Everyone who has earlier applied for a visa to Saudi Arabia knows that this process is not simple and that applying for one is fraught with a lot of rules and regulations. However, this is going to change in the near future as GCC residents can now apply for an E-visa irrespective of the fact whether they are listed on its approved list or not. As such, this new amendment even extends the Tourist Visa to the first-degree relatives of residency holders and domestic workers arriving with the sponsors. Here is more about this development.
Saudi Arabia E-Visa For Everone?
On Thursday, March 9, Saudi Arabia made an important announcement for all expatriate residents in the GCC countries. According to this, they will now be allowed to obtain a Tourist Visa irrespective of their profession! And, it is no secret that previously only certain categories of professions were allowed to apply for a Tourist Visa. A decision made by the Ministry of Tourism, one can apply for an electronic visa through the Visit Saudi platform, given the residency permit is valid for at least three months. Not to mention, all first-degree relatives of residence visa holders and domestic workers who wish to visit along with the sponsors are allowed to obtain a Tourist Visa.
Additionally, the multiple-entry visa is valid for both tourism and for performing Umrah.
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Tourist Visa To Allow Performing Umrah On Making E-Booking
It’s worth noting that a Tourist Visa does not allow the holder to perform Hajj or Umrah during the Hajj season. Moreover, Muslims who hold different types of entry visas like Personal, Visit, and Tourism can undertake Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa after booking an e-appointment. Finally, it is also worth mentioning that the Umrah Visa has been extended from 30 to 90 days. Additionally, holders are allowed to enter the kingdom via all land, air, and sea routes. While they can leave from any airport as per the Saudi Authorities.
If you wish to gain more information about this development, do visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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First Published: March 10, 2023 12:27 PM