Kashmir Hajj & Umrah Services

06/07/2023

Saudi Arabia Introduces Electronic Visas for Umrah

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has taken a significant step in facilitating the pilgrimage to Umrah by implementing electronic visas. Following the successful Haj season, the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has initiated this process to enhance accessibility for pilgrims intending to visit the Kingdom.

This progressive step aims to streamline the visa application process and ensure a more seamless and convenient experience for individuals embarking on the sacred journey.

Electronic Visa Application for Umrah
Pilgrims interested in performing Umrah can now apply for e-visas through the Nusuk platform. The submission of applications on this platform enables individuals to plan their journey and start arriving in the Kingdom from Muharram 1, 1445 AH, which corresponds to July 19.

Services Offered by Nusuk
The Nusuk platform provides an array of services to pilgrims from across the globe who wish to visit Makkah and Madinah. These services include housing, transportation, and multilingual information services, ensuring a seamless experience for pilgrims.

Conclusion
The implementation of electronic visas for Umrah by Saudi Arabia marks a significant development in facilitating pilgrimage to the Kingdom. Through the Nusuk platform, pilgrims worldwide can now easily apply for visas and access a range of services, making their visits to Makkah and Madinah more convenient.

This step aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and accessible experience for Muslims undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage.

15/12/2022

Madina

08/09/2022

20 Days Umrah Tour
15 Oct Departure from Srinagar.
Contact for bookings

Kashmir Hajj,Umrah & Ziyarat Services is a one point service for Umrah Tours,Hajj Packages, Visa pro

22/07/2022

Airlines Can’t Charge Extra Fee For Issuing Boarding Pass At Airports: Aviation Ministry

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India on Thursday issues a clarification and said that says airlines can not charge any additional fee for issuing boarding passes at check-in counters at airports.

This statement came in response to reports that airlines are charging passengers an extra fee for issuing boarding passes at airports.

Notably, Indian low-cost carriers such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Go First currently charge a ₹200 fee if the boarding pass is requested at the check-in counter of airports.

“Such additional amount is not in accordance with the instructions according to the provisions of Aircraft Rules, 1937.”

In view of the above, the airlines are advised not to charge any additional amount for issuing boarding passes at the airport check-in counters, as the same cannot be considered within the ‘tariff’ as provided under Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, it mentioned.

The aviation ministry made it mandatory for travellers to complete web check-in and then get their boarding passes online starting May 21, 2020. On May 9, 2022, however, the ministry issued a directive stating that airlines should “promote, assist, and guide passengers to conduct timely online check-in and baggage tag printing” and “minimise or avoid” imposing penal charges on passengers who have not done web check-in.

09/07/2022

04/06/2022

Saudi Arabia Launches New e-Visa App For Umrah Pilgrims

Recently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) launched a new electronic visa app for pilgrims planning to perform Umrah. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah, announced the launch of the e-Umrah visa app during a press conference on Thursday.

According to Al Rabiah, the visa would be given within 24 hours after completing the application. The new e-Visa app will also help pilgrims find accommodation and arrange transportation.

He also stated that the validity of the Umrah visa has been extended from one to three months and that pilgrims visiting the Kingdom to perform Umrah are free to visit other Saudi cities during their stay.

Saudi Arabia to Allow One Million Hajj Pilgrims
“The safety of pilgrims is our priority, and we are eager on offering the finest services,” Al Rabiah said of the Kingdom’s decision to allow one million pilgrims to do Haj this year.

The Saudi government declared in April 2022 that one million international and domestic pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj this year.

Health Requirements For Hajj Pilgrims
Pilgrims must be under the age of 65 and have had COVID-19 immunizations that have been approved by the Saudi Ministry of Health and they also need to follow the below-mentioned health requirements set by the authorities;

Passengers must be under the age of 65
Completed vaccination with basic doses of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.
All passengers must submit a negative PCR test for COVID-19 for a sample that was taken within 72 hours prior to departure to the Kingdom.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, 60,000 pilgrims performed Haj rituals last year.

