Weekend travel to Saudi, especially for Umrah, on rise – The Peninsula

Weekend travel to Saudi, especially for Umrah, on rise – The Peninsula

The number of pilgrims and tourists from Qatar to Saudi Arabia has increased significantly in the last two months, especially on weekends. Experts also project promising growth in the coming months, The Peninsula has learned.

Several travel agencies across the country have reported huge patronage for their services as residents and pilgrims take advantage of the favourable travel path for GCC residents.

Saudi Arabia has made travel to the kingdom quicker, easier, and more accessible. The new regulations allow GCC residents, including Qatar, to apply for an e-visa through an online portal.

Besides, during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Saudi Arabia allowed holders of Hayya card — the digital fan ID for World Cup visitors to Qatar — free entry into the Kingdom for 60 days.

“After Saudi has removed restrictions for Umrah and Hajj, they have provided the facility for the tourist visa on which we can go for Umrah as well,” said Irfan Omer, an industry expert and Operations Manager at Happy Journey Travels, told The Peninsula.

“I have arranged almost 150 to 200 visas for different nationalities. I have also arranged visas for Hayya card holders. In December, the demand was really high. The market for Saudi Arabia is doing well.