Saudi Arabia Introduces Visit Visa for Umrah in 24Hrs

Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah on Thursday announced the launching of an electronic service to apply for Umrah visa for individual from outside Saudi Arabia.

“The visit visa for Umrah will be issued now within 24 hours. Applications for Umrah visas can be submitted from outside Saudi Arabia, away from Umrah campaigns,” he said, reports Saudi Gazette.

Al-Rabiah said the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to facilitate the reception of Umrah pilgrims in larger numbers.

The minister said one million people — 8,50,000 (85 per cent) foreign pilgrims and 1,50,000 (15 per cent) domestic pilgrims — will perform Hajj this year.

He said the ministry and other related agencies are working to ensure the health of Hajj pilgrims.

“The Hajj smart card will be implemented this year,” he said, adding that digital technologies would help organise this year's Hajj in the perfect manner.