Saudi Arabia opens visa applications for Umrah

RIYADH, 14 July 2022 [Fik/News Sources]: People outside Saudi Arabia wishing to perform Umrah can apply for visa starting today (Thursday), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement.

Umrah season for pilgrims inside and outside the Kingdom begins on July 30, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), citing the ministry.

Foreign pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque can view the visa requirements on the website https://haj.gov.sa/ar/InternalPages/Umrah, while pilgrims inside Saudi Arabia can issue Umrah permits through the “Eatmarna” application, reported SPA.

The ministry said visa applicants were required to have completed their COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine approved by Saudi Arabia’s government. Umrah pilgrims would need to present a vaccine certificate issued by official authorities of their respective countries.

The ministry added that health measures would be put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Umrah season.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia concluded a successful Hajj season, with no recorded accidents or disease outbreaks among pilgrims.