- Saudi Arabia introduces visa-on-arrival for Umrah pilgrims from various countries to enhance convenience.
- Extended Umrah visa duration to 90 days to improve pilgrim experience and promote religious tourism.
- Strategic move to boost tourism by offering easier access to holy sites.
In a significant shift in visa policy, Saudi Arabia has introduced a new approach for Umrah pilgrims, allowing them to obtain their visas upon arrival. This strategic change is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiatives to enhance the convenience for Umrah pilgrims and boost tourism.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that this visa policy adjustment will be implemented immediately. Travelers from a variety of nations will now have the option to secure their Umrah visas upon their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Notably, this convenience will be extended to pilgrims from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union member states, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Brunei, and China.
Furthermore, in a recent move, Saudi Arabia has extended the duration of the Umrah visa to a period of 90 days. Dr Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, the Saudi minister for Hajj and Umrah, has highlighted that this extension aims to enhance the experience for pilgrims and encourage religious tourism in the country.
This development marks a significant step toward accommodating the needs of pilgrims and facilitating their travel experience to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah. The expansion of visa-on-arrival eligibility underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing religious tourism and promoting a seamless pilgrimage experience.