Saudi Arabia has begun distributing electronic visas for the new season of Umrah or lesser pilgrimage, which will begin later this month after the big Hajj trip concludes.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, applications for Umrah visas are submitted using the Nusuk platform https://www.nusuk.sa/ar/about
Visa holders will begin arriving in the country to do Umrah on the first of Muharram, the Islamic lunar calendar’s first month.
The Nusuk platform makes it easier for Muslims from all over the world to do Umrah in the Saudi holy city of Mecca and visit Medina, which is home to Islam’s second holiest site.
Millions of Muslims who cannot physically or financially afford the yearly Hajj rites travel to Saudi Arabia to do Umrah.
In recent months, the kingdom has introduced a slew of amenities for visiting international Muslims to undertake Umrah.
After reserving an e-appointment, Muslims with various sorts of entrance visas, such as personal, visit, and tourism visas, are permitted to do Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, where the tomb of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
The Umrah visa has been extended from 30 days to 90 days, allowing holders to enter the kingdom via all land, air, and sea routes and depart from any airport.
The monarchy has also announced that expats residing in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, regardless of occupation, are entitled to apply for a tourist visa and undertake Umrah.
Similarly, holders of Schengen, US, and UK visas can use the Nusuk app to schedule Umrah and visits to Al Rawda Al Sharifa before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
