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Saudi Arabia introduces unified platform for visas, including Hajj, Umrah

Muslim pilgrims gather around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca on June 30, 2023 during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. AFP
  • The platform aims to automate visa issuance procedures, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience
  • The initiative is a step in the kingdom's strategy to bolster tourism in the forthcoming years

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia on Tuesday introduced ‘KSA VISA,’ a unified visa platform aimed at streamlining visa application processes. The initiative is a step in the kingdom’s strategy to bolster tourism in the forthcoming years.

Abdul Hadi Al-Mansouri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Executive Affairs, unveiled the platform during the Digital Government Forum, highlighting its integration with over 30 government agencies, ministries, and private sector entities.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that ‘KSA VISA’ is designed to facilitate various visa types, encompassing Haj, Umrah, tourism, and employment.

With plans to empower more than 50 governmental bodies and private companies, the platform aims to automate visa issuance procedures, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience. Functioning as an intelligent search engine, it offers swift access to visa information, serving as a comprehensive resource for understanding visa prerequisites and application processes.

A key feature of the platform is the provision of updated visitor profiles, simplifying visa applications and reapplications. The launch aligns with the broader efforts of Gulf Cooperation Council nations to establish a unified tourist visa, a decision ratified during the Doha summit.