Qatar to allow visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, territories

Source: Qatar Airways. The press announcement yesterday.

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways have announced that Qatar will allow visa-free entry* for citizens of 80 countries and territories, effective immediately.

Citizens of 80 countries and territories wishing to visit Qatar will no longer need to apply or pay for a visa; instead, a multi-entry waiver will be issued free-of-charge at the port of entry, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days, from the date of issue, and allow the visitor to spend a total of 90 days in Qatar (multiple-entry waiver); or it will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue and entitle the visitor to spend up to 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of applying for an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days (multiple-entry waiver).

These developments come as part of a series of measures that Qatar has taken to facilitate visitor access to the country. Last month, Qatar launched an e-visa platform through which travellers of all nationalities can apply for tourist and visitor visas. The country is also considering further enhancements to its visa policy, such as waiving visa requirements for holders of a residence permit or a valid visa from the nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, KSA, and the UAE), Australia, and New Zealand. This waiver would allow eligible visitors to obtain an electronic travel authorisation by completing an online application at least 48 hours prior to travel.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar Al Baker, said yesterday: “Today’s announcement places the state of Qatar as the most open country in the region. This is a momentous occasion for Qatar, making the number of nationalities eligible to enter our country without a visa the highest in region, which is something that we are very proud of.

“Qatar Airways is the patriotic flag carrier for the state of Qatar and as such we are extremely honoured to bring millions of people each year to our beautiful, welcoming and historic country. This important initiative from the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Tourism Authority will provide an opportunity to welcome even more visitors, from even more countries, to experience the many exciting attractions that await them.”

According to Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development officer at QTA, visa facilitation is a critical component of the national tourism sector strategy, which QTA is currently reviewing in partnership with stakeholders from the public and private sectors. With renewed focus by the country’s leadership on diversifying the national economy, a revised strategy which empowers various players to boost the growth of tourism is set to be launched on 27 September 2017, when Qatar hosts the official celebrations of World Tourism Day.

“Easing entry to Qatar is a key enabler for the growth of Qatar’s tourism industry. With this announcement we are already turning the pages of the next chapter of Qatar’s journey towards 2030,” commented Al Ibrahim. “Together with our partners in the public and private sectors, we have examined all of the elements needed to create a smooth and enticing experience that can attract visitors from around the world. There is no doubt that facilitating and streamlining access at all ports of entry are key factors in creating a positive first and lasting impression of Qatar.

“With 80 countries eligible for a visa waiver, Qatar is now the most open country in the region and we are delighted to invite visitors to discover our renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures.”

Brigadier Mohammed Al Ateeq, Director General of the Department of Passport and Expatriates Affairs at MoI, commented, “We are very pleased to announce that nationals of 80 countries are now eligible for a visa waiver and can enter Qatar without requiring any prior visa arrangements. Together with our partners at QTA and Qatar Airways, we have been working to enhance our country’s visa policies and implement solutions to better facilitate travel to Qatar. Further enhancements are being studied and we look forward to announcing them in due course.”

In November 2016, Qatar introduced a free transit visa, which allows passengers of all nationalities transiting in Qatar for a minimum of five hours to stay in Qatar for up to 96 hours (four days). In May 2017, QTA launched +Qatar, an initiative to promote the country as a stopover destination, with the national carrier, Qatar Airways. These measures, along with intensified international marketing, have resulted in a 39% increase in the number of stopover visitors during the first six months of 2017, compared with the same period last year.

As part of Qatar Airways’ and QTA’s combined efforts to boost tourism in the country, the award-winning airline has accelerated its global expansion plans, and recently announced the launch of a number of new destinations that it is adding to its network by the end of August 2017. The airline launched Sohar, Oman as a new destination in early August. 

Interested?

The following countries are included under the visa-free programme:

Nationals of the following 33 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips.

