Saudi Arabia to permit entry to Umrah pilgrimage on all visa types: ministry

The Saudi Ministry for Hajj and Umrah declared on Friday that visitors who have obtained tourist and commercial visas will now be permitted to perform Umrah during their stay in the kingdom, according to an official.

"It has become possible for anyone coming to Saudi Arabia on any type of visa, be it for tourism or for other purposes such as work or business to perform Umrah," the official confirmed.

The change in regulations will now allow for would-be pilgrims from 49 countries to perform the pilgrimage, according to the statement. The visa can be obtained through the Visit Saudi Arabia portal or upon arrival at any Saudi airport.

Those eligible for the Umrah pilgrimage will include holders of US, UK and Schengen visas, all of whom were previously made to apply for their permits through the special Eatmarna phone application.

Visitors will be eligible to visit cities and regions across the Gulf kingdom, while the visas will be valid for a period of up to 12 months, according to The Khaleej Times.

The move aims to fulfill the Saudi Vision 2030 of attracting 30 million Umrah pilgrims a year.

The ambitious development plan seeks to move Riyadh away from economic dependency on oil exports and expand its economy.

The decision coincides with the start of the Umrah season, which began late last month, following the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage which occurs in conjunction with the holy Eid al-Adha festival annually.

Umrah, unlike Hajj, is a minor optional pilgrimage that can be performed by worshippers any time of the year.

Earlier this month, authorities removed protective barriers that were put in place around the Kaaba with the aim to curtail the spread of the coronavirus at the height of the pandemic, as pilgrims arrived in Mecca for the Umrah season.