RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has issued an important clarification for pilgrims holding a one-year multiple-entry Umrah visa, emphasizing that the visa does not automatically allow holders to travel to the Kingdom whenever they wish without completing the required procedures for each Umrah trip.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had launched a 365-day multiple-entry Umrah visa in July for eligible pilgrims. Through this visa, the pilgrims could enter the Kingdom several times throughout the validity of the visa.
However, it has been clarified by the authorities that the pilgrims must undertake the necessary process before going for Umrah again.
As per the clarification, a new service package needs to be obtained first, after which an Umrah permit will be issued. This means that pilgrims willing to go for Umrah again and again in the same year need to undertake the process again before going for Umrah.
The purpose of the multiple entry visa is to make pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia several times through the one-year validity of the visa. However, having the visa does not give automatic permission to the pilgrims to go for Umrah without a permit.
The clarification is meant to ensure that the visitors of Umrah are aware of the procedures related to frequent visits and do not face any problems during their visit or while performing the pilgrimage.
Therefore, pilgrims with the multiple-entry one year visa have been informed to complete all necessary procedures prior to each visit.
Under the updated arrangement, eligible visa holders can travel to Saudi Arabia multiple times during the visa’s validity period, but a fresh service package and Umrah permit are required for each new Umrah trip.
Umrah Pilgrims Alert: Authorities Issue Key Guidelines to Avoid Crowds
Earlier, Saudi authorities have issued important guidelines for Umrah pilgrims visiting the Grand Mosque, advising them to plan Tawaf, Sa’i and other acts of worship during less crowded hours to ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience.
According to the Saudi General Authority, crowd levels at Masjid al-Haram vary throughout the day. Pilgrims have therefore been urged to select suitable times in advance to make movement around the Mataf and Mas’a areas easier.
Authorities said crowd levels are relatively low from 10pm to 4am and from 9am to 4pm. Moderate crowds are generally expected between 5am and 8am, while the busiest period is from 5pm to 9pm.
Pilgrims are advised to plan their prayer schedules and take advantage of the digital services provided at the Grand Mosque in order to determine the appropriate times for Tawaf and Sa’i.
The officials explained that such actions will allow them to choose times that are not so busy for them, which would result in reducing the congestion, as well as in comfortable performance of religious rituals. The measures are intended to provide order and peace among the worshippers.
It is reported that almost 920,500 Umrah pilgrims visited Saudi Arabia within the first month and a half of the ongoing Umrah season. Moreover, the data provided last month demonstrated the increase in the number of people visiting the Kingdom under Umrah visa by 22.5 percent.
As the number of pilgrims is increasing, the Saudi officials pay attention to planning ahead of time. It would allow pilgrims to choose times that will be convenient for them in order to perform religious rituals without problems.
