Free Guide
Visa Guide for Pakistani Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia eVisa, Iraq Visa on Arrival, Iran eVisa — complete step-by-step process for Pakistani passport holders.
Saudi Arabia
eVisa (Online)For: Umrah & Hajj
Apply on official Nusuk portal
Go to nusuk.sa — Saudi Arabia's official Umrah platform. Create an account with your Pakistani passport details. Apply for the Umrah eVisa directly. The portal is available in Urdu.
Required documents
Valid Pakistani passport (minimum 6 months validity from travel date). Passport-size photo (white background). Proof of Meningitis ACWY vaccination (mandatory). For women under 45 — Mahram (male guardian) required to travel together.
Vaccination requirement
Meningitis ACWY vaccine is mandatory. Get it from any government hospital or authorized travel clinic in Pakistan. Takes 10 days to take effect — vaccinate early. Certificate must be in English.
Visa fee & processing
Umrah eVisa fee varies by season (approx SAR 300–600 / Rs 25,000–50,000). Processing time: 3–7 working days. Visa is valid for 90 days, with a 30-day stay. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
Multiple entries
Umrah visa is single entry. If you want to travel Makkah → Madinah → back to Makkah — that's fine within one trip. You cannot leave Saudi Arabia and re-enter on the same Umrah visa.
⚠️ Important: Saudi Arabia does NOT allow Umrah visa holders to perform Hajj. Hajj requires a separate Hajj visa issued only during Hajj season.
Pro Tips
- ✓Apply via your travel agent (like Taqaddus) — we handle the entire Nusuk application for you
- ✓Book your Umrah package first, then apply for visa — you need hotel confirmation for the application
- ✓Ramadan Umrah visas sell out fast — apply 6–8 weeks in advance
- ✓Women over 45 can now travel without Mahram in groups — confirm latest rules at time of travel
Iraq
Visa on Arrival (for Pakistanis)For: Karbala & Najaf Ziyarat
Visa on Arrival — no pre-application needed
Pakistani passport holders can get visa on arrival at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and Najaf International Airport (NJF). No pre-application required. Pay the fee at the immigration counter.
Required documents at immigration
Valid Pakistani passport (6+ months validity). Return flight ticket. Hotel booking confirmation for Iraq. Sufficient funds (approx $500–$1000 in cash or card). Passport-size photos (carry 4–6 extras).
Visa fee
USD $75–$80 payable at the immigration counter. Cash USD preferred. Some counters accept cards. Fee may change — verify with your travel agent before travel.
Visa validity & stay
Usually issued for 30 days single entry. If your Ziyarat trip is longer, arrange visa extension through your local sponsor (hotel or tour operator in Karbala can help).
Best entry point for Ziyarat
Fly into Najaf (NJF) — it is 20 minutes from Karbala, saving 3 hours vs Baghdad. Most Ziyarat packages fly KHI/LHE → NJF directly. Check if your airline offers this route.
⚠️ Important: Arbaeen season (Muharram/Safar) sees 20–25 million pilgrims. Prices triple. Book extremely early or consider off-peak months.
Pro Tips
- ✓Carry USD in cash — not all counters accept PKR or cards
- ✓Iraq is safe for Ziyarat pilgrims — millions visit annually with zero issues
- ✓Fly Najaf (NJF) not Baghdad (BGW) to save time and cost
- ✓Karbala hotels fill up during Arbaeen (40 days after Ashura) — book 3–4 months ahead
- ✓Get comprehensive travel insurance before flying
Iran
Visa on Arrival or eVisaFor: Mashhad & Qom Ziyarat
Option 1 — Visa on Arrival at Mashhad (MHD)
Pakistani passport holders can obtain visa on arrival at Imam Khomeini International (IKA) and Mashhad International Airport (MHD). Mashhad is the main entry for Ziyarat pilgrims. Processing takes 1–3 hours at immigration.
Option 2 — Iran eVisa (recommended)
Apply at evisa.mfa.ir before travel. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Upload passport scan, photo, and travel itinerary. Receive an authorization code by email. Show it at airport immigration to get stamp.
Required documents
Pakistani passport (6+ months validity). Passport-size photos (4–6 copies). Hotel booking confirmation in Iran. Return flight or onward journey proof. Travel insurance (required).
Visa fee
eVisa: approx USD $30–$50 paid online. Visa on arrival: similar fee, paid at airport in EUR or USD (not PKR). Exact fee varies by nationality and season.
Currency — important
Pakistan's banking restrictions mean debit/credit cards do NOT work in Iran. Bring USD or EUR in cash. Exchange at official Sarafi (exchange) offices in Mashhad. Bring enough for full trip (approx $50–$80/day per person).
⚠️ Important: Due to international banking restrictions, Pakistani ATM/debit cards do not work in Iran. Bring USD or EUR cash for your entire stay.
Pro Tips
- ✓eVisa is more reliable than visa on arrival — apply 2 weeks ahead
- ✓Bring all cash you need — Pakistani cards do not work in Iran due to sanctions
- ✓Mashhad is beautiful year-round — avoid Nowruz (March 20–25) when hotels are packed
- ✓Shrine of Imam Reza is open 24/7 — best visited at Fajr when crowds are light
- ✓Iran is safe and welcoming to Pakistani Shia pilgrims — millions visit annually
Our team handles visa paperwork for you
Saudi e-visa, Iraq on-arrival, Iran — we manage the full process when you book through Taqaddus.
Need help with visa arrangements?
Our team handles visa applications for all destinations — Saudi, Iraq, and Iran.