How can Pakistanis perform Umrah in 2026?
Pakistani citizens can perform Umrah provided they enter Saudi Arabia on a valid visa and meet the current health requirements. Since policies can change, always verify the details printed on your visa and check official government portals before traveling.
Planning a successful trip generally comes down to four essentials:
- Visa route: choosing the right entry permit.
- Logistics: booking flights and accommodation (or a package).
- Health: meeting Saudi vaccination requirements.
- Access: using official platforms like Nusuk for permits.
Visas for Umrah from Pakistan
Umrah visa
For most Pakistani pilgrims, the standard route is an Umrah-specific visa arranged through an approved Umrah operator in Pakistan. Authorised agencies (including Tasheer-affiliated centres) typically handle the visa process and coordinate key trip elements — flights, hotels, and ground transport.
This route is especially practical for families, first-time pilgrims, and anyone who prefers a structured itinerary.
Tourist visa and eVisa
Saudi Arabia’s official tourist eVisa portal states that the tourist visa allows Umrah (excluding Hajj) for eligible nationalities, and it publishes the eligible country list directly.
Pakistan is not currently on the tourist eVisa eligibility list. Pakistani citizens can still perform Umrah using an Umrah visa or, in some cases, through the residency/visa-linked routes below — always confirm the latest rules on the official portal before applying.
Alternative options that may apply to Pakistani passport holders:
- Hold a valid and used US, UK, or Schengen visa and fly on a Saudi carrier (Saudia, flynas, or flyadeal) to apply for an eVisa or request visa on arrival, subject to the carrier’s and Saudi authorities’ current rules.
- Hold GCC residency that meets the portal’s eligibility conditions.
- Apply through the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate for the visa category that fits your case.
For official government links and contact starting points, visit the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
How to book Umrah from Pakistan
Quick pre-booking checklist
- Check your passport validity for your planned travel dates.
- Decide your booking route: package (operator-arranged) vs DIY (you arrange flights/hotels yourself).
- Plan vaccines early — some Saudi requirements specify minimum timing before arrival.
- Keep details consistent across bookings (passport name spelling, date of birth, passport number).
Choose your booking route
Package route: best if you want visa support plus a coordinated itinerary (hotels, transport, and sometimes guided services).
DIY route: best if you want flexibility on flight times, hotel choices, and trip length — but you manage the details yourself and must ensure your visa route allows it.
Umrah permit and Rawdah appointments
Saudi Arabia uses official platforms such as Nusuk for Umrah-related services and, when required, appointment-based access (including Rawdah in Madinah). For step-by-step instructions, slot troubleshooting, and what to keep ready, see our full Umrah permit guide.
Umrah Permit 2026: All You Need to Know About the Permit for the Minor Pilgrimage
Umrah packages from Pakistan
If you’re choosing a package, your final cost and comfort usually depend on season (Ramadan vs off-peak), hotel distance, room sharing (quad/triple/double), transport type, and what is included in writing.
For Pakistan-focused package tips and what to check before paying, consult our full guide below.
Health and vaccine requirements
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health publishes the official health requirements and recommendations for Umrah and visit travellers. Use the latest official guideline for your season of travel and carry clear vaccination proof (name/type/date).
Required vaccines
- Meningococcal meningitis (quadrivalent ACWY): required for all Umrah travellers aged one year and older. The dose must be received at least 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia, and must be within 3 years (for polysaccharide ACWY vaccines) or 5 years (for conjugate ACWY vaccines), depending on the formulation.
- Poliomyelitis: all travellers arriving from Pakistan (listed as a polio-risk country in the current Saudi MOH guideline) are required to receive a dose of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) or bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (bOPV) at least 4 weeks before travel. Proof must be recorded in an International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card).
- Yellow fever: required for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, yellow-fever risk countries or areas. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination if this applies.
Recommended vaccines
- COVID-19: recommended in line with updated international guidance referenced by the Saudi MOH.
- Seasonal influenza: recommended for Umrah travellers, especially during peak crowd periods.
Practical health checklist for pilgrims
- Schedule vaccinations early to meet the minimum timing requirements before arrival.
- Carry vaccination proof (printed and digital), clearly showing vaccine name/type and date.
- Pack essential medication in hand luggage with prescriptions, plus a small buffer for delays.
Umrah from Pakistan FAQs
Can I perform Umrah using a tourist visa?
Only if you hold a passport on the eligible list. Saudi Arabia’s official tourist eVisa portal states that the tourist visa allows Umrah (excluding Hajj) for eligible nationalities. Pakistan is not currently on that list, so most Pakistani pilgrims use an Umrah visa or another applicable route. If you hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa — or GCC residency — check the portal for conditions that may still allow you to apply.
Do I need Nusuk for Umrah and Rawdah?
Yes — Nusuk is Saudi Arabia’s official platform for Umrah services. It is used for Umrah permits (Tawaf slots in the Mataf during busy times) and, when required, appointment-based access such as Rawdah visits in Madinah. The service is free — avoid third parties claiming to “secure” slots. For step-by-step booking and troubleshooting, see our Umrah permit guide.
What vaccines do Pakistani Umrah pilgrims need?
Meningococcal ACWY and polio are the two key required vaccines. Saudi MOH guidance requires a quadrivalent ACWY meningococcal vaccine (valid 3–5 years depending on type, given at least 10 days before arrival) for travellers aged one year and older. Because Pakistan is listed among polio-risk countries, Pakistani travellers also need a dose of IPV or bOPV at least 4 weeks before travel, recorded on the International Certificate of Vaccination. Always check the latest MOH document for your travel season.
Where can I verify approved Umrah operators in Pakistan?
Start with official Pakistan government communications. The Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony publishes approved lists for each Umrah season. Only book with operators that provide clear documentation and receipts, and verify the operator through official channels before paying a deposit.
Sources
- Visit Saudi — Official tourist eVisa portal (eligibility list and rules)
- Visit Saudi — Visa regulations overview
- Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Official portal
- Saudi Ministry of Health — Health Regulations for Umrah (official PDF)
- Saudia — Hajj and Umrah health requirements summary
- Nusuk — Official platform for Umrah and Rawdah permits
- Nusuk Umrah — Dedicated Umrah services platform
- US CDC — Traveller health page for Saudi Arabia
- NaTHNaC (UK) — Hajj and Umrah travel health factsheet
- WHO EMRO — Umrah and Hajj health messages
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
