Saudi Arabia's new visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistanis can be used to perform Umrah
Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs Spokesman has welcomed the change in Saudi visa policy.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Saudi Arabia has introduced one-year multiple entry visit visa for Pakistanis who have a valid UK, U.S. or Schengen visa stamped on their passports.
The new visa policy will allow Pakistanis to perform Umrah, but they will not be allowed to perform Hajj.
In order to obtain the visa-on-arrival, visitors must have a valid credit card to pay the visa processing fee of SR440 (approx. Rs18,000) as cash is not accepted at any international airport.
Moreover, they will be allowed to stay in the Kingdom for 90 days and can enter the country multiple times during the validity period of their visit visa.
One of the pre-conditions to get visit visa on arrival is that visitors will have to travel on one of the Saudi-based airlines including Saudi Airlines, Flynas or Flydeal.
This is mandatory only for first time visitors. Meanwhile, repeat travellers who already hold a visit visa can use any other airline.
“We welcome this initiative by the Saudi government to grant visit visas on arrival to Pakistanis on which they can also perform Umrah,” said Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs spokesperson Imran Siddiqui.
Quoting a reservation agent at Saudi Airlines in Dubai, sources stated that the new service commenced last month.
“Anyone who has a valid UK, US or Schengen visa can obtain visit visa to Saudi Arabia on arrival. However, the visa is issued to only those applicants who have used their US, UK or Schengen visa at least once. You will not be given visa on arrival if you have US, UK or Schengen visa stamped on your passport but have never used it,” she explained.
Requirements for visa on arrival
Valid passport for at least six months
Valid US, UK or Schengen visa stamped on the passport
The US, UK or Schenegen visa must be utilised for at least once before entering Saudi Arabia
Applicant must hold a credit card as no cash payment is accepted
Application fee SR440 for each applicant
