Electronic visas are being issued for Umrah, by Saudi Ministry to enable more Muslims to perform the Umrah pilgrimage

As part of its efforts to enable more Muslims to come to the Kingdom to perform the Umrah pilgrimage and facilitate its procedures for them, The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has started issuing electronic visas for Umrah. This comes along with raising the quality of Umrah services to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. People seeking electronic visas can apply through the Nusuk platform: https://www.nusuk.sa/ar/about, and will be able to enter the Kingdom by July 19.

The Nusuk portal makes it easier for Muslims from all around the world to visit Makkah and Madinah by providing accommodation options, residential and transportation services, as well as simple access to a bundle of enrichment material and interactive maps in several languages.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah earlier declared, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, that holders of tourist visas from the Gulf Cooperation Council of Arab states, as well as holders of Schengen visas, can schedule Umrah appointments using the Nusk application. The Hajj and Umrah Ministry also streamlines processes for visa holders of various sorts.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provides facilities to Umrah performers as part of recently adopted legislation, which includes reducing insurance fees for Umrah performers by 63% while maintaining the sustainability of health services for them, issuing the Umrah visa in less than 24 hours, and extending the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days with no health requirements.

The new Umrah protocols also allow women to undertake the Umrah without the presence of a male guardian (mahram). The new guidelines also let Umrah performers to visit the Kingdom's distinctive locations to learn about the country's cultural variety and to deepen their religious and cultural experiences.