Saudi Shares Visa Updates and Extra Flights With Pakistan and Bangladesh for Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia is looking to attract more visitors from Pakistan and Bangladesh with simplified and extended visas as well as additional flights to and from the countries.
Top Saudi officials have concluded a visit to Pakistan and Bangladesh to raise awareness of challenges and opportunities for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Pilgrim Experience Program Dr. Tawfig Al Rabiah concluded an official visit to Pakistan and Bangladesh, where he met with the presidents of the countries and high-ranking government officials.
During the minister’s visit agreements were signed between the civil aviation authorities of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The agreements aim to increase the frequency of flights from Pakistan and Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia, making it more convenient and accessible for Umrah seekers to travel and perform their spiritual journey.
The Saudi government’s flagship initiative Nusuk also held its first roadshow in Karachi and Dhaka to promote the integrated digital platform for Pakistani and Bangladeshi people planning to visit the Kingdom for spiritual and tourism purposes.
As part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to facilitate Umrah, the visa process has been streamlined, being issued within 24 hours, and e-visa services are available to individuals holding valid visas for the UK, US and Schengen, or residency in the US, UK, GCC or EU countries.
Travellers are also permitted to freely perform Umrah and explore the country’s diverse cultural heritage and natural wonders. Moreover, the duration of Umrah visas has been extended to 90 days. Bangladeshi and Pakistani citizens are eligible for the 96-hour Stopover visa, allowing them to include Umrah in their itinerary.
Excerpts from the speech delivered by HE Dr.@tfrabiah during a joint press conference held in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.#Makkah_in_Our_Hearts pic.twitter.com/nleVpyEVQD
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) August 21, 2023
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties and discuss ways to cooperate and address challenges in order to improve the experience of Umrah performers and pilgrims from Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as raise awareness about the mega projects spearheaded by the Saudi Vision 2030.
The efforts of the government of Saudi Arabia to modernise the Hajj and Umrah experience herald a new era in the pilgrimage experience.
Through visionary planning, technological advancements and infrastructure development, Saudi Arabia has successfully boosted the accessibility, efficiency and comfort of the Hajj and Umrah journey for millions of pilgrims worldwide, said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
