- Saudi Arabia introduced a 48-hour visa processing and 96-hour stopover period for Indian Umrah and Hajj pilgrims, aiming for a smoother travel experience.
- Six tailored visa options, including Umrah packages and electronic transit visas, offer flexibility for Indian pilgrims, addressing varied preferences and circumstances.
- A 74% surge in Indian Umrah pilgrims prompts Saudi Arabia to extend visa validity to 90 days and introduce a four-day stopover visa, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and fostering cultural exchanges. Similar enhancements are discussed for Hajj pilgrimages.
In a groundbreaking announcement on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to streamline the pilgrimage experience for Indian citizens intending to perform Umrah and Hajj. During his visit to New Delhi, India, Minister Al-Rabiah showcased the Kingdom’s commitment to facilitating religious journeys for Muslims worldwide. Among these measures is the provision of a swift 48-hour processing time for visas, coupled with a generous 96-hour stopover period, aimed at enhancing accessibility and expediting travel procedures for Indian pilgrims during their Umrah and Kingdom visits. This announcement marks a new era for Indian pilgrims, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s dedication to ensuring a seamless and efficient pilgrimage experience.
Various Visas for Umrah Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia now offers six different visas and travel options specifically designed for Indian Umrah pilgrims, providing greater accessibility to the sacred city of Makkah. These visas cater to diverse preferences and circumstances, making the pilgrimage experience more convenient:
- Umrah Package via Nusuk Platform: Pilgrims can book an Umrah package through the Nusuk platform, streamlining the visa application process.
- Personal Visit Visa: An exclusive invitation from Saudi citizen friends or acquaintances allows Indians to obtain a personal visit visa via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
- Visa on Arrival: Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas can now obtain a visa on arrival, easing the entry process for eligible travellers.
- Electronic Visas: Residents of the Gulf or holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas can apply for electronic visas, simplifying the pre-travel formalities.
- Family Visit Visa: Indians can obtain a family visit visa through relatives residing in Saudi Arabia, fostering familial connections during the pilgrimage.
- Electronic Transit Visa: Passengers transiting by air through Saudia Airlines or Flynas can apply for an electronic transit visa via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Enhanced Visa Processing for Umrah and Kingdom Visits
Saudi Arabia has introduced an expedited visa processing system for Indian Umrah pilgrims. The new measures include a 48-hour processing time and a 96-hour stopover visa, enhancing the overall efficiency and convenience of travel to the Kingdom.
Increased Umrah Participation
The initiative comes in response to the growing interest in Umrah pilgrimages from India. In 2023, the number of Indian Umrah pilgrims surged to 1.2 million, marking an impressive 74% increase compared to the previous year. Minister Al-Rabiah highlighted this significant rise during his visit to New Delhi.
Extended Travel Access for Indian Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has extended the Umrah Visa’s validity to 90 days, allowing pilgrims to travel and reside within the Kingdom during this period. Additionally, Indian tourists visiting the West or the Middle East can now apply for a four-day stopover visa, enabling them to explore Saudi Arabian cities or perform Umrah. This initiative aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at expediting Umrah visits and promoting tourism.
Discussions on Hajj Pilgrimage Enhancement
The announcement also included measures to enhance the Hajj pilgrimage experience for Indian citizens. Saudi Arabia is now issuing Hajj visas within 48 hours and providing a 96-hour stopover visa, further facilitating travel arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims.
In discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Minister Al-Rabiah explored options to increase direct flight options to accommodate the growing number of Indian pilgrims. The Haj Committee of India is actively pursuing the enhancement of India’s Hajj pilgrimage quota from 175,025 to at least 200,000, as stated by Munawari Begum, the vice-president of the Haj Committee of India.
This proactive approach by Saudi Arabia reflects its commitment to fostering strong ties with India and ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience for all. These measures not only streamline visa processes but also contribute to the broader goal of enhancing cultural and religious exchanges between the two nations. As the Kingdom opens its doors wider, Indian pilgrims can look forward to more accessible and hassle-free journeys for Umrah and Hajj, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
