e visit visa saudi

The One Stop Guide to the Saudi eVisa for Tourists

I felt so shocked when on September 27, 2019, I heard that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had begun issuing the new Saudi eVisas for tourists, even that applicants are now being granted visas in as little as 5-30 minutes.

At first, I did not believe it. So, I decided to find out all about it. 

So what exactly is the Saudi eVisa? The Saudi eVisa allows nationals from 49 countries, aged 18 + to visit and stay in the kingdom for the purposes of tourism and/or Umrah for Muslims. It is valid either for 1 month (single visa) or up to 3 months (multiple entry) and is not renewable. Application, payment, and issue of the eVisa are done entirely online or with Visa On Arrival at the Saudi (air) port of entry.  

Today, the process of applying and issuing the Saudi eVisa as a tourist to Saudi Arabia is easy and quite straightforward. See below for more details.

However, before making the application, ensure you have all the correct documentation, provide all the information correctly, understand and accept the conditions of the Saudi eVisa .

Failure to do so can mean your application may be rejected and the money you paid for the fees will not be refunded. The correct procedure is explained in more detail below. Read it carefully to avoid costly mistakes.

Non-eligible visitors who are not from any one of the 49 countries can apply for the Saudi Visit Visa (see below) via a local Saudi embassy, consulate or mission. 

Also, Saudi eVisas can be had on arrival at the major Saudi ports (air/sea & land) located at special visa kiosks in the immigration control areas.     

Remember: NO SPONSOR is required for either!

The following is the cost for a Saudi eVisa, Visa on Arrival and an Embassy/ Consulate Visit Visa and is the same for all three . 

See below for more details about how to pay!

Who Is Eligible For The Saudi eVisa ?

Group a- eligible applicants, ( evisa and visa on arrival ).

Group A applicants must be 18 or over and a national of one of the following 49 countries. Also, see Colored Map!

Schengen, USA, and US Visits Visa Holders

However, they must show they have used their Schengen, US or UK V isit Visa to have traveled to and from those countries after it had been issued. To show this, an entry stamp must be shown.

The Saudi eVisa or the Visa On Arrival is valid ONLY if the visitor enters the kingdom using a national carrier, for example, Saudi Airlines, FlyNas, FlyaDeal or Saudi Gul Airlines.

Visas On Arrival can be issued by passport agents or using self-service machines based at the Saudi port. Agents will check eligibility before issuing a Visit visa. Applicants MUST:

• Be passport holder of any of the eligible countries OR
• US or UK or Schengen Visit Visa holder
• Have Valid Visit Visa (Not expired)
• Must be a Tourist or Business Visit Visa
• Must be a Visit Visa that is stamped at Port of Entry to US, UK or Schengen countries
• Must Travel To Saudi Arabia using Saudi national air carrier
• MUST HAVE a Credit Card with the name of The Saudi eVisa Applicant (Cash IS NOT accepted) Airlines will not allow you to fly without showing one

Note : Applicants MUST HAVE a Credit Card. The card must have the same name as the Saudi eVisa applicant. Saudi airlines will not allow you to fly to Saudi Arabia fly without one.

Who Is Eligible For The Saudi Visit Vis a? (Not Saudi eVisa )

Group b -non-eligible applicants, ( consulate visa).

Group B nationals not holding passports for the countries listed above, also including nationals holding a Schengen , US or UK Visit Visa can apply for the Saudi Visit Visa (Not an eVisa ) at their local Saudi embassy, consulate or Saudi mission. A Visit Visa will be granted to applicants on a case by case basis.

The Documents Required To Apply For The Saudi eVisa and Visit Visas .

Group a -eligible applicants (evisas).

• A passport of an eligible country with a minimum of 6 months validity 
• Proof of Age ( ID )
• Passport Photo  ( Must be 200 x 200-pixel photo not exceeding 100 KB ) See below
• Credit Card for Payment
• Accommodation Address ONLY in Saudi Arabia

Refunds are not possible if the Saudi eVisa is rejected. Also, overstayers with a Saudi eVisa will be charged 100 SR per day.

The applicant’s religion is not needed for the eVisa application. The eVisa is issued online in 5 to 30 minutes in most cases and then sent to the applicant via email.

Do I Need to Submit Photos for Saudi Arabia e-visa Application?

