In a bid to improve accessibility for Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage of Umrah, Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step by introducing electronic visas. The Ministry of Haj and Umrah has launched this initiative to facilitate a larger number of Muslims from across the globe in performing Umrah, as per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports. The issuance of e-visas will commence on July 19, and interested individuals can apply through the user-friendly Nusuk platform.
With the introduction of e-visas for Umrah, the Nusuk platform now serves as a comprehensive service hub for Muslims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. In addition to facilitating visa issuance, this digital platform offers support for accommodations, transportation, and information services, catering to the diverse needs of pilgrims. Designed with a user-friendly interface and available in multiple languages, the Nusuk platform ensures a seamless experience for applicants.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has recently announced an instant e-visa program for select visa holders from various countries. Individuals holding tourism visas to the UK, US, and Schengen nations, as well as permanent residents of any EU country, are now eligible to obtain instant e-visas for Saudi Arabia. However, applicants with business or tourism visas to the UK, US, or EU countries are required to have visited the respective destination before applying for a Saudi Arabian visa.
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