ISLAMABAD: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced an e-gates immigration system, aiming to make the entry procedure faster and more convenient for Umrah pilgrims.
The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has introduced an automated immigration system which functions as an e-gates immigration service for Umrah pilgrims who arrive in Saudi Arabia.
The facility has been launched especially for Umrah pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia especially during the month of Ramadan when millions of Muslims across the world visit the kingdom to perform Umrah.
It has been reported that the automated immigration gates will enable Umrah pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia to complete their immigration formalities quickly.
It has also been reported that the automated immigration gates will verify the information of passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia within seconds, thus enabling them to complete their entry and exit formalities quickly.
It has also been reported that the introduction of an e-gates immigration service for Umrah pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia is expected to facilitate their entry into the kingdom, thus making their journey more convenient.
How to get your Umrah visa this Ramzan
Moreover, Muslims throughout the world observe Ramzan as a sacred month which leads millions of people to travel to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina to perform Umrah. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established new services that make it easier for pilgrims to obtain Umrah visas and travel throughout the kingdom.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that pilgrims can obtain Umrah visas through three methods which include electronic visa platforms, licensed external agents and the Nusk platform which offers complete travel solutions through its authorized service providers.
Pilgrims need to get official permits through the Nusk app before they can enter the Grand Mosque. The app also provides prayer times together with crowd monitoring, electronic entry codes and booking for the Riyadh al-Jannah visit and travel guidance in multiple languages which helps to manage visitor flow.
Pilgrims can use a transit visa, which permits them to stay for 96 hours under particular conditions but Umrah visa holders can travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia during their visit.
Travelers can reach Mecca from King Abdulaziz International Airport by using the Haramain Express train service which operates buses, taxis and smart transport applications.
Travelers can use the same transportation options to reach Medina through train, air and bus services.
Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi provide their visitors with manual and electric wheelchairs together with guidance centres, instant translation services and luggage storage facilities and Zamzam water distribution and Riyadh al-Jannah access.
All these services are integrated through the Nusk system to provide pilgrims with a safe, organized, and comfortable experience. Authorities emphasized that pilgrims should maintain decorum, avoid disruptive photography, and refrain from bringing prohibited items. They also stressed following the health and return instructions to ensure a smooth journey.
Saudi Arabia’s modern and integrated system demonstrates the kingdom’s commitment to smart, organized, and secure arrangements for pilgrims during Ramzan.
