Saudi raises hajj and umrah fees effective Oct 2

The Saudi Government will increase the visa charges for hajj and umrah effective October 2, the country's cabinet has announced Monday.

News portal, Saudi Gazette today reported, the meeting on Monday was chaired by Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Naif.

The new regulation stated that all visa fees completely waived off -- for all first time pilgrims coming for either hajj or umrah. The newly-introduced fee structure includes a fee of 2,000 riyal (RM2,150) to be charged for second entry.

The newly introduced fee structure includes a single-entry visa that will cost travelers 2,000 Saudi Riyals ($533), applicable to all visitors, except first time pilgrims.

A six month multiple-entry visa will now cost 3,000 riyal (RM3,220), a one year multiple-entry visa will cost 5,000 riyal (RM5,370), while a two year multiple-entry visa will cost 800 riyal (RM8,597).

The Saudi Cabinet has also made it clear that these changes will not impact any bilateral deals already signed by Saudi Arabia and other countries.

As for transit visas, the new fee will be 300 riyal (RM320).