Saudi Arabia's New 1-Year Umrah Visa 2026 – Complete Guide for Pakistanis

A Game-Changer for Pakistani Pilgrims – I Heard It First This Morning

A friend texted me last week asking about Umrah plans for 2026. By the time I replied, Saudi Arabia had already changed everything. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched a new multiple-entry Umrah visa valid for one full year – 365 days from the date of issuance. No more applying fresh every time you want to go.

I've been to Umrah twice, and I remember the stress of getting everything approved within a tight 30-day window. That's gone now. The new visa lets you enter Saudi multiple times with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days per year. For Pakistani families with relatives in the Gulf, or for anyone who wants to visit multiple times without the paperwork headache, this is huge.

How the New 1-Year Umrah Visa Actually Works

Let me break this down in plain Urdu-English because the official announcement is full of complicated language.

The visa stays valid for 365 days from the day it's issued. You can enter Saudi multiple times, but your total stay across all visits can't exceed 90 days. Each time you go, you need to buy a service package from an approved provider on the Nusuk platform.

What's Different from the Old Visa?

• Old visa: Single entry, valid for 30 days, had to leave within two weeks

• New visa: Multiple entries, valid for 365 days, total stay up to 90 days

The visa deactivates after each departure and reactivates when you meet the requirements for your next visit. But here's the catch – it's not valid during Hajj season, from 1 Dhul Qidah to 13 Dhul Hijjah.

Tip: Plan your visits wisely. If you use 30 days in one trip, you've got 60 days left for the rest of the year. Keep track of your remaining days – Saudi immigration will count every single one.

Nusuk is Now Mandatory – No Exceptions

This is the part that will trip up a lot of people. The Nusuk platform is no longer optional. Under the new system, every Umrah visit requires :

• A service package booked through an approved Nusuk provider

• An Umrah permit issued via the Nusuk app before you arrive

• Confirmed hotel booking with a Nusuk Booking Reference Number (BRN)

• Transportation vouchers

• A food voucher worth 20 SAR per night (new requirement from Rabiul Awal 2026)

Around 10,000 restaurants in Makkah and Madinah are already connected to the Nusuk platform to handle the food vouchers. The system is designed to make everything integrated and transparent.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

Based on the new requirements and the standard Umrah visa process from Pakistan, here's your checklist:

1. Valid Pakistani passport – minimum 6 months validity from entry date

2. CNIC copy – both sides, clear and legible

3. Passport-size photographs – white background, taken within 3 months

4. Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate – must be done at least 10 days before travel

5. Polio OPV certificate – mandatory for Pakistani passport holders

6. Nusuk-registered hotel booking – with BRN number (non-negotiable)

7. Return flight ticket – confirmed booking, not just a quote

8. Transportation arrangements – booked through Nusuk platform
   

Warning: Third-party hotel bookings from Booking.com or Agoda are NOT accepted. The booking must be registered on Nusuk with a valid BRN. I've seen people get their applications rejected because they tried to save money by booking independently. Don't make this mistake.

New Food Voucher Rule – Extra Cost You Need to Know

Starting from 1 Rabiul Awwal 2026, Pakistani pilgrims (along with India, Egypt, and Bangladesh) will need to include a food voucher worth 20 SAR per night as part of the visa application.

This is part of Saudi's broader effort to create a more organized system. The Ministry has connected thousands of restaurants to Nusuk to ensure pilgrims get reliable food services during their stay.

When you book through a licensed agent like Carvan-e-Athhar, they'll handle this for you. But factor in the extra cost when you're budgeting.

Visa Fees and Processing Time

The Umrah visa itself is free of cost, but you'll pay service fees through your agent. From the UAE market, travel agents are charging around Dh600-650 (approx. PKR 45,000-49,000) for the new multiple-entry visa.

In Pakistan, a complete Umrah package typically ranges from PKR 48,000 to 65,000 including visa processing. Processing usually takes 3-5 working days when documents are complete.

Note: The visa fee structure might vary between agents. Always ask for a breakdown of what's included – visa processing, hotel booking, transport, and food vouchers should all be clearly listed.

Where to Get Help – Carvan-e-Athhar Can Assist

The new rules mean you absolutely need a licensed operator to process your visa. You cannot apply independently for an Umrah visa in Pakistan.

Carvan-e-Athhar is a licensed Hajj and Umrah service provider registered with the Pakistani authorities. They can handle your entire visa processing, including Nusuk registration, hotel booking, and permit issuance.

For Umrah visa processing, contact Carvan-e-Athhar on WhatsApp: +92 313 2555703

For airline tickets and flight bookings, call or message on WhatsApp: +92 321 4665509

Licensed operators like Carvan-e-Athhar are your safest bet under the new system. They handle the Nusuk integration and make sure all your documents are compliant with Saudi requirements.

Nearly 43 million pilgrims performed Umrah in 2025. Saudi Arabia is clearly aiming for even bigger numbers under Vision 2030. The new visa is designed to make repeat visits easier and more organized.

Common Pitfalls That Will Delay Your Visa

I've seen too many people waste time and money because of small mistakes. Here's what to avoid:

• Expired passport: If your passport has less than 6 months validity, renew it before applying

• Missing vaccinations: Both Meningitis ACWY and Polio OPV are mandatory

• Incomplete Nusuk profile: Make sure your name matches your passport exactly – even one letter difference will cause problems

• Unconfirmed bookings: Don't submit with 'pending' or 'tentative' bookings

• Not using a licensed agent: Only registered operators can process Umrah visas from Pakistan

Warning: There are already fake agents claiming they can process the new one-year visa without going through Nusuk. That's impossible. If someone promises you a visa without Nusuk registration or without proper documentation, they're lying. Only use licensed, registered operators.

What This Means for Pakistani Pilgrims

The new visa makes Umrah more accessible. You can now plan multiple short trips throughout the year instead of one rushed visit. But it also means more paperwork and more integration with Nusuk for every single visit.

If you're planning to go once, the old system might seem simpler. But if you want to visit multiple times – maybe to check on family property, visit relatives, or just perform Umrah more than once – this new visa is a massive upgrade.

For now, stick with licensed agents who know the Nusuk system inside out. Carvan-e-Athhar is one option that can guide you through the process. Get your documents ready, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, and start planning your visits.

If you're looking for more travel services or want to buy or sell items for your journey, check travel and visa services on Bechly.pk. And if you're a travel agent offering Umrah packages, post a free ad on Bechly.pk to reach pilgrims across Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the new Saudi Umrah visa valid for?

The new multiple-entry Umrah visa is valid for 365 days (one year) from the date of issuance. Pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times during this period with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days total.

Can I use the new Umrah visa for Hajj?

No. The visa is not valid during the Hajj season, from 1 Dhul Qidah to 13 Dhul Hijjah. You cannot use this visa to perform Hajj – you would need a separate Hajj visa.

Is Nusuk mandatory for the new Umrah visa?

Yes. Every visit under the new visa requires a service package booked through an approved Nusuk provider, and an Umrah permit must be issued via the Nusuk app before arrival. This is non-negotiable.

How much does the new Umrah visa cost in Pakistan?

The visa itself is free of cost, but service charges apply through licensed agents. A complete Umrah package including visa processing typically ranges from PKR 48,000 to 65,000, depending on your hotel and service choices.

What documents do Pakistani pilgrims need for the new Umrah visa?

You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), CNIC copy, passport photos, Meningitis ACWY and Polio OPV vaccination certificates, Nusuk-registered hotel booking with BRN, confirmed return flight ticket, and transport arrangements.