Why Pakistani Immigration Requires Same Airline Round-Trip Tickets for Umrah Travelers

When planning Umrah, one of the most common questions asked by Pakistani travelers is:

“Why is it mandatory to book both onward and return tickets with the same airline and under the same PNR (Passenger Name Record)?”

Interestingly, this requirement does not come from Saudi authorities. Instead, it is enforced by Pakistani immigration and airlines before departure.

Why This Rule Exists

The main reason behind this policy is to prevent potential misuse of tickets. Pakistani immigration fears that:

• Some passengers might book fake return tickets to bypass checks.

• Travelers could cancel or refund their return tickets after using the outbound flight, raising doubts about their genuine travel intentions.

By requiring the same airline and same PNR for both directions, authorities ensure that passengers have a confirmed, traceable, and verifiable itinerary.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes ✅ — Pakistani immigration does allow flexibility if a traveler can provide a valid justification. Here are some accepted scenarios:

1. Different Airlines for Different Cities

Suppose you are flying from Pakistan to Madinah, but some Pakistani airlines do not operate flights to Madinah. In that case:

• You may choose an airline that flies to Madinah for your outbound journey.

• For your return, you can book another airline that flies directly from Jeddah to Pakistan.
  This will be considered a valid justification.

2. Stopovers in Other Countries

If you plan to stop in Dubai, Qatar, or any other country before entering Saudi Arabia, and then return directly to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia:

• You may use different airlines for each leg of the journey.

• This flexibility allows travelers to combine Umrah with a short holiday or business trip in another country.

What Travelers Should Keep in Mind

• Check with your airline and agent before booking to ensure your travel plan will not cause issues at immigration.

• Always carry confirmed tickets, not just bookings, to avoid complications.

• If using different airlines, be ready to explain your justification at the airport.

Final Thoughts

While Saudi Arabia places no such restriction, Pakistani immigration enforces this rule as a precautionary measure. The purpose is not to create hurdles but to ensure smooth, genuine, and secure travel for all passengers.

By understanding the reasoning behind this requirement and knowing the valid exceptions, Umrah travelers from Pakistan can plan their journeys with confidence and peace of mind.