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Rabat – Saudi Arabian authorities have announced that anyone with an active Schengen visa will be able to perform Umrah without first obtaining a Saudi-Arabian one.
Anyone who has a Schengen visa will be able to receive a tourism visa when they arrive in Saudi Arabia, reported Schengen Visa Info on Sunday.
Umrah refers to a basically means a visit to the Holy Kaaba, which can be performed by anyone, anytime of the year.
In Islam, the Umrah’s main purpose is to clean the soul from past sins. It can last from seven to thirty days.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that holders of a Schengen visa must travel to Saudi Arabia through their visa-issuing country, to be eligible to receive their tourism visa upon arrival to the country.
Anyone who has an up-to-date UK or US visa will benefit from the new rules.
Holders of a Schengen, UK, or US visa must also comply with additional requirements before entering Saudi Arabia.
Read also: Morocco, Saudi-Arabia to Hold Political Talks on April 5
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in order to perform Umrah, all individuals must book an appointment through the Eatmarna app.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched in September 2020, the mobile application “Eatmarna,” to enable pilgrims to book Umrah permits and appointments.
The Ministry also stated that those who do not enter Saudi Arabia within six hours of booking their appointment will have their Umrah permit canceled.
If a person tested positive for the COVID-19 disease prior to entry or has had contact with an infected person, their appointment will also be canceled.
Saudi Authorities stressed the importance of respecting public COVID-19 safety measures, which include wearing a face mask at all times.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah tweeted on April 1st 2022, notifying Umrah performers that they can apply via the designated platforms, in order to receive their Umrah visa.
