Saudi Arabia Reopens E-Visa Portal for Tourists and Umrah Pilgrims After Hajj

Saudi Arabia has officially reopened its e-visa portal for tourists and Umrah pilgrims, just days after concluding the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which this year welcomed over 1.6 million worshippers from more than 150 countries. The Saudi Tourism Authority confirmed that the e-visa system was reactivated on June 10, enabling eligible international visitors to apply online for entry into the Kingdom.

As part of broader efforts to ease travel, the Kingdom now allows visa-on-arrival for travellers holding valid Schengen, UK, or US visas, or for residents of the European Union, United Kingdom, or United States, according to Khaleej Times.

The reopening comes ahead of a packed summer tourism calendar, including the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, seaside getaways, and a host of cultural festivals. Authorities are promoting this period as one of the most “accessible and appealing” times to visit Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also resumed issuing Umrah visas on June 10, in alignment with the conclusion of Hajj rituals. Pilgrims in Makkah completed the farewell tawaf, the final rite of their sacred journey.

With the lifting of Hajj-related crowd control measures, entry to Makkah has reopened from June 11 for travellers with valid religious or travel documentation.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia had temporarily suspended all visa categories—including Umrah, family visit, and tourist visas—ahead of the Hajj season. April 13 was set as the last date for Umrah pilgrims to enter the Kingdom before the Hajj commenced.