17/11/2017
Umrah Visa Rules in Pakistan
Men below 40
In Pakistan, men below 40 years of age cannot travel alone for Umrah. They have to be accompanied by a female relative. This was introduced by Saudi authorities after repeated complaints of abuse of Umrah visa for labour and other purposes of absconding. The trend has been further harnessed by linking all ministries related to the Umrah and Hajj process and tight immigration control of Saudi government and a strict overstay policy.
Women below 45
Women below 45, in Pakistan (as in all other countries), cannot travel alone for Umrah, as long as they are not over 45 years of age. Below this age, they have to travel with a mahram. Mahram can be any blood relative and/or your husband. Please be aware of fraudsters promising to attach you with families. Never take a risk of doing something illegal.
SAR 2000 Fee
The Saudi government has imposed an SAR 2000 fee on pilgrims travelling for Umrah, either within Hijri year 1438 or 1439. This is a government fee and there are (unfortunately) no ways about it. You have to pay this fee if you have visited the holy places before in this or last Hijri year. Remember Hajj or Umrah done before that does not count towards this. The fee is payable on top of the Umrah visa fees already in practice.
Non Muslim Name
If a person has a non-Muslim name, due to recent conversion to Islam, a certificate from the local mosque certifying that he/she has converted to Islam is required. Such a certificate from another country where the conversion took place can also be acceptable.
Polio Vaccination
Polio vaccination is mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims from the last few years. You can get the drops from any closest government hospital. Private options are also there but they are almost all very expensive. However, it may depend on your locality. The vaccination cards are required to be submitted with passports, at least two weeks before departure.
Latest photographs
We all like our young looks but the photographs you send for the visa should be latest. The ladies should not have their face covered. Head covers are fine, as long as they do not overly drop on the face and make recognition difficult.
Validity of Umrah Visa
Umrah visa is valid for a total of 30 days from the date of issue. However, to offset certain things, you should be out of Saudi in a maximum of 28 days. This is manifested by all Umrah packages being offered for a maximum of that duration.
Cities Allowed for Umrah Visa
Jeddah, Makkah and Medina are the only three cities; you can visit on an Umrah visa. Any people hoping to meet you while in Saudi will have to travel to one of these cities.
Ports of Entry
Only Jeddah and Medina are valid ports of entry for travel by air for Umrah. Please do not book flights to any other airport, as for one you will not get a visa or will be denied boarding or worst come deported from Saudi Arabia.
Passport Validity
On the date of application of Umrah visa, your passport should be valid for at least 7 months. The minimum required on the date of travel is 6 months. Below this mark, you might face problems getting the visa or at the airport while boarding. Make sure all your passports are valid for the duration.
