Umrah visa rules for Pakistani travellers, 2026–27
Umrah is open most of the year, but the rules around visas, permits, vaccinations and the Hajj-season pause catch out many travellers. This guide sets out the current position for Pakistani passport holders and what companies should plan for.
The key facts
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Season 1448 opened | Umrah visa issuance and pilgrim entry began on 31 May 2026; Umrah permits in Nusuk from 1 June 2026. |
| Last visa issuance | 9 March 2027 (1 Shawwal 1448). |
| Last entry | 23 March 2027 (15 Shawwal 1448). |
| Last departure | 7 April 2027 (30 Shawwal 1448). |
| Other visa types | Holders of all Saudi visa types, including business and visit visas, may perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, with a Nusuk permit. |
| Vaccinations | Meningococcal ACWY vaccine for all pilgrims aged one year and over (conjugate within five years, or polysaccharide within three years, given at least 10 days before arrival). Travellers from Pakistan also need a polio vaccine dose within the previous 12 months and at least four weeks before arrival. |
| Masjid al-Haram | Every pilgrim needs an Umrah permit booked in the Nusuk app before entering for Umrah, even with a valid visa. |
Which visa can be used for Umrah
There are two practical routes for Pakistani travellers. The first is the Umrah visa itself, issued through a Saudi-approved Umrah company working with an agent abroad. The package — hotels, transport and services — is set up in the official system before the visa is issued, which is why bookings must be confirmed first.
The second is any other valid Saudi visa. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah allows holders of all visa types, including business visit visas, family visit visas and work visas, to perform Umrah, provided they book an Umrah permit in the Nusuk app. This is useful for staff already travelling to Saudi Arabia on business.
Go Global arranges corporate Umrah through our licensed Umrah partner. Umrah visas for Pakistani passport holders are processed by Saudi-approved Umrah companies through the official Nusuk system, and our licensed Umrah partner handles that processing for the groups we plan.
The Umrah calendar and the Hajj-season pause
Saudi Arabia publishes an Umrah season calendar each year. For the 1448 season, the Ministry set 9 March 2027 as the last day for issuing Umrah visas, 23 March 2027 as the last day for pilgrims to enter, and 7 April 2027 as the last day to leave on an Umrah visa.
Before each Hajj, entry to Makkah is closed to holders of Umrah, business, visit and tourist visas for several weeks, and Umrah permits pause. In 2026, Makkah entry was restricted from 13 April and Nusuk permits paused from 18 April to 31 May. Hajj 2027 is expected around mid-May 2027, subject to moon sighting, so expect a similar pause from around April 2027. The next season’s dates are announced by the Ministry after Hajj.
- Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and is the busiest Umrah period
- Eid al-Fitr 2027 falls around 9 March 2027, the last day for Umrah visa issuance
- Plan corporate groups for October to January, or after Hajj from June
Vaccinations and health rules
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health requires the meningococcal ACWY vaccine for Umrah pilgrims, and travellers from Pakistan must also show polio vaccination. Pakistan has its own polio vaccination requirement for outbound travellers. Get certificates well before travel: the meningitis vaccine must be given at least 10 days before arrival and the polio dose at least four weeks before.
Seasonal flu vaccination is recommended, especially for older pilgrims and those with chronic conditions. Health insurance is part of the Umrah visa package; staff travelling on other visas should check their own cover.
Permits inside Saudi Arabia
Once in Saudi Arabia, the Nusuk app is used to book the Umrah permit for Masjid al-Haram and the permit for the Rawdah in Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. Slots can be limited at busy times, so book as soon as dates are fixed. Non-Muslims may not enter Makkah.
How Go Global plans it
Dates
We check the season calendar and avoid the pre-Hajj pause.
Partner
Our licensed Umrah partner processes the visas.
Bookings
Flights, hotels and transport confirmed before the visa.
Health
Vaccination certificates checked for every traveller.
Permits
Nusuk permits booked once dates are fixed.
Questions we are asked
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi business visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season, with an Umrah permit booked in the Nusuk app.
When is the last date for Umrah visas this season?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah set 9 March 2027 as the last issuance date, 23 March 2027 as the last entry date and 7 April 2027 as the last departure date.
Which vaccinations are required?
Meningococcal ACWY for all pilgrims, and polio vaccination for travellers from Pakistan.
Who processes Umrah visas for Pakistanis?
Saudi-approved Umrah companies, through agents abroad and the official system. Go Global arranges corporate Umrah through our licensed Umrah partner.
Can women travel for Umrah without a mahram?
Saudi rules have changed in recent years. Check the current Saudi and Pakistani requirements and your operator’s policy before booking.
Planning Umrah for your staff?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips since 2020, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.