About Umrah
It is worth noting that the ‘Umrah’ is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that can be undertaken at any time of the year, in contrast to the Ḥajj, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

03/06/2022

Saudi Arabia: Negative PCR Test Report Mandatory For Hajj Pilgrims

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia on Thursday (June 02) issued a circular to all airlines operating at Saudi Arabian airports, including chartered airlines outlining the health requirements for travellers coming to the Kingdom to perform Hajj.

Health Requirements For Hajj Pilgrims
“The General Authority of Civil Aviation issued a circular to air carriers regarding the health requirements to be met by travellers coming to the Kingdom for the purpose of performing Hajj for the year 1443 AH,” GACA said in a Tweet;

The circular requires all airlines carrying passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj this year to follow the following guidelines:

Passengers must be under the age of 65
Completed vaccination with basic doses of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.
All passengers must submit a negative PCR test for COVID-19 for a sample that was taken within 72 hours prior to departure to the Kingdom.

The aviation authority stressed that failure to adhere to its circulars is considered a clear violation of government orders. Legal actions shall be taken against violators who will also be held accountable for the consequences of their violations.

Just a day before, the GACA has also issued a circular and directed all the airlines to not allow passengers to carry Zamzam water bottles inside their checked baggage onboard flights departing from the Kingdom’s airports.

03/06/2022

SpiceJet To Operate 37 Special Flights For Hajj Pilgrims

SpiceJet, the Indian low-cost carrier has announced that it will operate 37 special Hajj flights for pilgrims travelling to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.

SpiceJet will operate from India’s Srinagar to Medina between June 5 and June 20, with return flights from Jeddah to Srinagar scheduled between July 15 and July 31, 2022.

It is worth mentioning that, SpiceJet is the sole Indian airline providing Hajj flights this year, carrying around 5000 pilgrims from Srinagar to Medina and back between June 5th and July 31st, 2022.

The airline will deploy its Boeing 737-800 aircraft for these special flights; This aircraft allows for safe, comfortable and efficient flying and is ideally suited for short to medium-haul routes.

SpiceJet will make every effort to ensure a hassle-free and delightful travel experience for our pilgrim passengers.”

SpiceJet previously operated special Hajj flights from Gaya and Srinagar, carrying over 19,000 pilgrims to and from the holy pilgrimage.

After a two-year suspension owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, special Haj flights are set to restart.

Source : (SKH)

03/05/2022

29/04/2022

Go First To Resume Direct Flights Between Srinagar And Sharjah Soon

Go First, an Indian low-cost carrier announced on Friday that it has secured bilateral rights to operate direct flights between Srinagar and Sharjah, which it will begin flying in the coming days.

It is worth noting that the airline was forced to cancel the Srinagar-Sharjah flights on March 27 due to a lack of bilateral rights granted under air services agreements inked between the two countries to conduct scheduled international passenger flights.

On October 23, last year, Go First launched a Srinagar-Sharjah flight, connecting Jammu and Kashmir with the United Arab Emirates for the first time in nearly 11 years.

Since then, Go First has been operating these special flights under a coronavirus-induced air bubble arrangement between India and the UAE till March 26.

When India resumed scheduled international passenger flights on March 27, the measure was lifted.

A Go First spokeswoman told PTI on Friday that the airline has received bilateral permission to operate five flights per week on the Srinagar-Sharjah-Srinagar route.

“We will restart flights on this route in the next few days. However, the frequency is yet to be decided,” a Go First spokesperson said.

The bilateral agreement specifies the maximum number of total flights (or seats) that can be flown from one country to another each week.

Even after obtaining such flying rights, an airline must have slots at both airports in order to begin scheduled flight operations.

08/03/2022

India To Resume Scheduled International Flights From March 27

Finally, after being suspended for two years, the Indian government has decided to resume scheduled commercial international passenger services to/from India effective on March 27, 2022.

However, the restrictions were in place and international operations shall be subject to strict adherence to Ministry of Health guidelines for international travel, said the Civil Aviation Ministry on Tuesday.