1. Austria

2. Bahamas

3. Belgium

4. Bulgaria

5. Croatia

6. Cyprus

7. Czech Republic

8. Denmark

9. Estonia

10. Finland

11. France

12. Germany

13. Greece

14. Hungary

15. Iceland

16. Italy

17. Latvia

18. Liechtenstein

19. Lithuania

20. Luxembourg

21. Malta

22. Netherlands

23. Norway

24. Poland

25. Portugal

26. Romania

27. Seychelles

28. Slovakia

29. Slovenia

30. Spain

31. Sweden

32. Switzerland

33. Turkey

Nationals of the following 47 countries and territories will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for a further 30 days.

1. Andorra

2. Argentina

3. Australia

4. Belarus

5. Bolivia

6. Brazil

7. Brunei

8. Canada

9. Chile

10. Mainland China

11. Colombia

12. Ecuador

13. Panama

14. Costa Rica

15. Georgia

16. Guyana

17. Hong Kong

18. India

19. Indonesia

20. Ireland

21. Japan

22. Kazakhstan

23. Lebanon

24. Azerbaijan

25. Macedonia

26. Malaysia

27. Maldives

28. Mexico

29. Moldova

30. Monaco

31. New Zealand

32. Paraguay

33. Peru

34. Russia

35. San Marino

36. Singapore

37. South Africa

38. South Korea

39. Suriname

40. Cuba

41. Thailand

42. Ukraine

43. UK

44. US

45. Uruguay

46. Vatican City

47. Venezuela


*Entry to Qatar is approved at the sole discretion of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior.

DED and Dubai Islamic Bank launch shari'ah-compliant credit card

Source: DED.

 

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in the UAE, have launched of the Consumer Card in the UAE. DIB boasts today one of the largest retail bases in the UAE with over 1.5 million customers and 90 branches across the country.

The co-branded credit card is dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers and providing them with savings on their daily purchases. The card is an addition to the partnership initiatives being launched by DED along with the private sector and to the ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience in Dubai, and across the UAE.

Developed and designed in line with the spending habits and distinct needs of consumers in the UAE, the shari'ah-compliant card is issued in partnership with Visa and carries no hidden charges. It has two variants, the Rewards Consumer Card and the Platinum Consumer Card.

While enabling customers to make savings on everyday spends, the Consumer Card also carries a host of discounts at over 450 outlets across the country. It offers up to 4% cashback across a number of outlets including supermarket or hypermarket, for all automobile servicing, on Etisalat and Du bills, Salik and Nol recharges, fuel purchases, utility bills and cinema tickets. Card users will be able to receive up to AED1,000 cashback per month on their spends across the UAE.

The card was launched today at the Mall of the Emirates in the presence of His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of DED, Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Islamic Bank, and in addition to senior managers from the organisations.

Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, Executive Director of the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in DED, said the card highlights the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in bringing added value to businesses and consumers. "The Consumer Card is part of the initiatives of the Department of Economic Development to promote trust and partnership between retailers and consumers. Dubai is a global shopping and entertainment destination and we focus on making the shopping experience in the emirate as convenient and rewarding as possible," he said.

Sanjay Malhotra, Chief of Consumer Banking, at DIB said: "Domestic spending remains today the backbone of the UAE economy and we are keen to invest our expertise and resources in developing payment solutions that are favourable to spurring further growth. As one of the most innovative banks in the market today, we are pleased to offer our client base attractive payment solutions and savings on their daily purchases. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage our partnerships to present a unique banking experience while adhering to the highest standards of service excellence.
"While the market already offers benefits on credit cards, we have focused on areas where customers spend their money regularly thus maximising their gain. With this in mind, we have developed the Consumer Card as a low-cost, high-value proposition in order to appeal to a larger number of customers and allow them to enjoy unique benefits."

Ihab Ayoub, General Manager MENA at Visa, said: "The Consumer Card – a major step in this direction – will help in spreading further awareness about the benefits of electronic payments and the related cardholder rewards through a wide network of customers. Providing consumers with a safe and convenient way to pay is one of Visa's main priorities, and our participation in this initiative is aligned with our ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy on the ways to save, spend and budget responsibly.

