Q: Can Pakistanis perform Umrah in 2024?

Ans: – Yes, Saudi Arabia is currently issuing permits to foreign tourists wishing to perform Umrah, including those from Pakistan. In addition, the Saudi government has lifted all COVID-related restrictions on international immigrants, including:

Pilgrims are no longer required to present a PCR test on arrival, Pilgrims are no longer required to bring proof of vaccination when they arrive, therefore, uncircumcised pilgrims may perform Umrah at any time according to their wishes.

Children 5 years and older can apply for Umrah permission and pray in Holy Rawdah.

Recently, the Department of Hajj and Umrah allowed women between the ages of 18 and 65 to perform Umrah without a male guardian or “mahram”, but on the condition that they belong to the group. They also need to be vaccinated with one dose (partial vaccine) and free of infections. However, travelers arriving for tourist visas (including Umrah pilgrims) must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related medical expenses during their stay.

Q: When is the best time for Umrah 2024?

Ans: – This year, Ramadan begins on April 3, 2024 and ends on May 3, 2024 in Pakistan. However, visiting Umrah during Ramadan can be a bit expensive, as the cost of the Umrah package is expected to increase during Ramadan, especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan as people want to spend the last days of Ramadan in the holy place. the cities of Makkah and Medina. Significant cost increases in Umrah packages from Umrah operators in Saudi Arabia.

The same case is likely to happen to Umrah operators in Pakistan, as Saudi Arabia has now introduced Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15%, the exchange rate of foreign currency and other factors could increase the cost of Umrah packages.

Q: What are the requirements of Umrah 2024?

Ans: – An Umrah visa allows holders to enter Saudi Arabia for up to 14 days with a validity period of 30 days since the date of issuance. Holders of the Umrah visa must complete the Umrah and ensure their departure from Saudi Arabia is within the allotted time.

Requirements of the Umrah visa are as follows:

• a completed original Umrah visa application form. This form can be obtained by sending a large, self-addressed envelope to your nearest Saudi consulate. However, it is advisable to enlist the help of a certified travel agent to ensure the process goes smoothly.

• one recent passport-size color photograph with a white background. The entirety of the applicant’s face must be wholly visible and directly facing the camera. Side or angled views will not be accepted.

• a passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of the application. 

• a confirmed and non-refundable airline ticket. Departure from Saudi Arabia must be within two weeks from the date of entry.

• A valid residency permit must be submitted if the applicant is not a national of the country he/she is applying from.

• A vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis, Yellow Fever (if you are from one of the high-risk countries) and Polio (if you are from one of the high-risk countries) should be attached. The certificate of vaccination must have been issued at least 10 days prior to entry while not exceeding three years. The vaccination certificates must be carried by the pilgrim into Saudi Arabia. Note: COVID-19 vaccination certificate is required to enter Saudi Arabia, but it is not one of the requirements of the Umrah visa.

Additional requirements include:

for those whose names do not reflect their Islamic belief, they must attach a certificate issued by a mosque or an Islamic center stating that the applicant is indeed a Muslim

After gathering all the requirements, you are strongly encouraged to enlist the services of an approved travel agent as listed on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s official page to apply for your Umrah visa.

Q: Can I perform Umrah using a tourist visa?

Ans: – Yes, you can. Anyone visiting Saudi Arabia with a tourist visa can obtain Umrah permission by applying through the Eatmarna and Tawakkalna application. In addition, performing Umrah on a tourist visa offers its own benefits such as longer stay, multiple entry permits, and the freedom to choose your Umrah hotel.