RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that personal visit visa can be requested more than once for several guests at the same time. The ministry's clarification came while revealing various advantages provided by the personal visit visa (non-family and non-business related visits), which enables the citizens to invite their friends to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah rituals. The personal visit visa allows its holder to enter the Kingdom many times or for one time, and also can be issued for one or more trips. It also allows its holder to perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, and to visit the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. This is in addition to the ability of visiting religious sites and historical monuments, as well as plan tourist trips to all regions and cities of Saudi Arabia. The personal visit visa that is allocated for one trip only would be valid for 90 days, with the duration similar to the stay. While the personal visit visa that is allocated for multiple trips will be valid for 365 days (one year), with the duration of stay of 90 days. Those who wish to obtain the personal visit visa can apply for it through the following link: https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index2?service_type=2 It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in November the new mechanism for Saudi citizens to obtain personal visit visas to bring in their friends and acquaintances, who are living abroad. The ministry indicated that the person who is invited to visit would complete the process of paying fees and medical insurance after filling out the entry visa application form on the visa platform and then submit the application and passport to the embassy or consulate of Saudi Arabia in the guest country or through the centers or offices accredited to the embassy or consulate. They can come to the Kingdom through all the air, land, and sea ports after obtaining the entry visa stamped passport.