"We are confident that through a partnership of public and private sectors, the "Consumer Card" initiative will support the UAE's efforts to be a leader in developing innovative payment technologies, and drive its transformation into a cashless society."

Ahmed Al Zaabi, Senior Manager - Consumer Awareness, at DED said: "The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection sector constantly seeks to strengthen the relationship between the merchant and the consumer, and improve awareness among consumers on their rights and responsibilities. We also focus on regulating the market and launch programmes that protect businesses. The Consumer Card is part of our efforts to raise the quality of services provided to customers and enhance their satisfaction and happiness. Our partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank and the advantages it brings to consumers and traders will strengthen economic activity in the UAE."

Interested?

Ask the DIB Call Centre about the Consumer Card at +971 4609 2222.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) receives Visa award for QIB-Qatar Airways Visa Signature credit card

Source: QIB.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has received the Best New Product in Qatar award for 2015 from Visa International for its QIB-Qatar Airways Visa Signature Co-Branded credit card.

The prestigious award was conferred after considering the unanimous and encouraging response from the customers compared to product offerings of all Qatari banks and taking into account the products’ innovativeness, benefits, and added value to customers.

Launched last May, the QIB-Qatar Airways Signature credit card is designed with premium customers in mind. It offers elite benefits such as global concierge services, global airport lounge access, discounts, automatic purchase protection, warranty extensions, exclusive offers on luxurious hotels, full multi-trip travel insurance and much more.

“The award is testament to QIB’s efforts to provide the best products to its customers,” said D Anand, General Manager of the Personal Banking Group at QIB. “The QIB-Qatar Airways Signature co-branded credit card was developed in response to the needs of our high net-worth customers, many of whom are frequent travellers. The card offers a range of benefits tailored to the lifestyles of these customers, who in many cases have made it their preferred card. We thank our customers for the support they have shown through their frequent usage of the card, which has resulted in recognition from Visa.”

“This super-premium product offers cardholders opportunities to earn miles that could be redeemed for a host of exciting services with Qatar Airways and its OneWorld airline partners around the world,” said Ihab Ayoub, Visa's General Manager for the Middle East and North Africa region of the QIB-Qatar Airways Visa Signature credit card. “Visa’s partnership with QIB is a demonstration of our commitment to Qatar, by offering customers a rewarding payment experience that is innovative, convenient, and secure.”

Interested?

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about the QIB-Qatar Airways Visa Signature credit card

Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank hold recruitment promotion for ADIB Etihad Guest Visa

Source: Etihad Airways website.

Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ loyalty programme, and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a UAE-based financial institution, have announced an offer for new applicants for the ADIB Etihad Guest Visa covered card.

Successful applicants can earn up to 100,000 Etihad Guest Miles* upon registration for the card in addition to enjoying benefits such as fast-tracking to Etihad Guest Gold Tier membership, and the highest mile per dirham earning rate on international card purchases. With 100,000 miles a cardholder can book a one way flight* to London in First Class, a one-way flight to Brisbane in Business Class or a return flight to New York in Economy Class, on Etihad Airways.**

Yasser Al Yousuf, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, said: “We are committed to continually providing our valued Etihad Guest members with the most innovative and rewarding products and services in the market. We have a successful partnership with ADIB, and our latest offer in partnership with ADIB’s award-winning ADIB Etihad Guest Visa covered card is the best card acquisition offer in the region.”

Philip King, Head of Retail Banking UAE, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, said: “Our successful partnership with Etihad Guest continues to bring outstanding value to our customers in the UAE. We are pleased to bring yet another offer to our customers and we are confident this will contribute in further cementing our position as a leading provider of value-added retail banking products and services.”

Interested?

Apply for the card. Applicants can call 800 2882 or SMS ‘FLY’ to telephone number 2400 to sign up for an ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Card. The special offer is valid for successful applications approved by 15 December 2015. 