Hi! I love traveling and do several trips each year. I understand I have to meet strict visa requirements. Last year, my application was rejected because of an unsuitable photo. So, dissapointing! I don’t want the same to happen to you and that’s why I am sharing the following information . My Biometric Photos shows you EXACTLY how to make photos for the Saudi eVisa. Follow these important steps and your photo for the Saudi eVisa application WON’T ever be rejected. Verona Grajcevci @NextSEO

Group B – Non-Eligible Applicants (Visit Visas)

• A passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
• Proof of ID/Age etc.
• Proof of Home Address/ Accommodation
• Passport Photo  
• Return Ticket 
• Proof of Employment
• Bank Statement (3 months)
• Travel Itinerary

Refunds are not possible if the Saudi Visit Visa is rejected. Also, overstayers on a Visit Visa will be charged a penalty of 100 SR per day.

The applicant’s religion is not needed in the application. The Visit Visa is issued in 1 to 2 business days in most cases and then stamped in the applicant’s passport. 

6 Easy Steps To Apply For The Saudi eVisa

The application process is easy and can be completed in the following way:

• Complete the Application Form
• Pay for the Visa
• Get Your Saudi eVisa Issued

Before making your application take 5 minutes to watch this helpful YouTube video by a Chinese national regarding overcharging Saudi eVisa agencies and learn to avoid the money traps.

The Six Easy Steps

The application process has six main steps. For each step, you have only 10 minutes to fill in the information. If you time out, you can click to continue for a further 10 minutes.

Take care you are using the official government visa website and be sure to enter all your information correctly. The name and details you enter should match exactly the name in your passport. Failure to do so will cause the cancellation of your eVisa and loss of the fee amount.

The steps are outlined in more detail in the following 1-6 steps below.

Personal Information

Begin, Select passport-type then & enter:

• Passport Country
• Secret Question/Answer
• Contact Info
• Marital Status
• Nationality
• Country of Birth
• Country of Residence

Upload passport photo  (Must be 200×200 pixel photo not exceeding 100 KB). Then , select the uploaded passport photo and file name.

Passport Information

Type and Enter : 

• Passport Type
• Passport Number
• Expiration Date
• Address in Saudi Arabia (Only where you will stay and NOT the Booking Information/Confirmation etc.)

Medical/Health Insurance

Choose your medical insurance

Terms and Conditions 

Read and agree to the terms and conditions. 

Application Review

Check and review your application. This is Important ALL details are correct.

Type in credit card details and pay the fee. 

Payment and eVisa Conditions

Saudi eVisa -The Cost 

Saudi evisa -the validity.

All three types of Saudi tourist visas ( Visit, & single/multiple entry Saudi eVisa ) are valid for use for 1 year AFTER the date of issue.

However, a single entry Saudi eVisa allows applicants to stay in the kingdom for up to 1 month only and must be used within 1 year of issue.

A multiple entry Saudi eVisa allows you to arrive, leave and return to Saudi Arabia ( unless stated otherwise ) but it is valid and can only be used for up to 3 months AFTER the first date of entry. This too and must be used within 1 year of issue.

For multiple entry eVisa only, you can leave and reenter Saudi Arabia as many times as you wish during those valid three months.

Renewals : All three Saudi Visit visas cannot be renewed. 

Airport Visa Eligibility Precheck  

At the airport before boarding your flight to Saudi Arabia, the airlines at check-in will conduct a precheck for visa eligibility before they accept your luggage. 

The Saudi eVisa will enable you to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at ALL major ports of entry using any of the Saudi Arabian national air carriers for example, Saudi Airlines, FlyNas, FlyaDeal or Saudi Gul Airlines.

Applicants Who Are Under The Age of 18 

Applicants under the age of 18 ( Minors ) CANNOT use the Saudi eVisa service, nor apply for Visa on Arrival or for a Visit Visa via the Saudi consulate.  

A representative person can apply on behalf of a Minor as a Guardian , but MUST have the authority to do so and MUST agree to the Saudi eVisa Terms and Conditions on behalf of the applicant Minor .

Overstaying 

Saudi eVisa or Visit Visa holders will be charged a penalty of 100 SR per day for each day beyond the expiration date of the visa for the days he/she remains in the kingdom. 

Special Information and Conditions

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA ) provides the electronic Saudi eVisa to visit the kingdom on a short term basis. It is designed to speed up the process of obtaining a visit visa to the kingdom and is operated by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage ( SCTH ).

Saudi eVisa Applicants Must:

• Provide a valid email address
• Obey Saudi Laws and Ensure the Welfare and Security of the Kingdom
• Not contravene Sharia law, national security nor violate prevailing moral principles 
• Enter the Saudi port using the same passport as used in the Saudi eVisa application
• Carry a hard copy (paper copy) and soft copy of the Saudi eVisa upon arrival at the Saudi port of entry
• Submit to biometric identification by immigration authorities at the port of entry
• Not use the Saudi eVisa to perform Umrah, Hajj, paid work or business. 
• Have funds to support themselves during their stay in the kingdom
• Agree that they are subject to local Saudi laws at the port of entry
•  Agree that SCTH can suspend the application or terminate the Saudi eVisa if an applicant fails to pay the eVisa fee, gives false/wrong information in the original application or fails to abide by the terms and conditions as set out in the  Saudi eVisa contract. 

