Pakistan citizens yearning to perform Umrah can breathe a sigh of relief. We are here to guide you through the Saudi Arabia eVisa application process for Pakistanis.
Yes, it’s true. You'll need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia if you're from Pakistan. Residents of Pakistan will need to go through a rigorous process to secure an Umrah visa.
While iVisa cannot currently help you apply for the Umrah Visa, we can explain the application process, requirements, and what to expect. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa options for citizens of Pakistan.
What is the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?
Umrah means to visit the Kaaba, perform tawaf, and perform Sa’y between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year.
An Umrah visa is a travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), allowing you to enter the country to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. You can complete this religious journey anytime during the year. With this visa, you can visit the holy cities of Jeddah, Makkah (Mecca), and Medina.
Please note: This visa cannot be used to perform Hajj. A separate Hajj Visa is required during this period. The visa also does not allow activities like studying.
Types of Saudi Arabia Umrah Visas for Pakistani Nationals
If you are a GCC resident, you are eligible to apply for an Umrah visa online directly from the Saudi Arabian government or the Umrah Visa through the package option.
Pakistani nationals who are permanent US, UK, or EU residents or are US, UK, or Schengen visa holders are eligible for a visa on arrival or the visa through package option, which the Saudi Embassy issues.
Suppose you do not fall into the above categories; you will only be eligible for the Umrah visa through package option. This can be obtained by booking an Umrah package online through one of the approved service providers or visiting one of your local travel agencies approved to book Umrah packages.
Unfortunately, iVisa cannot currently accommodate any of these visa applications, and Citizens of Pakistan are not eligible for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa option we now offer.
If you are not a citizen of Pakistan, you can check your eligibility for the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa with our Visa Checker Tool.
How to apply for a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa from Pakistan?
To apply for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa as a Pakistani, you will need to::
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Step 1: Find an approved travel agency in your home country and work with them to apply for your visa. They will be in charge of preparing your application and planning your trip. The agency will offer several Umrah package options at different price ranges.
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Step 2: Prepare all required documents for the application and submit them to your chosen travel agency. The agency will proceed with the rest of the application.
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Step 3: Register on the Umrah apps. Once you enter the country, you need to download two obligatory apps on your phone: the Tawakkalna app (which works only in Saudi Arabia and will contain all your vaccination records, which you need to display when you enter hotels, restaurants, and the masjids) and the Etmarna app (which allows you to get prayer permits and have them linked to your Tawakalna.)
Umrah Visa Requirements for Citizens of Pakistan
Pakistan Umrah pilgrims will need to prepare the following documents to apply for their Umrah visa:
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Umrah visa application form.
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One recent passport photograph. If you require new photos, use the iVisa passport photo service to get updated passport photos from the comfort of your home.
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Valid passport with a six-month validity period (from when you submit your application). You may need a scan showing passport details as well.
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Purchased non-refundable flight tickets.
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Evidence of a relationship between female pilgrims and their ‘mahram’ (partner/brother/father).
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Health insurance covering Covid-19 infections as well.
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Proof of meningitis vaccination at least ten days before traveling but not older than three years.
These requirements may seem overwhelming. However, remember that even basic and economy umrah packages cover Visa, Accommodation, Transportation, and Medical Insurance already. Your Umrah package agent will assist you throughout your visa application process. Those applying for a visa on arrival or the Umrah eVisa may be required to provide additional documentation, including the relevant residency permits or visas.
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Fee
The Umrah visa application costs between $380 to $490. But, the visa fees are liable to change from country to country.
Additionally, pilgrims must pay for the Umrah travel package, raising the overall cost of Umrah to between $1,500 to $2,000.
Umrah Visa Validity
The Umrah visa is valid for two weeks. But, if you are performing Umrah during Ramadan, you must leave by the last day of the holy month regardless of whether you have stayed for two weeks.
Umrah Visa Processing Time
In normal circumstances, an Umrah visa takes five to ten days to finish processing— depending on your country of residence.
Can I Perform Umrah With a Tourist Visa?
Unfortunately, Pakistani nationals are not eligible to apply for the Tourist visa. However, if you qualify, you can perform Umrah with a tourist visa, which has several advantages compared to an Umrah visa.
For example, you can stay longer, and it’s issued with multiple entries. However, tourist visas are more difficult to obtain, and you have a higher chance of getting a pilgrimage visa when you apply with a licensed travel agency. You can only perform Umrah with a tourist visa and not Hajj.
Best of all, you can apply through iVisa, making your life simpler and more manageable!
iVisa’s Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa application process
Umrah pilgrims who are eligible to apply for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa, let iVisa help you take the guesswork out of the visa application process with our easy visa application. It can be completed in minutes from your home or office with these three simple steps:
Step 1: Provide basic information about yourself in the application form and your trip and choose your preferred processing time.
Step 2: Check for all information, and pay for the Saudi Arabia e-Visa Fees using a credit or debit card. Step 3: Finally, add any required documents, if needed, and click ‘Submit.’
Then sit back as we process the application on your behalf. The approved visa confirmation will be emailed to you.
Processing time and cost of the Saudi Arabia e-Visa
The waiting period for your Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa will depend on your country of origin and the speed of processing you choose. We currently offer three processing options:
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Standard processing will take 4 days .
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Rush processing will take 2 days.
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Super Rush takes 16 hours.
The cost comprises iVisa’s processing fee, which depends on the processing option you choose, and your nationality, as well as the USD 144 government application fee.
When should I apply for the Saudi Arabia eVisa?
Those intending to perform Umrah, explore the holy city, and enjoy other tourism opportunities are advised to apply for their Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa at least 24 hours before their trip to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa Requirements
Make sure to gather these documents before applying for your e-Visa:
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National ID Card or Birth Certificate - You must show your identity with your government's official document.
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Travel Authorization from Employer or School - You need a letter or a statement from your host indicating the reason for your stay.
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Applicant Photo - A recent color passport photo works best. If you do not have one, you can use our photo service to get new pictures done from the comfort of your home.
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Passport Personal Details Scan - Scan your passport bio page. You must have six months of validity left from the day you plan to enter Saudi Arabia.
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Proof of Accommodation - Prove you have a place to stay while you are in the country.
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Bank Statement - Show customs officials you have the money to pay for your trip.
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Vaccinations - If you come from a country with a high risk of yellow fever, you will need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to reach Saudi Arabia.
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Onward Ticket - Show that you have a departure ticket to leave Saudi Arabia.
How often can I enter Saudi Arabia with a Tourist e-Visa?
The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is a Multiple Entry visa. Thus, you can enter the country as often as you want within a year. Each stay can be up to 90 days.
Validity of a Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa
Your e-Visa for Saudi Arabia expires a year after the issue. Your maximum stay in Saudi Arabia is 90 days per trip.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service team, who are available 24/7 online, or email us at [email protected].
We hope you have a great time in Saudi Arabia!