Applicants can also visit the ADIB Etihad Guest travel card Member Centre located at Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 3. The facility is designed to meet the needs of existing cardholders to answer questions about the travel benefits of ADIB Etihad Guest cards as well as take new applications. The member centre will remain open until 15 January, 2016.

*Cardholders will receive an additional 50,000 Etihad Guest Miles on top of the 50,000 Etihad Guest Mile welcome bonus for the ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum card upon meeting the minimum spend criteria within 45 days of card issuance.

**Actual miles required for GuestSeats vary per destination and travel class and are subject to availability. Carrier and airport surcharges apply.

QIB-Qatar Airways VISA Signature credit card raises bar on premium services

Source: QIB.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has launched a Premium QIB-Qatar Airways VISA Signature credit card that enhances the QIB and Qatar Airways range of co-branded cards with a new range of benefits.

Designed with premium customers in mind, the QIB-Qatar Airways Signature credit card offers global concierge services, global airport lounge access, discounts and offers on luxury hotels, and full multi-trip travel insurance.

The VISA Signature co-branded card will enable customers to earn one Qmile for every QR6 spent on purchases made at a point of sale by either the customer or their supplementary card member. These Qmiles can be then used for redemptions including complimentary flights, upgrades and excess baggage on Qatar Airways’ flights, together with purchases made at Qatar Duty Free located at Hamad International Airport in Doha or the Oryx Galleria boutique in Doha, Qatar. Qmiles can also be redeemed for complimentary flights with oneworld airline partners.

The card will also provide multilingual concierge services with a 24-hour personal assistant who can arrange dinner reservations, chauffeur and taxi services, tickets, gifts or anything required in order to enhance the travel experience. The ‘LoungeKey’ Service, on both primary and supplementary cards, offers unlimited complimentary access to over 500 airport lounges worldwide.

All card holders will enjoy discounts on hotel rates, car rentals, exclusive restaurants, jewellery stores, theme parks, educational centres, holiday packages and a wide range of leading outlets around the world, including with the over 900 hotels listed in the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection.

The QIB-Qatar Airways Visa Signature Credit Card also enjoys automatic purchase protection covering all purchases made with the card. The protection includes loss, theft or damage of purchased items. Card holders will enjoy multi-trip travel insurance for themselves and their families, covering personal accidents, medical and travel inconvenience benefits. The card also comes with peace of mind on purchased items by almost doubling the manufacturer’s or retailer’s warranty on all items bought using the VISA Signature card. In addition, customers can withdraw cash of up to 100% of their credit limit as well as having the benefit of higher transaction limits.

As with all of QIB's credit and debit cards, online security is a major concern of the Bank. To counteract the risk of fraud, QIB has, over the past year, introduced a number of measures such as the use of one time passwords (OTP) that are valid for only one log-in or transaction; a move away from using the magnetic strip on the reverse side of the cards, in favour of chip-based processing; and the use of '3D Secure Technology', which has a password-protected authentication system designed to confirm the identity of the cardholder when a Visa Card is used online.

D. Anand, General Manager of the Personal Banking Group, pointed out that the launch of the VISA Signature Card specifically targets premium frequent travellers who can enjoy all travel benefits the Card has to offer, and will get to be part of Qatar Airways Loyalty Programme – Privilege Club. 

“We have witnessed that our customers’ spending habits require different payment solutions and this shari’ah compliant credit card offers a range of special privileges together with modern day convenience. Aimed at our affluent customers, we are proud to introduce the Visa Signature Co-branded credit card category, providing our clients with unique products and services, aiming as always to surpass their expectations,” he said.

“Further, the introduction of a new tier of QIB–Qatar Airways co-branded cards is a great testament to our successful partnership with one of the world’s five-star airlines.”`

KFH Bahrain launches shari'ah compliant Visa Signature card

Source: KFH Bahrain website.

Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain has launched Visa Signature, a shari’ah-compliant credit card which was conceptualised after research to identify the financial needs and lifestyles of KFH-Bahrain clients. The launch of the Visa Signature card is part of the bank’s strategy of offering personalised customer services and financial tools, and charges no interest.