Related Questions

Can I use the Saudi eVisa for other than tourism? Yes! However, most of the eligible 49 countries cannot because they are non-Muslim countries barring Brunei, Malaysia and Kazakhstan. The Saudi eVisa must be used only for tourist purposes for non-Muslims. Muslims CAN do Umrah but not Hajj, work or conduct business. These other three are NOT permitted under the Saudi eVisa terms and conditions.

What will happen if I break the Saudi eVisa terms and conditions? Contravening the Saudi eVisa terms and conditions can lead to cancellation of the eVisa, fines, possible arrest, and/or imprisonment for violations of a more serious nature.  Please remain alert at all times and commit to following Saudi laws, rules, and regulations.

Will more countries get added to the list of 49 currently eligible countries? People in Muslim countries feel upset because their country does not appear on the list of 51 countries eligible for the Saudi eVisa Inshallah! In the future, more and more countries will be added.

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

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  Service Description

  service beneficiaries,   conditions and requirements.

• Complete the online form via  Visa services platform ​  and stamp it electronically and authenticate it from the Chamber of Commerce or from the employer.
• Enter all the data in Arabic except if​ the visitors are not from Arab nationalities, in that case their names should match their passports.
• For residents, they should have valid for residents.
• The visitors should be of first degree relatives
• Rresidents should have a work Iqamah not relative Iqamah.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Saudi Arabia

Entry requirements.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Saudi Arabia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Saudi Embassy in the UK . 

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Saudi Arabia.

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Previous travel to Israel 

You may not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia if your passport shows that you have travelled to, or were born, in Israel. 

Visa requirements 

You must get an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver (EVW) either before you travel or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports. The type of e-visa or EVW you choose depends on your reason for travelling and how long you want to stay.

If you overstay your visa, you could face large fines, detention and deportation. You could be banned from returning to Saudi Arabia.  

Applying for an e-visa 

You can apply for an e-visa if you are a tourist. You must get an e-visa to perform Umrah. 

E-visas are: 

• valid for 365 days from the date of issue 
• for visits of up to 90 days 
• for multiple entries  

Apply online or on arrival at any of Saudi Arabia’s international airports.  

You will need a separate visa for Hajj. See Pilgrimage . 

Applying for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) 

You can apply for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) if you’re travelling for: 

• medical treatment 
• Umrah (outside of Hajj Season)

An EVW allows you to enter Saudi Arabia once and stay for up to 6 months.  

Apply online for an EVW at least 48 hours before your flights, or up to 90 days in advance. You will need to give your flight details.

Travelling overland  

Your visa may only allow you to enter Saudi Arabia by air. If you plan to travel to Saudi Arabia by the Bahrain causeway, check your visa before travelling. Ask your travel agent or the Saudi Embassy if you need help. 

Travelling through Saudi Arabia 

If you’re transferring through Saudi Arabia, you may need a transit visa if: 

• you will pass through immigration control 
• you will leave Saudi Arabia on a separate ticket to the one you arrive on 
• the connecting time between your flights is more than 12 hours 

Check with your airline or travel agency if you require a transit visa.

Exit, re-entry and final exit permits 

If you live in Saudi Arabia, you must get an exit or re-entry permit from your sponsor to leave and re-enter the country. If you leave Saudi Arabia on a final exit permit, you must apply for a new visa to return to the country.  

Wives and children of Saudi nationals 

If you’re a woman married to a Saudi national, you must get a re-entry or final exit permit from your husband to leave Saudi Arabia. This also applies to children of Saudi nationals.

Flight restrictions around Hajj 

If you plan to travel around the time of the Hajj pilgrimage, check with your airline for any flight restrictions. 

The Saudi authorities have stopped visitors who are not performing Hajj from flying to Jeddah, Madinah and Taif. You may need a Hajj visa to board flights to these places during Hajj.  

You will still be able to enter Saudi Arabia through other airports.

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Saudi Arabia guide . 

