Saudi tourist visa holders now...

The regulation applies to citizens of 49 countries

According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, travellers who have obtained tourist visas and commercial visas will now be allowed to perform the Umrah pilgrimage during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Previously, Saudi Arabia issued specific Hajj and Umrah visas for pilgrims, allowing them to only travel between the cities of Mecca (Makkah) and Medina (Madinah) to perform the rituals.

Tourist visas can be obtained online through the Visit Saudi Arabia portal or on arrival at Saudi Arabian airports.

Tourist visas are valid for a period of 12 months, upon arrival at one of the Saudi airports without the need for prior application, and the visa holders will be allowed to visit other cities and regions throughout the kingdom.

The decision was made in order to streamline the Umrah visa application process and allow as many people as possible to perform the pilgrimage.

The new regulation applies to citizens of the 49 countries eligible for electronic tourist visa applications, as well as holders of US, UK and Schengen visas.

GET YOUR FREE 48-PAGE GCC TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY REPORT HERE

The ministry also announced that family visit visa holders from different nationalities can perform Umrah by booking an appointment through the Eatmarna app or the National Unified Visa Platform.

To perform Umrah, visitors must obtain comprehensive health insurance, which includes coverage of treatment costs of Covid-19, accidents resulting in death or disability and expenses incurred due to flight delays or cancellations.

Umrah season began on 30 July 2022.

For more information, visit www.moi.gov.sa