Free Guide
Visa Guide for Pakistani Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran: what to prepare and what to confirm before you apply, for Pakistani passport holders.
Saudi Arabia
eVisaFor: Umrah & Hajj
Apply through the official channel
Umrah visas are issued through Saudi Arabia's official systems, such as the Nusuk platform, usually with help from your travel operator. Check the official site for the current process.
Documents to prepare
A Pakistani passport with plenty of validity left, a recent photo with a white background, and your package details. Ask your operator whether any vaccination certificate is required for your dates.
Fees and processing
Visa fees, validity and processing times change. Ask your operator for the current details and how early to apply, and check whether the visa is included in your package price.
Travelling as a woman
The rules for women travelling for Umrah have changed in recent years. Confirm the current rules with your operator before you apply.
⚠️ Important: An Umrah visa cannot be used to perform Hajj. Hajj requires a separate Hajj visa issued during Hajj season.
Pro Tips
- ✓Book your package before applying; the application usually needs your travel details.
- ✓Apply early for Ramadan and school holidays, when demand is high.
- ✓Check every name and passport number carefully before submitting.
Iraq
Arranged through your operatorFor: Karbala & Najaf Ziyarat
How Pakistani pilgrims get the visa
Most Pakistani pilgrims arrange the Iraq visa through their tour operator. The process changes from time to time, so confirm the current route before you book flights.
Documents to prepare
A Pakistani passport with plenty of validity left, passport photos, and your travel and hotel details. Ask your operator for the exact list.
Fees
Visa fees change. Ask your operator for the current fee and whether it is included in your package.
Which airport
Flights usually arrive in Najaf, the closest airport to Karbala, or in Baghdad. Ask which airport your package uses.
⚠️ Important: Visa requirements for Iraq change from time to time. Confirm the current process with your operator before you pay for flights.
Pro Tips
- ✓Check the latest travel advice from the Government of Pakistan before booking.
- ✓Arbaeen brings very large crowds. Plan and book early if you want to travel then.
- ✓Get travel insurance before flying.
Iran
Arranged in advanceFor: Mashhad & Qom Ziyarat
How Pakistani pilgrims get the visa
Pakistani pilgrims usually arrange the Iran visa in advance, through their tour operator or Iran's official e-visa system. Confirm the current process before booking.
Documents to prepare
A Pakistani passport with plenty of validity left, passport photos, hotel details and travel insurance if required. Ask your operator for the exact list.
Fees
Visa fees change. Ask your operator for the current fee and whether it is included in your package.
By road or by air
Many pilgrims travel by road through the Taftan border crossing, and others fly. Road travel has been restricted at times for security reasons, so check the current position before choosing.
Money
Because of international sanctions, foreign bank cards generally do not work in Iran. Plan your cash and currency exchange before you travel.
⚠️ Important: Foreign bank cards generally do not work in Iran because of international sanctions. Plan your cash before you go.
Pro Tips
- ✓Plan cash and currency exchange before you travel.
- ✓Modest dress is required throughout Iran, not only at the shrines.
- ✓Check the latest travel advice from the Government of Pakistan before booking.
Ask about the visa when you book
Build your package and send it to our team on WhatsApp to confirm the current visa process for your trip.
Need help with visa arrangements?
Build your package and ask our team on WhatsApp about the current visa process for Saudi Arabia, Iraq or Iran.