Dipo Olowookere
Authorities of Saudi Arabia have carried out new amendments to visa fees for pilgrims going to the country.
The country’s cabinet of ministers announced on Tuesday that the changes will see all visa fees completely waived off and fully paid for by the Saudi government for all first-time pilgrims coming for either Hajj or Umra.
With the new structure, travellers will pay 2,000 Saudi Riyals ($533) for a single-entry visa except first time pilgrims.
The government said a six month multiple-entry visa will now cost 3,000 Saudi Riyals, a one year multiple-entry visa will cost SR5000, while a two year multiple-entry visa will cost SR8000.
The Saudi Cabinet, however, explained that these changes will not impact any bilateral deals already signed by Saudi Arabia and other countries.
It said for transit visas, travellers would be expected to pay SR300, while an exit visa fee for anyone leaving the Kingdom through its seaports will pay SR50 and these revised fees comes into force from October 2, 2016.
