News

How Will Saudi Arabia’s New 24-Hour Umrah E-Visa Impact Travel, Boost Spiritual Tourism?

In a significant development aimed at enhancing the pilgrimage experience, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced new changes to the Umrah e-visa program. The ministry revealed that the processing time for Umrah e-visas has been dramatically reduced to within 24 hours, and the visa duration has been extended from 30 to 90 days. These updates are set to facilitate a more accessible and enriching journey for worshippers worldwide. As of the most recent figures, a total of 8,235,680 individuals have arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah since the season began. Out of these, 7,259,504 pilgrims have successfully completed their Umrah rituals. Currently, approximately 976,176 visitors and Umrah performers remain in the country, continuing their spiritual journey or extending their stay. In light of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s recent announcement regarding the expedited 24-hour Umrah e-visa and its extension to a 90-day duration, TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan has shared his insights on the potential impact of these changes. He stated, “Tourism to surge in Saudi Arabia with the Umrah e-visa announcement. This new policy simplifies the pilgrimage process and significantly extends the stay period, which will undoubtedly attract more visitors.” Mr. Keshan further predicted that the Ministry’s extension of Umrah participation eligibility to all visa categories—including personal, family, transit, labour, and e-visas—will encourage a diverse influx of travelers eager to partake in the Umrah rituals. The announcement underscores that the new e-visa process will enable pilgrims to begin their journey as early as the first day of Muharram, aligning this year with July 19. This shift reflects the Saudi government’s ongoing efforts to streamline and modernize the Umrah pilgrimage process. This comprehensive approach not only facilitates greater accessibility but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of enhancing its tourism and economic sectors as part of Vision 2030. Nusuk Platform at the Forefront The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that the application for the e-visa will be handled through the Nusuk platform. This digital portal is central to the Kingdom’s strategy to simplify the process for Muslims wishing to visit Makkah and Madinah. Through Nusuk, applicants can not only apply for their e-visas but also access a comprehensive suite of services, including accommodation and transportation options. Nusuk is designed to be user-friendly, offering resources and interactive maps in multiple languages to cater to a global audience. The platform’s availability around the clock ensures that pilgrims can access the necessary information and services at their convenience, thus enhancing their travel planning experience. Extended Benefits for Visa Holders Previously, Muslims holding visas for tourism from Cooperation Council Countries (GCC), as well as those with entry visas to Schengen countries, the US, and the UK, could use the Nusuk application to make reservations for Umrah and visits to significant religious sites such as Al-Rawdah in Madinah before arriving in Saudi Arabia. This capability has now been extended to individuals with family visas and transit visas, further broadening the accessibility of the Umrah pilgrimage. With the introduction of the expedited 24-hour e-visa issuance and the extension of its validity to 90 days, visitors are afforded more flexibility and time to explore the Kingdom. This policy change eliminates previous health requirements and the necessity for women to be accompanied by a male guardian, allowing greater freedom of movement within Saudi Arabia. Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Tourism These reforms are expected to significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. By making the visa process more accessible and extending the duration of stay, the Kingdom aims to attract a higher number of pilgrims and tourists. This aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy by expanding the tourism sector. The ease of obtaining the Umrah visa within a day is likely to draw more international visitors, who can now plan their trips without long lead times. The extended 90-day visa allows for a more immersive experience, encouraging visitors to explore beyond the pilgrimage sites and engage with Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Enhancing the Pilgrimage Experience The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s decision to modernize the Umrah visa process and extend its duration reflects a commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience for millions of Muslims. The ability to apply for visas through the Nusuk platform, with its extensive range of services and support, simplifies the travel process and makes it more inclusive. By removing restrictions such as the requirement for women to travel with a male guardian and eliminating health prerequisites, Saudi Arabia is making the pilgrimage more accessible to a diverse range of visitors. These measures are designed to facilitate a seamless and spiritually enriching journey, allowing pilgrims to fully immerse themselves in their religious observances and cultural experiences. Looking Forward As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure and expand access through initiatives like the enhanced Umrah e-visa, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leading destination for both religious and cultural tourism. These changes are not only expected to increase the number of Umrah pilgrims but also to attract a broader audience interested in exploring Saudi Arabia’s unique offerings. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s proactive approach to streamlining the Umrah process demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to welcoming and accommodating visitors from around the world, thus fostering a more open and inclusive environment for international travelers.