It is worth mentioning that last month the DGCA of India has extended the suspension of regular international flights and said that scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India will remain in place till further orders are issued.

07/02/2022

Saudi Arabia Issues New Guidelines For Passengers Traveling To And From The Kingdom

The General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia on Sunday issued new travel procedures and announced new rules for all passengers traveling to and from the Kingdom.

The Aviation Authority in a circular to all air carriers operating in the Kingdom’s airports in regard to updating travel procedures to and from Saudi Arabia.

The new guidelines will come into effect from 1 am on Wednesday, 09th February 2022.

Saudi Arabia New Travel Guidelines

It must be ensured that citizens departing the Kingdom have received the (third) booster dose of the (Covid-19) vaccine for those who spent (three) months from the time of receiving the second dose, with the exception of age groups who are under (16) years old, or from the exempted categories according to what appears in the (Tawakkalna) application.

It must be ensured that all those coming to the Kingdom, including citizens, regardless of their immunization status, hold a negative certificate for an approved PCR test or for an approved rapid antigen test for the Coronavirus (COVID19- Antigen Test) for a sample taken within (48) hours from their departure date to the Kingdom, with the exception of those under (8) years old, taking into account the regulations of countries of origin related to coronavirus testing procedures for children.

Citizens whose results show that they’re infected with the Coronavirus are allowed to come to the Kingdom after the period below has passed – without the need for a re-examination:

(7) days from the date of taking the positive sample for those who completed receiving the approved vaccine doses in the Kingdom.
(10) days from the date of taking the positive sample for those who did not complete receiving the approved vaccine doses in the Kingdom.
The procedures will go into effect at 1 am on Wednesday 8 Rajab, 1443, corresponding to 09 February 2022.

26/01/2022

Saudi Arabia Extends Validity of Iqama, Re-Entry And Visit Visas Till March 31

As per the report of Saudi Press Agency, the General Directorate of Passports has started to automatically extend the validity of residence permits (Iqama), exit and re-entry visas, free of charge until 31/03/2022.

This extension, which is issued by the Minister of Finance, comes within the framework of the continuous efforts taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s government to deal with the implications of the global pandemic (COVID-19), and within the precautionary and preventive measures that guarantee the safety of citizens and expatriates to mitigate the economic and financial impacts.

The Directorate indicated that the validity extension will be electronically carried out in cooperation with the National Information Centre through the automated system without visiting the departments of Passports or the Kingdom’s missions abroad, as follows:

First: Extending the validity of residence permits (Iqama) as well as exit and return visas for expatriates who are outside the Kingdom in the countries from which entry is suspended due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, to be until 31/03/2022, except for those who have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine inside the Kingdom before their departure.

Second: Extending the validity of visit visas issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visitors who are outside the Kingdom in the countries from which entry is suspended due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, to be until 31/03/2022.

24/01/2022

مکہ مکرمہ کی گلیوں کے پرکیف روح پرور مناظر اللہ اکبر

14/01/2022

Indian Embassy Open Permanent Passport Application Centre At Sakaka, Saudi Arabia

The Indian High Commission in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday informed that it has open a permanent centre for passport application in collaboration with VFS Global at the Sakaka, Al Jouf.

“The Embassy of India, Riyadh is pleased to inform the Indian nationals residing in Al Jouf region that the Embassy, in collaboration with VFS Global, has opened a permanent centre in Sakaka, Al Jouf for accepting applications from Indian nationals for various consular services.” Indian Embassy said in a statement.

Indian Passport Application Centre
Address: Al Jouf Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 72341, Sakaka, Saudi Arabi
Submission Timing: 0900hrs-1500hrs (Sunday to Thursday, except public holidays)
Google Map Location:

24/12/2021

Finally, a piece of good news for those who are waiting to travel to Saudi Arabia! India has established a bilateral air bubble arrangement with Saudi Arabia to start the operation of special international passenger flights between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

From India to Saudi Arabia

Nationals/residents of Saudi Arabia;
Any Indian national or national of Nepal or Bhutan holding a valid visa of Saudi Arabia and destined for Saudi Arabia only. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese nationals to enter Saudi Arabia before issue of ticket/boarding pass to the Indian/Nepalese /Bhutanese passenger.

