Umrah Visa for Pakistani Passport Holders – Important Guidelines

For Pakistani passport holders, obtaining an Umrah visa requires going through an officially authorized Umrah agent. These agents must be registered with a Saudi “Shirka” (Umrah company) and approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Unlike many other countries where citizens can apply for an Umrah visa online, Pakistanis cannot apply directly and must use the authorized channels.

Current Umrah Visa Validity

At present, the Umrah visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. However, Saudi authorities strongly recommend that Umrah pilgrims limit their stay to no more than 28 days. This recommendation is intended to ensure smooth crowd management and compliance with pilgrimage regulations.

Important Points for Pakistani Pilgrims

• Authorized Agents Only: Applications must be processed through Saudi-approved Umrah agents in Pakistan.

• Travel Duration: Even though the visa allows 90 days, pilgrims should plan their journey within the 28-day recommendation.

• Not for Work or Residence: The Umrah visa is strictly for pilgrimage purposes and cannot be converted into a work or residence permit.

• Multiple Countries Policy: Citizens of many other countries can apply online for an Umrah visa, but Pakistan is excluded from this facility.

Pro Tip: Always verify your travel agent’s authorization status to avoid scams and ensure a smooth visa process.