Read more

Switzerland travel advisory: Heavy rains trigger floods and landslides, blocking roads

As per the latest news reports, Switzerland is on high alert following severe rainfall that caused extensive damage, including a landslide that buried part of a southeastern village. The Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology has issued flood warnings, highlighting the continued risk due to saturated soil unable to absorb additional rain. Local media have broadcasted images and videos of overflowing rivers, a collapsed motorway, and debris covering the Misox valley in Graubuenden. If reports are to go by, the intense rainfall also temporarily isolated the renowned tourist town of Zermatt, near the Matterhorn, by blocking access routes. Rail services to Zermatt resumed on Saturday evening, reports add. Referring to this, Swiss President Viola Amherd described the devastation as ‘shocking’ in a post on social media platform X. Swiss Army personnel have been mobilised to search for missing individuals and evacuate affected residents. This flooding follows similar weather-related disruptions in neighbouring Germany, where persistent rain recently caused widespread flooding, halting rail services and affecting shipping on the crucial Rhine and Danube routes. In Zermatt, located in the Valais canton and close to the Matterhorn, rail traffic was suspended for over 24 hours, and schools were closed due to flooding. Both the railway and the main road into the town were blocked temporarily. The Vispa river, a tributary of the Rhone, overflowed, leading authorities to declare a state of emergency for the Rhone and its tributaries. Marie-Claude Noth-Ecoeur, head of the Valais civil protection service, stated that by late Friday, 230 people had been evacuated from their homes. Rescue operations involved over 200 firefighters and 50 civil protection workers. The Swiss news agency SDA provided detailed coverage of the emergency response, highlighting the scale of the operation in the Misox valley and other affected areas. Video and photographic evidence depicted the severity of the situation, including submerged areas, collapsed infrastructure, and widespread debris. The Swiss government and emergency services are on high alert, continuing efforts to manage the aftermath of the flooding and prepare for any further incidents. This series of extreme weather events underscores the region's vulnerability to heavy rainfall and the critical importance of emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.

Read more

Uttarakhand updates tourism policy with tax benefits

The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved an amendment to the state’s 2018 tourism policy, specifying the period during which different categories of industries will receive SGST (State Goods and Services Tax) compensations. According to the amendment, A, B, and B+ category industries in Uttarakhand will receive 100% SGST compensation for the first five years, followed by 90%, 75%, and 75% respectively for the next five years. Similarly, large, mega, and ultra-mega projects will get SGST compensation of 30%, 50%, and 50% respectively for 10 years. The state Cabinet also decided to extend the service period of specialist doctors until they turn 65 years of age. Additionally, the Cabinet will introduce a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority Bill in the state Assembly to develop, operate, and maintain the urban transportation system. The draft bill was prepared based on the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and was inspired by the Kerala Metropolitan Transport Authority Act. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the cooperative committee’s statutes, reserving 33% of seats on its management committees for women. This move aims to end nepotism and bring greater transparency to the election process and functioning of these committees. The Cabinet also approved provisions for the relocation of families living around the Mahasu Devta temple, as suggested in a master plan for its redevelopment, which is expected to boost tourism and generate employment opportunities in the area.

Read more

Abu Dhabi climbs as global tourism hotspot amid Yas Island development.

Yas is enhancing Abu Dhabi’s leading position on the world’s best tourist destinations list, a top industry expert said. Yas Island along with saadiyat island are among the leading tourist spots. Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, the operational partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, said the company’s goal seven years ago was for Yas Island to be among the top ten tourist destinations globally. “After adding several global cities and entertainment facilities, such as Warner Bros., World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, we have become one of the world’s best tourist destinations, providing a comprehensive range of entertainment tourism experiences,” Findlay told WAM in an interview. He also said very few global destinations offer integrated packages of entertainment experiences like those provided by Yas and Saadiyat Islands in the emirate. Yas Island’s central location between Abu Dhabi and Dubai also makes it an ideal destination to capitalise on the prestigious status of the two cities on the world tourism map, Findlay said. He also revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic presented a significant opportunity to develop their operations on Yas Island. “While many institutions reduced their workforce during the long periods of closure worldwide, we looked to the future with optimism on Yas Island and made great efforts to prepare and develop promotional and marketing campaigns, enabling a strong comeback after the pandemic,” Findlay said. The CEO of Miral Destinations also revealed that India is one of the strong markets exporting tourists to Yas Island, noting that the recently launched campaigns have achieved wide success and contributed to an increase in the number of tourists coming from the Indian market. GCC countries are the second-largest source markets for tourists.