From Saudi Arabia to India

Indian nationals or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan in Saudi Arabia;
Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cardholders and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders holding passports of any country. It would be for the airlines concerned to ensure that there is no travel restriction for Non-Indian nationals to enter India with a particular visa category before issuing of ticket/boarding pass to the passenger; and
Saudi Arabian nationals (including diplomats) holding a valid Indian visa as per extant guidelines.
Traffic carried to/from India shall comprise of passengers originating from/destined to Saudi Arabia only, and similarly, traffic carried to/from Saudi Arabia shall comprise of passengers originating from/destined to India only.

19/12/2021

Saudi Arabia Urges Citizens To Avoid Unnecessary Travel

The Public Health Authority (Weqaya), has recommended avoiding unnecessary travel outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially to high-risk countries.

Given the significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the emergence of the “Omicron” mutant, and the accelerated rapid spread of the virus in many countries, which prompted these countries to tighten preventive measures and suspend some social activities.

Weqaya also recommends that travelers coming from outside the Kingdom, whether citizens or residents, regardless of their immunization status, avoid social contact for at least five days, and take the “COVID-19” PCR test in the event of respiratory symptoms or a temperature rise.

In the same context, “Weqaya” recommends that incoming travelers adhere to preventive measures, most notably:

Wearing a mask all the time
Avoiding crowded and public places
Constantly sterilizing hands, and avoiding shaking hands
Stressing the importance of precautions
Immunization with two doses, and
Immediately take the booster dose.
For more information please visit the website at: https://covid19.cdc.gov.sa/ar/risk-update.

كمبوديا – كوستاريكا – جامايكا – اوروغواي – السلفادور – الفلبين – جمهورية الدومنيكان – نيوزلندا – الاكوادور – غرينادا – منغوليا – سانت كيتس ونيفيس

02/12/2021

No institutional quarantine for Umrah pilgrims who took 2 doses of Saudi-approved vaccines

28/11/2021

GACA Issues Circular To Airlines To Allow Direct Entry Into Saudi Arabia

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Saudi Arabia has issued a circular to all air carriers operating in Saudi airports with regard to complying with coronavirus protocols.

This comes after the country has announced that it will be lifting the suspension of a direct entry to the Kingdom from six countries namely India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, Brazil, and Vietnam starting 1st Dec 2021.

As per the circular issued by the aviation authorities;

It is not required to spend (14) days outside these countries before entering the Kingdom.
The application of the institutional quarantine procedures for a period of (5) days for travelers, regardless of their immunization status outside the Kingdom.

GACA called on all carriers to enlighten their travelers about the importance of strictly complying with all precautionary measures and preventive protocols against coronavirus while entering the Kingdom.

GACA instructed that the airlines shall follow the procedures for the direct entry to the Kingdom from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Brazil, and Vietnam effective from 1:00 am on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

All those who are traveling to the Kingdom from these countries are required to remain in five-day institutional quarantine, according to the order issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Source : (Jk tour & travel updates)

26/11/2021

Saudi Arabia To Allow Direct Entry of Travelers From India, 5 Other Countries Starting Dec 01

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced that it will allow direct entry of travelers from six countries including India without spending 14-day quarantine in a third country.

The other countries include Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia Pakistan, and Vietnam. The new directive will come into force from 1:00 am on Wednesday, 01st Dec 2021;

However, those who are arriving from these countries are institutional quarantine procedures will be applied to them for (5) days regardless of their immunization status outside the Kingdom, while continuing to apply the exceptions issued regarding some categories in this regard.

The External Affairs Ministry of Saudi Arabia said that it will continue applying the exemptions issued earlier with regard to quarantine for some categories of travelers.

