Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is all set to ease the visa procedures for pilgrims visiting Umrah by launching electronic visa applications. The system helps in processing visas within 24 hours, said Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj on Thursday.
The ministry has also initiated multiple measures to welcome more pilgrims for Umrah in Kingdom's vision 2030.
Apart from easy accessibility to visas, the application also allows visitors to receive easy travel and accommodation services. It also allows them to visit any part of Saudi Arabia without any restrictions. The ministry has also extended the visa period from one month to three months.
One of the important intentions of the policy is to ensure the safety and security of all the people visiting for Umrah.
"We are aware that there are many Hajj applications this year, but the safety of pilgrims is our priority," said Al- Rabiah while speaking to the Saudi Gazette.
For the same reason, Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has released conditions for health requirements that are necessary before visiting the country. All the passengers must be below the age of 65, they should carry a negative PCR test report, and are also supposed to get fully vaccinated against Covid 19.
Violation of performance of any of the rules will lead the government to take legal measures against the visitor.
Intending to improvise and organize systems, Saudi Arabia has also announced the launching of the Hajj smartcard.