Read more

India secures third spot in the Global Domestic Airline Market

In a recent update, India has secured third spot in the Global Domestic Airline Market. The country has undergone a massive positive transformation in the past decade in the domestic aviation sector. In April 2024, India moved up from fifth place 10 years ago. This significant achievement reflects a great growth and strategic advancements spearheaded under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. India's aviation sector has shown unparalleled growth, boasting the highest average annual growth rate in airline seat capacity globally at 6.9% over the past decade. As of April 2024, the country supports approximately 15.6 million domestic airline seats, surpassing Brazil and Indonesia in capacity. Key to this growth has been the dominance of low-cost carriers (LCCs), which now control a substantial 78.4% share of the domestic airline market. IndiGo, India's largest airline, has been pivotal in this narrative, doubling its market share to 62% with an impressive annual capacity growth rate of 13.9% over the same period. India’s aviation infrastructure has undergone a monumental expansion, with the number of airports more than doubling from 74 to 157 in the last decade. This infrastructure surge has been instrumental in accommodating the escalating domestic passenger traffic, evident from record-breaking single-day figures post-pandemic. When compared globally, India's aviation growth trajectory stands out amidst formidable challenges. While the United States and China maintain their positions as the largest domestic aviation markets with significantly higher seat capacities (approximately 84 million and 65 million respectively in November 2023), India’s consistent growth underscores its emerging influence in shaping the global aviation landscape. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi serves as India's busiest airport, anchoring the country's expanding air travel network. Despite challenges, including the impact of the pandemic, India’s domestic aviation sector has demonstrated resilience, with a modest seat capacity increase of 0.5% in November 2023 compared to November 2019 levels. In the future, India’s building aviation sector not only reflects its economic vitality but also positions the country as a pivotal player in the future of global air travel. With continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and regulatory reforms, India is poised to sustain its trajectory as a leading force in the world’s aviation industry for years to come.

Read more

Delhi Airport: Fast Track Immigration system rolled out

In a bid to streamline international travel and enhance passenger convenience, the Indian government has launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. This initiative, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Terminal 3, marks a significant step towards modernising immigration processes for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). The FTI-TTP is expected to expedite immigration clearance. Upon arrival at the airport, passengers enrolled in the programme can proceed through dedicated e-gates where their biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition, is instantly verified against a secure database. This automated verification process minimises the need for manual checks, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing overall travel efficiency. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the system captures and stores passenger biometrics securely, ensuring real-time authentication without compromising on security measures. The implementation of e-gates at Delhi's Terminal 3 is the first phase of a broader rollout that will extend to major airports across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. Future phases will progressively include additional airports and eventually encompass foreign nationals, aiming to provide a seamless immigration experience for all international travellers. Registration for the FTI-TTP is conducted through an online portal managed by the Bureau of Immigration. Eligible applicants, including Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, are required to upload necessary documents for verification. Once approved, travellers receive a "trusted traveller" status and gain access to the expedited immigration lanes equipped with e-gates. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the programme as a cornerstone of the government's commitment to enhancing travel convenience and efficiency under the 'Viksit Bharat at 2047' vision. By modernising immigration facilities and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the FTI-TTP aims to promote India as a preferred destination for international travel and business. At the e-gates, registered passengers undergo a straightforward process: they scan their boarding pass and passport, followed by biometric authentication. Upon successful verification, the gates open automatically, granting swift immigration clearance. The registration under FTI-TTP remains valid until the passport's expiry or up to five years, with provisions for easy renewal to ensure continuous benefits for frequent travellers. The launch of the FTI-TTP at Delhi Airport represents a significant milestone in India's efforts to enhance its position as a global hub for tourism and business, promising a seamless and secure travel experience for travellers from around the world.

Read more