This facility is available for citizens of 49 countries around the world. They can secure their visas online through the ‘Visit Saudi Arabia’ portal or immediately on arrival at Saudi airports, the ministry said while noting that the decision has been taken to facilitate as many people as possible to perform the lesser pilgrimage, Saudi Gazette reported.

The ministry stated that those who qualify to perform Umrah also include holders of US, UK and Schengen visas. This comes in conjunction with the start of the new Umrah season for the current year 1444 AH, with the aim of opening the way for the largest number of Muslims around the world to perform Umrah freely and easily.

The system allows people to obtain a tourist visa, 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 the cities and regions all over the Kingdom. The visa applicants shall be from those countries that are included among the countries eligible for obtaining the electronic visa. Regarding those who are holders of American, UK and Schengen visas, their visas shall be valid, and bears an entry stamp from the issuing country.