All expatriates living in GCC countries can now apply for a tourist visa, regardless of their profession.

The Ministry of Tourism announced the decision. "Expatriates who reside in GCC countries can apply for an electronic tourism visa through the "Visit Saudi" platform if their residence permit is valid for at least three months.

Additionally, all first-degree relatives of residence visa holders and domestic workers are allowed to obtain a tourist visa with their sponsors.

Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information about the visa, or visit www.mofa.gov.sa for more information about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said the multiple entry visa is valid for both tourism and umrah.

Al Khateeb tweeted on Thursday, "#SaudiArabia visa applications are now simpler, more convenient, and straightforward for residents of GCC states regardless of their profession."

The application for a tourist visa was once restricted to certain professions.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia unveiled a host of facilities to facilitate Umrah in the country.

Last week, a Saudi official said the number of Muslims performing Umrah or lesser pilgrimage since the start of the season last July is expected to reach 9 million by the end of the upcoming Ramadan.

Umrah season usually peaks during Ramadan, which begins later this month.

"Ramadan is a month when overseas Umrah pilgrims come in large numbers. This year, there is something new, namely the introduction of the tourist visa that allows the holder to perform Umrah,’’ added Undersecretary of Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Amr Al Madah.

He said that the numbers of Umrah pilgrims have so far neared 8 million.

It is becoming very easy to obtain an Umrah visa, thereby facilitating the arrival of many pilgrims,'' he told Saudi TV Al Arabiya.

After booking an e-appointment, Muslims with different types of entry visas are permitted to conduct Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, where the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him) is located in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

Besides extending the Umrah visa from 30 to 90 days, Saudi authorities have also permitted holders to enter the kingdom via land, air, and sea and leave from any airport.