The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that obtaining an electronic permit is now mandatory for Muslims who wish to perform Umrah or lesser pilgrimage after the end of Ramadan, which was on Thursday. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stated that the permit can be obtained through the Nusuk or Tawakkalna apps.

In order to be eligible for the Umrah permit, applicants must not be infected with COVID-19 or have come in contact with patients who have tested positive for the virus, as per the ministry's guidelines.

Reservations for undertaking Umrah during the Islamic month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan, have already opened and can be made through the Nusuk app. This app allows Muslims to obtain the necessary visas and permits, as well as book related packages electronically, for performing Umrah or visiting the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom has introduced several facilities in recent months to facilitate overseas Muslims in performing Umrah. This includes allowing Muslims holding different types of entry visas, such as personal, visit, and tourism visas, to undertake Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, the location of the tomb of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, after booking an e-appointment.

Furthermore, Saudi authorities have extended the Umrah visa from 30 days to 90 days, and have allowed visa holders to enter and exit the Kingdom through all land, air, and sea outlets, providing more convenience to pilgrims.