Saudi Arabia announced that all expatriates living in GCC nations, regardless of their line of work, will be able to get a tourist visa. The Tourism Ministry announced the decision   “Expatriate residents in GCC nations may apply for an electronic tourist visa using the “Visit Saudi” platform as long as their current residency permit is good for at least three months. Also, domestic employees and their first-degree relatives are eligible to apply for a tourist visa if they want to travel with their sponsors.

According to Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, the multiple entry visa is applicable for both travel and the Umrah. Regardless of their occupation, citizens of GCC states may now apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia in a simpler, more practical, and easy manner, Al Khateeb tweeted on Thursday. The holder of a tourist visa is not permitted to make the Hajj or the Umrah during the Hajj season. According to him, getting an Umrah visa is now quite simple, which facilitates the entrance of numerous pilgrims. He made these comments to the Saudi-owned television station Al Arabiya.

After scheduling an e-appointment, Muslims with various sorts of entrance visas, such as the personal, visit, and tourism visas, are permitted to do Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, where the Prophet Mohammed’s (Peace be Upon Him) grave is situated in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.The Umrah visa has also been extended by the Saudi government from 30 to 90 days, and holders are now able to enter the country by all land, air, and sea ports as well as depart from any airport.

Source: Gulf News