Saudi Arabia said to issue Hajj and Umrah e-visas in minutes

Electronic visas for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims will be issued within minutes for various Hajj and Umrah campaigns and companies, Arab News reported, citing a Ministry of Hajj and Umrah official.

“Pilgrims who are coming from outside the Kingdom are tied to Hajj and Umrah service-providing companies and agents in order to obtain a visa. The electronic visas will be issued to these entities who will be licensed to facilitate Hajj and Umrah in these countries,” said Abdulrahman Shams, an adviser to the minister of Hajj and Umrah and general supervisor of Hajj and Umrah’s electronic platform.

Shams said the electronic platform will include new services that will give non-Saudis access to the e-portal, where they can review service packages, choose a package and apply for visas electronically.

“We are working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior to issue visas electronically, within minutes of completing the required forms, and without the need for passports to go through embassies,” he added.

Saudi Arabia issued over 4.3 million Umrah visas this year and hopes to attract more than 30 million Umrah pilgrims under Vision 2030 plan.