Umrah 2026: New Rules Every Pakistani Pilgrim Must Know

Saudi Arabia has overhauled several Umrah rules, and pilgrims from Pakistan booking 2026 packages need to plan differently than before. Here are the changes that matter.

1. The visa entry window shrank from 90 to 30 days

Since October 2025, you must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of your Umrah visa being issued, and your stay cannot exceed 30 days. Extensions are not possible — so visas should be filed close to your travel date, not months ahead.

2. "No booking, no visa" — Nusuk-approved hotels are mandatory

A confirmed booking at a Nusuk-approved hotel is now required before the visa is even issued. Random or unverified bookings cause rejections. Hijrat books only Nusuk-listed properties in Makkah and Madinah, so this is handled automatically in every package.

3. Pakistanis must apply through licensed operators

Pakistani passport holders cannot apply directly on the Nusuk app. Every application must go through a Pakistani operator licensed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, working with a Saudi-approved service provider — another reason to avoid informal agents.

4. Rules that got easier

Women can now perform Umrah without a mehram. You can land at any Saudi airport on an Umrah visa. No PCR tests, no quarantine, no age-limit restrictions.

What does Umrah cost from Pakistan in 2026?

The Saudi visa fee is SAR 300 (roughly PKR 22,000+), but with operator processing the realistic visa cost for Pakistanis lands between PKR 48,000–65,000. Full economy packages outside Ramadan start around PKR 195,000–300,000 per person depending on nights and hotel distance from the Haram. See our current Umrah packages for live prices from Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Visa rules change frequently. This article reflects information available on the date of publication — always confirm current requirements with Hijrat or official sources before applying.