An Umrah visa is a travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Muslims planning to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca. Umrah differs from Hajj as it can be performed at any time during the year. The Hajj pilgrimage, on the other hand, can only be performed during specific dates.
Umrah is known as a “minor” or “lesser” pilgrimage, but is nonetheless a highly significant pilgrimage that is undertaken by Muslims as an act of worship. It is a means for pilgrims to cleanse their hearts, receive purification by seeking forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to travel to the holiest site in Islam, Mecca, and perform rituals like Tawaf and Sa’i. Prophet Muhammad encouraged Muslims to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime.
The latest changes to Umrah visa regulations in 2022 have increased the Umrah visa duration from 30 days to 90 days. This enables pilgrims to have sufficient time to perform all their rituals. However, Umrah-specific visas are not eligible for extensions. Individuals seeking to perform Umrah may also do so under tourist, transit, and on-arrival visas.
Here are the two different options for obtaining an Umrah visa from Pakistan:
Pakistani citizens can apply for an Umrah-specific visa to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.
Foreigners can perform Umrah with a Saudi tourist eVisa. However, there are only 68 eligible countries, and Pakistan is not one of them. Pakistani citizens can apply for an eVisa if they meet any of the following conditions:
The Umrah visa is available to nationals of countries that cannot apply for a tourist eVisa directly. Those who do not qualify for a Saudi eVisa will have to apply for an Umrah visa through an authorized agent, which often involves signing up for an Umrah package. The Umrah visa charges from Pakistan depend on the package you choose and whether it includes hotel accommodation or not, etc.
Compared to the Umrah visa, an eVisa from Pakistan is easier to apply for as you can do it online, and the processing time is much shorter, as you can typically get the result of your application within 24 hours. If you’re eligible for a Saudi eVisa, it is recommended that you apply for the eVisa instead of the Umrah visa, as the process is simpler and more convenient.
Saudi Arabia also permits those on transit visas to perform Umrah, but they need to visit the Nusuk platform to schedule an Umrah appointment if they wish to visit Mecca or Madinah.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a Saudi eVisa, you will need to apply for an Umrah visa for Pakistani citizens. The single-entry Umrah visa has a validity period of 90 days.
Review the eligibility criteria for an Umrah visa from Pakistan:
Here’s a comprehensive list of documents required for an Umrah visa from Pakistan:
You may be wondering, “Is an Umrah visa available from Pakistan?” or how to apply online for an Umrah visa from Pakistan. Follow these steps to apply for an Umrah visa online from Pakistan:
Find a travel agency that is licensed by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and accredited by the Embassy.
- Gather all the documents you need as outlined in the previous section.
- Complete the application form and submit it to the travel agency.
- Wait for the Umrah visa to be processed.
- Collect your passport along with the visa from the travel agency once it is processed.
- Plan your travel to Saudi Arabia.
The Umrah visa processing time in Pakistan is typically processed in a few days to a few weeks, so plan your travel dates accordingly. The fees of the Umrah visa depend on the authorized agency and package you choose. Packages usually include flight tickets, accommodation, and transportation in Saudi Arabia. The package might also include extras such as a guide, if you are traveling within a group.
The Umrah visa cannot be extended or renewed for Pakistani citizens. Be careful to leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires, as overstayers will be heavily fined. On top of the heavy fines, violators may be deported and barred from entering Saudi Arabia in the future.
Review this list of the most common mistakes Pakistani applicants make to avoid doing the same:
Here are some useful tips to help you get an Umrah visa:
Pakistani citizens who are legal residents in the US, UK, Schengen, or any of the GCC countries are eligible for a Saudi eVisa. They are also eligible if they hold a valid tourist or business US, UK, or Schengen visa. The application process for the Saudi eVisa is very quick and straightforward. The Saudi eVisa usually allows for multiple entries with a validity period of one year or for a single entry with a validity period of 90 days. You can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa.
If you wish to perform Umrah and are eligible for a Saudi eVisa, it is the most convenient option for you. The Saudi eVisa permits other activities apart from Umrah, such as the following:
Here’s a list of documents that citizens of Pakistan will need to submit for a Saudi eVisa:
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your intended arrival date.
Follow these steps to apply for your Saudi eVisa:
- Provide your personal information, such as your full name, contact details, address, profession, and passport information.
- State the reason for your visit, such as tourism, a family or friend visit, participating in an event, or performing Umrah.
- Those under the age of 18 will require their own eVisas. A parent or guardian will need to fill out the form for them, and they will need to be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or adult sibling when visiting Saudi Arabia.
- Upload a photo of yourself that meets the guidelines.
- Upload a copy of your passport biodata page and ensure all the information can be seen clearly.
- Provide the address, email address, and contact number of the accommodation during your stay, such as the hotel you will be staying at.
- If you are staying with a friend or family member, share their contact details.
After you submit the application, pay the visa fees using a valid payment method such as a debit or credit card.
You will receive your Saudi eVisa via email. Ensure that your full name and passport information are correct.
Upon submitting your application, you can expect to receive your Saudi eVisa within 24 hours. However, it may take more depending on the case and the time of application.
It is not possible to extend your Saudi eVisa if your visa is a single-entry visa and you wish to stay for more than 90 days in Saudi Arabia. Instead, you will need to leave Saudi Arabia and submit a fresh eVisa application. After you get your new eVisa, you can re-enter Saudi Arabia. If it is a multiple-entry visa, you will need to exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter to start a new 90-day period.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your pilgrimage:
Here are the contact details of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Pakistan:
You may be wondering what the price of a 3-month Umrah visa in Pakistan is. The Umrah visa fees from Pakistan depend on the authorized agent you choose to work with and the package you choose. You will also have to pay for other costs, such as accommodation and transport, when you sign up for an Umrah package with an authorized travel agency.
If you are eligible for an eVisa, you can apply for a Saudi visa online through the website or with a service provider. If you’re not eligible for an eVisa, you will have to apply for a visa through an authorized travel agency, as the Saudi Embassy does not accept applications from individuals.
No, non-Muslims are not eligible for an Umrah visa. If you are not a Muslim and want to visit Saudi Arabia, apply for a visit visa or a Saudi eVisa (if you meet the eligibility criteria).
The Saudi Umrah visa price in Pakistan varies; you will also have to pay for other expenses, such as your flight ticket, accommodation, transport, meals, and other miscellaneous expenses. Note that the Hajj visa price in Pakistan is much higher than for the Umrah pilgrimage.
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