Saudi Arabia has announced the introduction of the 'New Muslim Card' service for citizens wishing to convert to Islam within the country, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia has announced the introduction of the 'New Muslim Card' service for citizens wishing to convert to Islam within the country, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
This service was launched by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance and is designed to automate all stages of the declaration of Islam procedure. The card is integrated with the Tawakkalna application, where it appears immediately after approval, allowing users to easily obtain and verify it thanks to integration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
The card also contains a QR code that guarantees the authenticity of the document and confirms that it was officially issued by the competent authority. This initiative also contributes to improving data quality and forming accurate reports and statistics to support planning and decision-making in the country.
In previous years, Saudi Arabia has implemented a number of programs to support Muslims within the country, as well as those planning to perform Hajj or Umrah from abroad. One of the best-known examples is the Nusuk digital platform, which combines functions for pilgrims, allowing them to apply for Umrah and tourist visas, as well as book permits. Among the services provided by this platform are reserving visits to Al-Rawdah in Medina, organizing accommodation and transportation, and providing access to multilingual religious information and guidance.
Another program launched in 2019 is the Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP), aimed at making it easier for more Muslims to perform Hajj and Umrah. PEP improves services before, during, and after the pilgrimage, enhancing transportation, accommodation, medical care, and hospitality. This initiative was also created to preserve and improve Islamic heritage sites in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The 'Mecca Route' initiative is another example that allows pilgrims from participating countries to complete visa processing, biometric registration, customs and immigration procedures, medical examinations, and baggage handling through a single platform. Recently, the Kingdom also introduced a multiple-entry Umrah visa, which allows holders to enter Saudi Arabia several times within a 365-day period from the date of issue.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a new annual Umrah visa that allows for multiple entries. This grants eligible residents of the United Arab Emirates the flexibility to perform the pilgrimage more than once, avoiding the need to apply for a new visa for each visit.
Tourism agents in the UAE noted that the new visa generated significant interest immediately after its announcement, and they have started receiving inquiries, with some agencies already issuing the visa to clients. It is important to understand that this visa is an additional option for pilgrims and does not replace the existing Umrah visa.
According to Umrah agencies in the UAE, most nationalities residing in the UAE are eligible to apply for this visa through authorized Umrah agencies. Provided all necessary documents are submitted, the processing time is usually about two business days.
Agencies informed Khaleej Times that the visa starts at approximately 600 dirhams. Shihab Farwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels noted that the visa is valid for one year, and a person can stay in the country for up to 90 days, distributing the stay as they wish. He emphasized that the pilgrim can enter an unlimited number of times within the year, but the total stay is limited to 90 days, and the visa is exclusively for Umrah, not tourism.
Jassim from Al Shammar Haj and Umrah Service reported that the fee for the new visa is around 650 dirhams. The visa remains valid for one year from the date of issue, allowing pilgrims to spend a total of up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during this period, while being able to split their stay across multiple visits, adhering to the visa conditions and approved travel plans.
Unlike the single-entry Umrah visa, pilgrims can return to Saudi Arabia multiple times within a year without needing a new visa. However, the visa can only be used for Umrah purposes, not for tourism or other reasons. Agencies clarified that although pilgrims can book flights and hotels independently, each Umrah trip must be properly arranged and linked to the visa application. According to Abdullah from Bin Karam Haj and Umrah Services, applicants must first book a package on the Nusuk platform before applying for the visa. Each trip to Saudi Arabia requires proper documentation and approval through the Nusuk application.
According to agents, applicants generally require a copy of their passport, a copy of their Emirates ID, a return ticket, hotel booking or voucher, details of local transportation, and other itinerary documents uploaded to the Nusuk platform as part of the application process. Regarding subsequent trips, pilgrims must provide updated travel details, including hotel bookings, return tickets, and transportation arrangements. Jassim added that even with an annual visa, each trip must be registered and approved before travel begins.
Pilgrims must adhere to the dates specified in the approved travel plan, entering and exiting Saudi Arabia according to those dates. For each visit, a hotel booking, return ticket, and local transportation details must be provided via Nusuk. Jassim explained that for the initial application, an Umrah package must be booked before applying, while for subsequent visits within the year, providing new bookings and travel details is sufficient. Agencies explained that the visa is issued under the sponsorship of an authorized Umrah agency, which is responsible for ensuring pilgrims comply with the approved plan and Saudi Arabian regulations. In case of rule violations or failure to return within the stipulated time, the sponsoring agency will be fined, so all travel details must be updated on the Nusuk platform.
Agencies also reported that families cannot apply under a single booking. Jassim specified that each family member must submit a separate visa application and provide the corresponding documents. Although families can travel together, visas are processed individually. Overall, the new visa is expected to simplify repeat Umrah trips for UAE residents who wish to visit the Kingdom several times a year, provided all necessary procedures are followed.