Depending on your circumstances, these may include: 

• a yellow fever vaccination certificate  
• meningococcal quadrivalent vaccine

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Saudi Arabia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

It is illegal to import: 

• pork and pork products 
• pornographic material 
• distillery equipment 
• re-treaded or used tyres  
• used clothing except for personal use  

certain sculptures such as religious symbols     Other items may be examined, including: 

• personal videos 
• electronic devices  

You may need to special approval to bring: 

• agricultural seeds 
• live animals 
• religious books (except for personal use) 
• chemicals and harmful materials 
• some pharmaceutical products 
• wireless equipment  
• radio-controlled model airplanes 
• archaeological artefacts 

Using technical equipment 

You may need a licence for: 

• satellite phones 
• listening or recording devices 
• radio transmitters 
• powerful cameras or binoculars 

If you need information on customs rules, contact the Saudi Embassy . 

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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Evisa online application by.

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Language/Currency Settings

Updating the region will affect language and currency settings.

Current region settings:

Change region settings to:, get the saudi arabia evisa online, what do i need.

Check eligibility and requirements

Select eVisa

Complete online form, secure payment, receive evisa by email, popular evisas for saudi arabia.

Enter your nationality above to check requirements and eligibility.

• Processed within 1 hour
• Valid for 365 Days
• Max trip length 90 Days
• Valid for Multiple Entry
• 24/7 Phone & Email Support

eVisa Type *

Max trip length.

Travel E-visa

Multiple Entry

This visa is intended for those travelling to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of performing Umrah, tourism, visiting friends or relatives, attending conferences or events, short-term business meetings or health treatments.

Complete Application Form

Complete the online form. It takes 5-10 minutes.

Pay Securely Online

We accept Mastercard and Visa as well as bank transfers in various countries around the world.

Receive eVisa by email

The eVisa is sent by email.

Print eVisa and show at immigration

We always recommend printing the eVisa. Black and white is fine. Display your printed eVisa and passport at immigration in Saudi Arabia.

Required Documents

Please provide a coloured portrait-style photo of yourself. The photo must be: *

• White/light background
• High quality (sharp/not blurry)
• Recent (within last 6 months)
• Cannot be taken from a passport scan

Pilgrimage (Umrah)

This visa is intended for those travelling to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of performing Umrah, tourism, visiting friends or relatives, attending conferences or events,short-term business meetings or health treatments.

Tourist E-visa

* Eligibility can vary depending on nationality and other factors.

Additional Information

Additional information on the saudi visit evisa.

In September 2019, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia introduced the eVisa system to allow citizens of certain nationalities to apply online for a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Travellers are required to fill in the form and make a payment online. The application is internally reviewed and processed. The approved visa is sent by email to the traveller as soon as it is approved.

Visa on Arrival

Applications upon arrival are only available in emergency cases and in a limited number of airports.

Foreign travellers should be aware that waiting times of more than two hours should be expected. Travellers entering Saudi Arabia during peak holiday season should expect longer waiting times at immigration.

It is strongly recommended to obtain a valid Visa prior to travelling to Saudi Arabia.

1. Complete online application form

Fill in a short application form. It is an easy, fast, and reliable process that takes about 10 minutes. Contact our customer support for any questions you may have.

Get Started

2. Secure online payment

Simply pay online from the comfort of your home. We will deal with the government or embassy. No waiting times, no hassle. So you can focus on planning your travel.

3. Receive visa by email

Once the visa (or other travel document) has been approved it will be sent directly by email. When you arrive at your destination, simply present your visa and your passport.

Our Service

Document verification.

Our experts verify your documents to ensure that the visa application gets processed without any delay.

QUICK AND SIMPLE

Our automated application platform enables the easiest and fastest way to process your visa. We allow to submit a group application. No waiting times at embassies.

24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT

You can speak to our experts 24/7 via phone, live chat or email. They are always happy to assist you in your visa application.

Privacy Protection

Our application process is 100% safe and secure. Privacy protection is guaranteed with us.

ONLINE PROCESS

The entire application process is online. No need to send in documents or go to the embassy. The issued visas are directly sent to you via email. No print out required.

REFUND GUARANTEED

In the rare case that your application is rejected, you will be entirely refunded for the service fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Meningitis vaccination is required if you are traveling to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Hajj.

Travellers who travelling to perform Umrah or for tourism, do not require a Meningitis vaccination.

Embassies and consulates no longer process visa applications.

Since the introduction of the eVisa in September 2019, the Immigration Service in Saudi Arabia requires all eligible travellers to apply for the eVisa online.

Yes. The eVisa allows foreign travellers to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the purpose of tourism.

No. Since the introduction of the eVisa it is no longer necessary to apply via a licensed agent.

Travellers can apply themselves by filling out the online form.

