilgrimage, five of which are more common, VisaGuide.World reports.
In addition, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently announced that citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are able to apply for an Umrah permit through two applications: Nusuk and Tawakkalna
The Nusuk platform helps travelers from worldwide countries to organize their visits to Makah and Madina, including applying for an eVisa and booking hotels and flights.
At the same time, the Tawakkalna app ensures that the applicant meets the health requirements.
Persons whose eVisa or Umrah visa has been issued are urged to book an Umrah permit from the available dates in the Nusuk app. Similarly, when persons are in Medina, the Prophet’s Mosque also needs a permit to pray in the Al Rawda Al Sharifa.
Applicants must register on the app as international visitors and enter their numbers. Then, they will have to book the date as well as time for Umrah. Once completing such requirements, they will receive a Quick Response (QR)Code for the permit, reservation as well as a time slot, according to the Gulf News report.
In order to perform Umrah, foreigners are eligible to reach the country through five visas: the transit visa, eVisa, instant e-Visa for holders of the United Kingdom, United States of Schengen visas, visa on arrival, as well as Saudi Investor eVisa.
Persons who have booked a ticket via one of the Saudi Arabian airlines are eligible to get a free transit visa, which permits them to stay in the country for more than four days and also perform Umrah.
Expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) can apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa for a multiple or single-entry visa.
Last month, the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia announced that the United States, the United Kingdom, and Schengen tourism visa holders, also taking into account permanent residents from any country within the bloc, can apply for an instant eVisa through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Besides, citizens from the countries mentioned above are also eligible for a visa on arrival. Persons who do not have a visit visa or a residency permit from the EU, Schengen Zone, US, or UK, then there are more than 40 states eligible for visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
International investors traveling to Saudi Arabia can apply for a visiting investor eVisa, which permits them to stay in the country for a period of up to 90 days without having a sponsor.