Saudi announces ‘visa within 48 hours’, 96-hr stopover visa for Indian Haj pilgrims

According to Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan, Indian tourists visiting the West or the Middle East can apply for a four-day stopover visa, which will allow them to visit any Saudi Arabian city or conduct the Umrah. He also mentioned that this initiative is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to expedite Umrah visits.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday alongside Smriti Irani, the Minister of Minority Affairs, and V Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs, the country’s commitment to easing the Umrah experience for Muslims throughout the globe was highlighted by Muraleedharan.

“Indians travelling to the West or the Middle East can obtain a stopover visa, that is, for 96 hours, and get a visa within the ticket issuance process, which allows them to perform Umrah and visit any city in the Kingdom,” he said.

The Saudi minister stated that the Umrah Visa will be good for travel and residency within Saudi Arabia for a period of ninety days, guaranteeing a smooth and easy pilgrimage experience.

He continued, “The Kingdom has effectively transformed Umrah into a rewarding religious expedition by utilising technological advancements, enhanced measures and upgraded infrastructure as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to streamline Umrah visits.”

Al-Rabiah also mentioned that people who want to conduct Umrah can now get a visa for entry into the Kingdom in less than 48 hours.