Umrah Visa from Pakistan

Umrah Visa from Pakistan

What is an Umrah Visa?

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.

Types of Visas for Umrah

Here are the two different options for obtaining an Umrah visa from Pakistan:

Umrah visa 

Pakistani citizens can apply for an Umrah-specific visa to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. 

Saudi Tourist eVisa

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: 

  • A legal resident in the US, UK, or a Schengen country
  • Holder of a valid US, UK, or Schengen business or tourist visa
  • A resident of any of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

Differences between the Umrah visa and the Saudi eVisa

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.

Umrah Visa for Pakistani Citizens

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.

Umrah Visa Eligibility Criteria 

Review the eligibility criteria for an Umrah visa from Pakistan: 

  • You must be at least 18 years old. If anyone under the age of 18 wishes to apply for an Umrah visa, they must do it with a parent or legal guardian. 
  • You must be of the Muslim faith. 
  • You must have a valid passport with a minimum validity period of six months. 
  • You must register on the Nusuk platform. 

Umrah Visa Requirements

Here’s a comprehensive list of documents required for an Umrah visa from Pakistan: 

  • Valid passport
    • Applicants must possess a valid passport with a minimum validity period of six months. 
  • Completed application form
    • The application form must be filled out accurately and submitted to an authorized travel agent. 
  • Personal photo
    • - It should be a recent color photo taken against a white background. 
    • - Your facial expressions should be neutral. 
    • - You should not wear any eyeglasses or headwear, except for religious reasons. 
  • Vaccination certificate
    • - You will need to present a health certification against Meningococcal Meningitis.
    • - The certificate should be issued a minimum of 10 days before and less than 3 years from entry into Saudi Arabia. 
    • - You may need other vaccinations, such as for yellow fever, polio, and influenza, depending on your nationality, age, and health condition. 
  • Certificate from a mosque or Islamic center (if applicable)
    • If you do not have a Muslim name or if you have converted to Islam, you will require a certificate to confirm that you are a Muslim. 
  • Flight ticket
    • You will need to have a confirmed return or onward airline ticket.

How to Apply 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:

  1. Contact an authorized agent

    Find a travel agency that is licensed by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and accredited by the Embassy.

  2. Submit your application.

    - Gather all the documents you need as outlined in the previous section. 
    - Complete the application form and submit it to the travel agency.

  3. Receive your visa.

    - 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.

Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees

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.

Renewal of Umrah Visa

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. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Review this list of the most common mistakes Pakistani applicants make to avoid doing the same: 

  • Incorrect or missing information
    • - Check that all your details are correct, especially your full name and passport information. 
    • - Some visas are rejected because of a missing digit in the passport number or incorrect spelling of names. 
  • Unsuitable photographs
    • - Ensure your photographs are not blurry or outdated. 
    • - They should meet all the guidelines, such as the size and color of the background. 
  • Missing documents 
    • Failure to submit required documents, such as your return ticket, vaccination certificate, or photograph, may lead to delays in the processing of your visa. 
  • Expired passport
    • - Make sure your passport is not expiring in less than six months. 
    • - Having an insufficient validity period on your passport can lead to a visa rejection. 
    • - If your passport is expiring soon, renew it first before applying for an Umrah visa. 

Tips for Getting an Umrah Visa from Pakistan

Here are some useful tips to help you get an Umrah visa: 

  • Apply at the right time. 
    • - Since the Umrah pilgrimage cannot be performed during the Hajj season, plan your trip well and ensure your visa does not overlap with the restricted period. 
    • - As of April 13, 2025, Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas until mid-June. 
    • - This measure has been taken to prevent overcrowding during the Hajj season, which led to many deaths in 2024.
  • Check the accreditation of the travel agency. 
    • As only authorized travel agencies can submit Umrah visa applications on your behalf, make sure that the one you are choosing is part of the official list. 
  • Familiarize yourself with the process. 
    • - Learn about the Umrah visa process for Pakistani nationals. 
    • - Understand the Umrah visa requirements for travelers from Pakistan so that you can prepare all the necessary documents ahead of time.

Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for Pakistani Citizens

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: 

  • Tourism
    • - With a Saudi eVisa, you can engage in tourism-related activities. 
    • - For example, you may go sightseeing in the old towns, go on a desert safari, or enjoy shopping in the cities.  
  • Family and friends' visits
    • If you have family members or friends residing in Saudi Arabia, you can visit them and stay with them with an eVisa.

Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application

Here’s a list of documents that citizens of Pakistan will need to submit for a Saudi eVisa:

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your intended arrival date.

Passport-sized photo

  • It should be a recent color photo with a solid white background. 
  • The image size to be between 5 and 100 KB.
  • The photo size should be two by two inches.
  • Your face should make up 80% of the photo
  • Ensure that your facial expressions are natural.

How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa

Follow these steps to apply for your Saudi eVisa:

  1. Fill out the visa application form.

    - 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.

  2. Attach photos and documents.

    - 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.

  3. Input your accommodation details.

    - 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.

  4. Pay the visa fee.

    After you submit the application, pay the visa fees using a valid payment method such as a debit or credit card.

  5. Get your approved visa.

    You will receive your Saudi eVisa via email. Ensure that your full name and passport information are correct.

Saudi eVisa Processing Time

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.

Saudi eVisa Extension

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.

Travel Tips for Umrah from Pakistan

Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your pilgrimage: 

  • Get all the necessary vaccinations. 
    • Check which vaccinations you need to take and get them ahead of time. 
  • Travel during the off-peak season.
    • - Consider traveling during the off-peak season as it will be less crowded. 
    • - The accommodation prices will also be lower during this period. 
  • Pack the right essential items. 
    • - Pack an Ihram (for men) and modest clothing that provides the required coverage for women.
    • - Pack a small Quran and a small bag for carrying essentials. 
    • - Ensure you have comfortable footwear, medication, and snacks with you. 
  • Prepare yourself spiritually. 
    • - Educate yourself about the rituals of Umrah, such as Tawaf and Sa’i. 
    • - Reflect on your past sins, repent of them, and resolve not to do them again. 
    • - Seek forgiveness from people you may have hurt. 
  • Comply with the visa conditions. 
    • - Make sure that you only enter Saudi Arabia while your visa is valid. You may be refused entry into the country if your visa is not valid.
    • - Leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires to avoid penalties for overstaying.

Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan

Here are the contact details of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Pakistan: 

  • Address: No. 14, North Service Road, Diplomatic Enclave, G-4, Islamabad
  • Phone numbers: +92 512600900 or +92 512600901
  • Fax: +92 512278816
  • Email address: pkemb@mofa.gov.sa
  • Working hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much is the Umrah visa fee from Pakistan in 2025?

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.

How to apply for a Saudi visa online from Pakistan?

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.

Can non-Muslims get an Umrah visa?

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).

Can I do Umrah for free?

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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