After Thursday’s decision to allow direct entry from six countries, the remaining countries that are still facing the travel ban are Turkey, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Lebanon.

It must be noted that earlier this month Saudi Arabia has now recognized and approved the Covishield vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute of India. Covishield has joined the list of eight other approved vaccines including;

Covid-19 Vaccines Approved By Saudi Arabia For Travel
Pfizer BioNTech
Comirnaty
Oxford AstraZeneca
SK Bioscience
Vaxzevria
Moderna
Spikevax and
Johnson & Johnson
The Ministry of Interior source stressed the importance of adhering to the application of all precautionary measures and preventive protocols that have been taken to stem the spread of coronavirus.

“All the procedures and measures are subject to continuous evaluation by the competent health authorities in the Kingdom, according to the developments in the epidemiological situation globally.”

The source said adding that the decision was taken after a continuous follow-up of the pandemic situation locally and globally, as well as after examining reports of the Saudi health authorities about the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent of the stability of the epidemiological situation in a number of countries.

Source : (JK Tour & Travel Updates)

02/11/2021

25/10/2021

Saudi Arabia Extends Validity of Visit Visas Until Nov 30, Free of Cost.

The Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that it has extended the validity of visit visas until 30th November for people from countries facing travel ban.

The Ministry also informed that the extension of visa will be made automatically and too without charging any fees.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in an announcement said;

Without fees or financial compensation from countries which entry has been suspended.
Beneficiary Visitors whom are outside the Kingdom from countries which entry as been previously suspended.
To complement the Kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the effects of precautionary measures associated with COVID-19.
The extension will be automated until: 30th Nov 2021

It must be noted that the ministry has notified the beneficiaries of the extension via their e-mail, with an electronic visa form (e-visa) attached.

Currently, the countries facing the travel ban are;

India
Pakistan
Indonesia
Egypt
Turkey
Brazil
Ethiopia
Vietnam
Afghanistan
Lebanon
This extension is in the implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

18/10/2021

Saudi Arabia To Offer Covid-19 Vaccine For Visit Visa Holders

The health authority of Saudi Arabia has decided to give the Covid-19 vaccine to visit visa holders, visitors to the kingdom can now get the Covid-19 vaccination at designated centers.

The Health Ministry has facilitated the registration and giving appointments for visit visa holders to receive coronavirus vaccine shots at designated vaccination centers in various regions of the Kingdom.

The Health Ministry of Saudi Arabia has asked visitors to call phone No 937 to learn about those vaccination centers.

Earlier, the ministry restricted vaccination only for Saudi citizens and expatriates and their families in the Kingdom and this is after completing the registration procedures and booking appointments via the Sehhaty application. Now, visit visa holders are also included in this category.

It is noteworthy that the Kingdom has so far administered a total of around 44.5 million vaccine jabs and these included 23.9 million first doses and 20.6 million second doses.

The Kingdom is soon going to achieve herd immunity against coronavirus by intensifying the vaccination campaign to ensure receiving two doses of the approved vaccines by all the remaining members of the society.

The Ministry of Interior has eased the precautionary measures and preventive protocols for those who received two doses of the vaccine to move outdoor without either wearing masks or maintaining social distancing effective from Sunday.

The ministry also allowed full capacity at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah as well as at wedding halls and restaurants for the fully vaccinated people.

17/10/2021

Saudi Arabia: GACA Allows All Airports To Operate At Full Capacity

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced that it has allowed all airports to operate at full capacity starting today, (Sunday, 24th Oct 2021).

The GACA in a tweet said that it has issued instructions to all airlines regarding the operation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s airports at full capacity for both domestic and international flights.

However, the immunization status will continue to be checked in the ‘Tawakkalna’ application.

As per the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report, the Kingdom’s Interior Ministry approved easing the country’s strict COVID-19 precautionary measures.

It must be noted that the country has also allowed gatherings and will lift some mask mandates for those who have received both COVID-19 vaccine doses, the interior ministry announced.