Khalid Rafea, Executive Manager and Head of Banking Group at KFH-Bahrain said, “The launch of the Visa Signature Islamic credit card is another step in providing our clients with the best financial solutions that reward their lifestyles. Holders of this card will gain attractive benefits such as free global airport lounge access to over 500 lounges, on-demand signature concierge service to meet their personal needs, access to Visa’s luxury hotels collection, personal accident travel insurance, extended warranty and purchase protection.”

Majeed Hujair, Visa Country Manager for Bahrain and Oman, said: “KFH-Bahrain is one of the fastest growing Islamic banks in the region, and we are pleased to partner with them to add one of our most popular products to their portfolio in Bahrain. At Visa, we are invested in offering the best range of exclusive privileges and value-added benefits to cardholders through our partner network. The KFH-Bahrain Visa Signature card provides a suite of fascinating add-ons that cardholders can enjoy, together with the peace of mind and convenience of transacting with Visa.”

ADIB's Etihad Islamic cards get wallet function

Source: Etihad Guest website.

Etihad Airways’ loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, has added the walletplus, powered by Visa payment feature onto its Etihad Guest card. Etihad Guest members will be able to load travel money onto their cards and convert it into 11 different foreign currencies to spend abroad.

The membership card can be loaded in advance, enabling card holders to better manage their travel budgets by locking in competitive exchange rates in real time before they travel. Pre-loading the card also means that members are immediately able to spend in the local currency upon arrival in another country, without having to first exchange or transfer funds at a bank or foreign exchange.

A maximum of 11 currencies can be held on the card at any one time, one of which must be UAE dirhams. The 10 other currencies are: US dollar, pound Sterling, Euro, Indian rupee, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Singapore dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Japanese yen and Thai baht.

Yasser Al Yousuf, Managing Director, Etihad Guest said: “The Etihad Guest loyalty programme focusses on providing features and benefits that enhance value to its members. The new Etihad Guest Card with walletplus is innovative in that it combines the functionality of a reloadable payment card with the benefits of Etihad Guest membership in a single piece of plastic, a first in loyalty and travel payments in the Middle East.”

Additionally, Etihad Guest members can download the walletplus mobile application, available for iOS and Android users, to access a range of functions that include checking their account balance and transaction history, transfer money to other Etihad Guest members with an activated walletplus account (AED only), and report a card lost/stolen.

Philip King, UAE Head of Retail, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), said: “This is a highly innovative product and the first of its kind in the region. ADIB is proud to assist Etihad Airways in developing a multi-functional card which vividly demonstrates ADIB’s ground-breaking product development capabilities.

Etihad Guest also partnered with Rêv Worldwide, a global leader in multi-currency prepaid processing, to develop the product, utilising Rêv’s proprietary prepaid multi-currency processing platform and global experience in pioneering similar successful products.

“Well before starting work on this new product, we knew we were dealing with a partner that focuses on delivering excellent value and first class service to its members,” said John Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Rêv Worldwide, adding “we have great alignment on the value that innovation provides to further customer engagement.”

Etihad Guest members can earn one Etihad Guest Mile per US$2 spent in the UAE, and one Etihad Guest Mile per US$1 spent abroad when paying with walletplus.

Introduced in partnership with Visa, the Etihad Guest card with walletplus can be used to pay at tens of millions of global merchants, and card holders can withdraw cash at more than 2.1 million ATMs across the world.

Marcello Baricordi, General Manager UAE and Global Accounts Lead at Visa MENA, said: “Visa is delighted to partner with one of the world’s leading premium airline brands – Etihad Airways – to launch here in the Middle East a first of its kind travel card that promises Etihad Guest members the most extensive global reach.

Etihad Guest Tier members in the UAE will begin receiving their new Etihad Guest card with walletplus in early March, with rollout of cards to Etihad Guest members in other countries taking place in the future.

Umrah season for 1436 launched

His Highness the Minister of Hajj, Dr Bandar ibn Muhammad Hajjar, announced the launch of the 1436 umrah season on 27 November.

