Umrah Visa for Pakistanis — Complete 2026 Guide

Umrah is one of the most spiritually significant journeys for Pakistani Muslims. Saudi Arabia has significantly simplified the Umrah visa process since 2021 — this guide covers everything you need to know.

Umrah Visa Overview (2026)

• Validity: 90 days from issue
• Maximum stay: 90 days inside Saudi Arabia
• Entries: single entry
• Visa fee: approximately $300 USD (government + agent fees)
• Entry points: Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED) airports

Major Changes Since 2021

• Women can travel without mahram — women 18+ can perform Umrah independently
• Travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia — not restricted to Makkah/Madinah
• Online Nusuk platform — direct visa applications
• Extended stay — from 30 days to 90 days
• No age limit for pilgrims — removed previous restrictions

Three Ways to Apply

Option 1 — Through Pakistani Umrah Agent

The most common method. Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan (MORA) licenses Umrah agents who handle:

• Visa application and processing
• Flight bookings
• Hotel reservations in Makkah and Madinah
• Transport within Saudi Arabia
• Group ziyarat tours

Package costs: PKR 180,000 (budget economy) to PKR 500,000+ (VIP) per person for 10-day packages.

Option 2 — Nusuk Platform (Direct Online)

Saudi Arabia's official platform at nusuk.sa allows direct booking:

1. Create Nusuk account
2. Select "Umrah Visa" application
3. Upload passport, photo, booking proofs
4. Pay visa fee
5. Book flights, hotels, and transport separately or through Nusuk partners

Suitable for independent travelers familiar with online booking. Does not include any package services.

Option 3 — Transit Umrah (via Saudi carriers)

Saudia and flynas offer "Transit Umrah" — Pakistani passengers transiting through Jeddah or Riyadh can get a free short-stay Umrah visa (up to 96 hours).

Required Documents

• Pakistani passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
• Recent photographs (passport size, white background)
• Vaccination certificates (as required — typically meningitis quadrivalent)
• Return flight ticket confirmation
• Hotel bookings in Makkah and Madinah
• Health insurance (recommended)
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Health Requirements

• Meningitis vaccination: ACYW135 strains, taken 10 days before and valid 3 years
• COVID-19: requirements vary; check latest Saudi guidelines
• Yellow fever: for pilgrims from certain African countries, not applicable to Pakistan
• Seasonal flu vaccine: recommended, especially for seniors

Visa Process Timeline

1. Choose agent or self-apply
2. Submit documents (passport, photo, bookings)
3. Visa processing: typically 3–10 working days
4. Visa stamped in passport or issued electronically
5. Pay package / Nusuk fees
6. Travel to Saudi Arabia

Female Pilgrim Guidelines

Women traveling without mahram:

• Must be 18 or older
• Preferred (not required) to travel in groups
• Can book through agents or Nusuk directly
• Must still observe hijab and modest dress

Children and Minors

• No minimum age for Umrah
• Must have own passport (even infants)
• Travel with parent(s) with birth certificate
• If one parent is absent, consent letter required

Peak Seasons to Avoid (or Choose)

• Ramadan (especially last 10 days): most spiritually significant but extremely crowded; prices triple
• Hajj season (Dhul-Hijjah): Umrah visas restricted or suspended during Hajj period
• School holidays (Jun–Aug): popular with Pakistani families, higher prices
• Winter (Dec–Feb): cooler weather, moderate crowds, popular
• Shoulder months (Mar, Nov): pleasant weather, good value

What to Expect in Saudi Arabia

Arrival

At Jeddah or Madinah airport, immigration checks your Umrah visa and biometric data. Expect queues during peak season.

Hotels

• Makkah: hotels near Haram (within 300m) are premium; shuttle service from further hotels
• Madinah: hotels facing Masjid Nabawi are prime; most within 500m acceptable

Transport Between Cities

• Haramain High-Speed Rail: 2.5 hours Makkah to Madinah
• Private coach/car: 4 hours
• Taxi/Uber available

Rules to Follow

• Perform Umrah before leaving the country (or on return trip from Madinah)
• Do not overstay 90 days — fines up to SAR 100,000 and bans
• Do not work on Umrah visa — strict penalties
• Observe Saudi laws regarding dress, behavior, prayer times
• Keep passport and visa accessible at all times

Common Mistakes

• Choosing unlicensed agents — risk of scam
• Not vaccinating in time — denied boarding
• Booking during Hajj period — Umrah visas suspended
• Underestimating costs for Zamzam, souvenirs, extras
• Not keeping Ihram and prayer clothes in carry-on (checked bags can be lost)

Related Resources

Umrah Cost Calculator · Passport Validity Checker (Saudi 6-month rule) · UAE Visa Guide (transit)