Doha: There has been a huge increase in the number of passengers from Qatar to Saudi Arabia in the last two months. Pilgrims and tourists mostly go to Saudi Arabia. The influx of visitors is felt during the weekend. Most of them are going for Umrah. Officials have indicated that there will be an increase in the number of travelers to Saudi Arabia in the coming months.
Travel agencies say that many residents and pilgrims across the country are contacting them for travel to GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has issued new guidelines to make travel to the country faster and easier for residents of GCC countries, including Qatar. E-Visa can be applied through online portal.
In addition, during the recent FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia announced free entry for fans for 60 days for those who have Haya Card, a digital ID to enter Qatar. Saudi Arabia, which has lifted the restrictions on Umrah and Hajj, is giving those who arrive on tourist visas the opportunity to perform Umrah. “I have issued 150 to 200 visas to people from different countries. Visa has also been arranged for Haya card holders. Demand was high in December. More people are coming to travel to Saudi Arabia. Most residents apply for this type of visa.
“Most people travel on weekends,” Irfan Umar, owner of Private Travels, told The Peninsula. “The flights are going full of passengers. There is a slight increase in hotel rent. There is demand for a one-year multiple entry visa for GCC residence,” Irfan Umar added. Residents book Umrah on Fridays and Saturdays. Most will return from Doha on Thursday night. He will return after Umrah on Saturday. Recently, Saudi Arabia also eased restrictions related to Covid-19 for travelers. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can enter the country. A tourist visa allows entry into the country regardless of vaccination status.
Travelers can download and install ‘Tawakallna’ mobile app to check vaccine status in Saudi Arabia. Now you do not need to show proof of vaccination at check-in to enter events, public transport, flights etc. Umar pointed out that the rates in hotels in Makkah and Haram have gone up since the restrictions were eased. Umar also said that the average price per night in Makkah, Haram and Madinah is between 750 and 1500 Qatar Riyals. Cheap hotels are available. However, they will be a little far from the Haram. Irfan Umar also explained that it is enough to pay 150 to 300 Qatar Riyals to stay in such hotels for one night.