The umrah E-Track Program received the first group of the applications for umrah visas at the beginning of the month of Safar, in late November, and the first groups of mu`tamirs arrived a few days after.

This follows a successful e-track during the 1435 umrah season, during which KSA hosted a record 6,051,000 international mu`tamirs. The e-track was complemented by projects to increase the capacity of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrim accommodations. 

The Ministry of Hajj also announced a bylaw on the regulation of services for mu`tamirs (umrah pilgrims). His Highness referred to a set of new rules which has been announced by the Ministry for the licensed companies inside and outside the Kingdom. These rules have been laid down in order to control the procedures for umrah, improve the level of the services, and preserve mu`tamir rights. 

Among these rules are those relevant to the issuance of visas, the service packages, the work of the external agents, the qualification and training of the human resources, surveillance systems, and the preparation of offices for companies. The rules will also control the mechanism of the evaluation of the licensed companies in the Kingdom and their agents in the mu`tamirs’ countries, as well as the mechanism of the arrival of the mu`tamirs who travel from the countries in which there are no external agents. 

His Highness also referred to the global electronic umrah network which has been established by the Ministry of Hajj in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to facilitate the umrah process for international mu`tamirs. The network provides a mechanism for umrah in countries where there are no contractors or external agents.

Read the blog post about the E-Track Program here.

Ebola outbreak could affect hajj

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned 8 August that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The announcement, coupled with news that a Saudi man passed away in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia of suspected Ebola on 6 August, is causing some concern about the upcoming hajj pilgrimage.

As of 4 August 2014, there have been 1,711 cases (1,070 confirmed, 436 probable, 205 suspect) of Ebola virus disease (EVD), including 932 deaths. Between 5 and 6 August 2014, a total of 68 new cases of EVD (laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases) as well as 29 deaths were reported from Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

On 6 August, a Saudi man suspected of being infected with the Ebola virus passed away at 8.45am at a specialised hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The patient had been admitted to the intensive care unit late on 4 August after exhibiting symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever following a business trip to Sierra Leone, Saudi's Ministry of Health said. The cause of the infection is still under investigation, and people who had been in contact with the man are being traced or monitored for symptoms of Ebola.

Gulf Business has also reported that hajj visas are not being issued to pilgrims of the affected countries, while the Minister in charge of Islamic Affairs in Malaysia is quoted in the Malay Mail as stating that the hajj will continue as normal from the country. Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said only healthy pilgrims would be allowed on the hajj.

At present there are no cases of transmission outside of the affected West African countries, but the situation could change rapidly. The next few weeks will answer questions such as whether Ebola spreads easily in countries which are prepared for epidemics, and whether a cure can be made available quickly. 

View the latest FAQ on EVD here. There are currently no registered medicines or vaccines against the virus, though several experimental options are currently under development.

Hajj visa application process a complex business

Those who want to go on the hajj* pilgrimage not only have to secure a place under the country quota system, but also need to identify an approved travel operator to handle visa procedures and travel arrangements. 

The visa application is a particular hurdle as requirements may change from year to year. A report on Arab News reported on 9 July that some Egyptian agencies had been denied hajj visas because Egyptian pilgrims had overstayed their visas in the past, for example. 

Meanwhile, Arabian Business said in May 2014 that those under four and those over 60 were being denied hajj and umrah visas because fears of complications if they caught Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), though another report in Arab News the same month denies that those over 65 are being denied visas. 

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has a page on misconceptions about MERS here. At the time of writing, the number of new MERS cases in the Kingdom are slowing, and the Ministry of Health has not issued any advisories regarding hajj or umrah. The page nevertheless recommends that people over 65, pregnant women, children under 12, and those suffering immunodeficiency or chronic ailments postpone their trips. "However everyone can take precautions by following the prevention guidelines and exercising common sense," states the ministry on the website.

*Islam requires all Muslims who are able to do so to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Those who have been on hajj in the last five years will not be issued hajj visas.