Yes. Women are allowed to visit Saudi Arabia unaccompanied.

Yes.  The religion of the traveller is not relevant when applying for a tourist eVisa.

All foreign citizens need a valid eVisa, except for citizens from countries who are exempt. Scroll to the top of the page to determine the eVisa requirements for your nationality.

The eVisa you require for your trip depends on your nationality and purpose of your trip (eg. tourism, business). Scroll to the top of the page to determine the exact eVisa requirements for your trip.

Yes, you can add as many travellers as necessary to the application form. It is strongly recommended to apply for all people travelling together in one single application.

Note that all travellers must be the same nationality. To apply for groups with travellers of different nationalities, please complete one application for each different nationality.

We offer high-quality travel authrisation, visa, and immigration services. A variable service fee is charged for this, which is added to the government fee. The professional services provided by us include: assistance with the Visa or Travel Authorisation application, accuracy- and sense-checking applicaton submissions, providing information regarding the eVisa application, including the status and result or the application, liaising directly with the government authorities where required, and offering continuous support by phone, chat, and email.

The following methods of payment are accepted: Visa, Mastercard or Bank Transfer.

You can also pay by phone, where American Express is accepted.

No. Once the application has been submitted, the eVisa application begins processing automatically and fees are non-refundable.

In the rare case that your application is rejected due to an error on our part, you will be entirely refunded for the service fee.

Please note that if inaccurate information is provided, or if Saudi Arabia rejects your applications due to any reason other than aan error on our part, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Other Terms and Conditions apply.

No, we are a private company and not affiliated with any Government.

Upon arrival at immigration you will need to present your passport and a print-out of your eVisa, if you are required to have one.

Once the eVisa is approved, it will be emailed to you. You must print a copy to carry with your passport and bring it along when you travel. When you arrive in Saudi Arabia, you must have your eVisa printout with your passport.

• Politics & Security
• Economy & Business

What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean?

This week, the European Union (EU) announced a relaxation of Schengen visa rules for the citizens of Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia , making it much easier for nationals of the Gulf countries to visit Europe. 

Background: At the EU- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) High Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation in Luxembourg on Monday, the European Commission adopted three implementing decisions to update the Schengen rules for issuing multiday visas for the three Gulf states. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud headed a delegation from the kingdom in the European country, which also included Ambassador to the EU Haifa Al-Jedea and the Foreign Ministry’s adviser, Manal Radwan.

Announcing the visa rule change during the opening session of the forum, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “I welcome a decision adopted by the European Commission this morning to harmonize the rules for granting multiple-entry visas for the citizens of the GCC countries.”

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

At the forum, officials discussed security and strategic cooperation between the GCC and the EU, as well as the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the wider region. 

What are the new visa rules? 

Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. The area expanded in February 2022 to include the two non-EU states, removing all air and maritime border controls. A decision on whether to remove land border controls will be made at a later date. 

Those who have the visa will be able to visit Schengen area countries multiple times over five years with the same visa. The visa will also apply to first-time travelers to Europe from the three Middle Eastern countries.

Holders of the visas will enjoy the same travel rights as visa-free nationals. 

Other members of the GCC, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, have different rules regarding getting a Schengen visa. UAE citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area, but Qataris must apply for one. 

In 2022, the EU said it planned to offer visa-free travel to Kuwait and Qatari nationals. A new visa “cascade scheme” was unveiled for Kuwaitis last September, allowing for all eligible applicants, including those travelling for the first time, to obtain five-year permits.

Know more: The move by the EU comes after the UK government announced in February that nationals from the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, could apply for Electronic Travel Authorization visas , making it easier for them to come to the UK, even on very short notice. The EU decision will allow the 27-nation bloc to remain competitive in providing access to their countries to Saudi nationals, as European countries vie for new investment from wealthy Gulf countries.

On the Gulf side, the Riyadh-headquartered GCC in November announced plans for a unified tourist visa similar to the Schengen visa.

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Saudi Arabia changes Umrah visa rule; to remain valid for 3 months from issuance date

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , SAUDI ARABIA / Updated : Apr 17, 2024, 16:39 IST

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Under the new Umrah visa rule, the three-month validity of the visa begins from the day of issuance. For someone with an Umrah visa, it will be possible to enter the country and perform the Umrah pilgrimage.

Under the new Umrah visa rule, the three-month validity of the visa begins from the day of issuance. For someone with an Umrah visa, it will be possible to enter the country and perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Read less

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Under the new Umrah visa rule, the three-month validity of the visa begins from the day of issuance. For someone with an Umrah visa, it will be possible to enter the country and perform the Umrah pilg...