By Innovation-sa on September 20, 2018 in News
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that pilgrims can now visit any city in the Kingdom with their 30-day Umrah visa.
Abdul Fattah Mashat, Deputy Haj and Umrah Minister, said that the new rule, which will be subject to certain rules and regulations will come into effect this year.
Pilgrims interested in travelling across the Kingdom should request for permission before starting journey from their home country by submitting a tour plan to the authorities. They can also request for extending the validity of the visa prior to their journey. During their 30-day stay, pilgrims must spend at least 15 days visiting the two grand mosques of Makkah and Madinah, said Abdulaziz Wazzan, undersecretary of Hajj Ministry for Umrah Affairs.
Earlier, pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom with Umrah visas were only allowed to enter Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. The decision comes as Saudi Arabia is taking major steps including promoting tourism to diversify its economy in line Vision 2030.
GulfNews – 18 September 2018
https://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/umrah-visa-holders-can-visit-any-saudi-city-1.2279930