On Sunday, the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia operated at full capacity, with worshippers praying shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The country’s Ministry of Sports announced that vaccinated visitors will be allowed into all sports stadiums and facilities as they operate at full capacity, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Sunday.

17/10/2021

The return of the worshippers in normal rows at Prophet's ﷺ Mosque in Madinah Al Munawarah.

الحمد لله حمدا كثيرا طيبا مباركا فيه...

06/10/2021

Saudi Arabia To Allow Entry of Faculty Members, Workers In Education Sector From Suspended Countries

The General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced that it will allow entry of faculty members and workers in the educational sector from the suspended countries.

In a social media post, the GACA informed that it has issued instructions to all airlines allowing faculty members and workers in the educational sector to travel directly from countries from which entry to the Kingdom is suspended.

The following categories are allowed to travel directly to the Kingdom from the suspended countries
Faculty members and the like in universities, colleges, and institutes. ​
Both male and female teachers in public education.
The General Training Authority in the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and Training Institutes.
Scholarship Students.
The institutional quarantine will be applied to those categories, which includes their companions and families.

Excluded from the institutional quarantine is anyone who received one dose, or completed both doses of vaccines inside the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Suspended Entry From 10 Countries
It must be noted that currently, Saudi Arabia has suspended entry into the Kingdom for all guests coming or passed from India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and the same applies to those who are coming from other countries if they have passed through any of the aforementioned countries during (14) days preceding their entry to the Kingdom.

Home Quarantine For Unvaccinated Travelers
The Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia said on Monday that, a 48-hour home quarantine is mandatory for those who had not completed administering any of the Saudi-approved vaccines against coronavirus upon their arrival in the Kingdom.

“It has been decided that home quarantine will be applied upon the arrival of any of the groups excluded from institutional quarantine who have not completed receiving doses of any of the approved vaccines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”

05/10/2021

Saudi Arabia Announced 48-Hour Home Quarantine For Unvaccinated Travelers

An official source at the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia stated on Monday that, 48-hour home quarantine is mandatory for those who had not completed administering any of the Saudi approved vaccines against coronavirus upon their arrival in the Kingdom.

Home Quarantine For Unvaccinated Travelers
It has been decided that home quarantine will be applied upon the arrival of any of the groups excluded from institutional quarantine who have not completed receiving doses of any of the approved vaccines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the following:

An examination is conducted within 48 hours after coming to the Kingdom by one of the means approved by the Ministry of Health, proving that there is no infection with COVID-19 and the quarantine period ends with the issuance of a negative examination result.
A person under the age of eight years is excluded from the examination requirement, and the period of home quarantine for him/her ends after 48 hours from arriving in the Kingdom.
The penalties prescribed for violating quarantine instructions shall be applied when violating any of the provisions in Paragraphs 1 and 2 mentioned above.
The source stressed the need for everyone to adhere to precautionary and preventive measures, and not to be lenient in applying health requirements.

The source explained that all precautionary and preventive measures for travel are subject to continuous evaluation by the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), according to the developments in the epidemiological situation.

25/09/2021

Saudi Arabia Extends Validity of Visit And Tourism Visas

The Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced that it has automatically extended visit and tourism visas, which were issued before March 24, 2021, local media said.

The extension has already been carried out and beneficiaries have been informed via email.

The move is part of the kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus-related precautionary measures, the ministry said in a statement.

“The Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with the National Information Centre and Ministry of Tourism, has extended visit and tourism visas issued in countries with which flights are suspended,” the statement said.

Holders of visas issued before March 24 in countries from which travel is banned have been notified, the ministry added.

Saudi Arabia Allows Entry of Tourists
Saudi Arabia lifted the suspension of entry for tourist visa holders, starting from August 1, after 18 months due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the new regulations, fully vaccinated tourists can enter the Kingdom without the need for home quarantine provided they present vaccination certificates upon arrival and proof of negative PCR tests conducted within 72 hours from the time of departure.

Visitors to the Kingdom are also required to register their data related to vaccination doses on the electronic portal.