Saudi Arabia to Launch New Visa Program for Muslim Friends of Its Citizens

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Saudi Arabia has announced a new visa program that will allow its citizens to invite their Muslim friends from other countries to visit the kingdom and perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.

The Hajj and Umrah Ministry said on Twitter on Thursday that Saudi nationals can apply for a “personal visit visa” for their Muslim friends, either online or directly. The visa will enable the visitors to perform Umrah in Mecca and visit the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, as well as other domestic destinations.

The ministry said the personal visit visa will be available for single entry or multiple entries. A single entry visa will be valid for 90 days, while a multiple entry visa will be valid for one year, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.

The ministry did not provide details on when the visa program will start or how much it will cost.

Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, that can be performed at any time of the year. It is also known as the "lesser pilgrimage" because it is not mandatory, unlike Hajj.

Umrah involves performing certain rituals, such as circling the Kaaba seven times, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and cutting or shaving the hair. Umrah is an act of worship and devotion to Allah, and a way of seeking His forgiveness and mercy.

Source: Agencies