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Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world embark on the spiritual journey of Umrah. Among them, Pakistan consistently ranks as one of the top contributors of Umrah pilgrims. The numbers from recent years show that Pakistan often sends one of the highest numbers of Umrah pilgrims globally. Here you can find out about the total number of Pakistani pilgrims who perform Umrah every year. The Umrah visa regulations and their validity have also been changed due to the increasing number of Pilgrims visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia each year. Saudi Arabia is expecting more than 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually from across the world by 2030.

Pakistani Umrah: A Resilient and Growing Trend Continues into 2025

Pakistan's enduring devotion to Umrah remains a significant driving force in global pilgrimage numbers. The consistent rise in Pakistani pilgrims underscores both their unwavering faith and Saudi Arabia's continuous efforts to enhance the Umrah experience, with new regulations coming into full effect for 2025.

Sustained Growth and Pre-Pandemic Peaks

Before the global disruption, 2019 saw a remarkable 2.12 million Pakistanis perform Umrah, positioning Pakistan as the second-largest contributor of Umrah pilgrims worldwide, only surpassed by Indonesia. This represented a substantial increase from approximately 1.7 million Pakistani pilgrims in 2018, demonstrating a clear upward trend. Factors such as improved visa facilities and the widespread availability of accessible Umrah packages from Pakistan travel agencies played a crucial role in this growth.

Post-Pandemic Resurgence and Record-Breaking Figures

Following the temporary suspension of Umrah in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pilgrims quickly returned as restrictions eased. In 2022, Pakistan maintained its strong position, sending 370,000 pilgrims, again ranking second after Indonesia.

The year 2023 was truly record-breaking, with over 13.5 million Muslims from around the world performing Umrah, marking the highest number of international pilgrims to date. This monumental figure is a testament to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to host over 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030, with a more immediate target of 15 million by 2025. Early indications for 2024 further solidified this trend, with a reported 35% increase in Umrah performers in Q3 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching over 6.25 million total Umrah performers.

New Regulations for Umrah in 2025

For the 2025 Umrah season, Saudi Arabia has introduced significant new regulations, which came into effect from June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), aimed at streamlining the pilgrimage and enhancing pilgrim welfare. These key changes include:

  • Mandatory Integrated Packages: The "visa only" option is no longer available. All Umrah visa applications must now be integrated with confirmed bookings for accommodation, transportation, and potentially other services. This ensures pilgrims have a pre-defined and confirmed itinerary upon arrival.
  • Full Stay Hotel Booking: Pilgrims are now required to book hotel accommodation for the entire duration of their stay in the Kingdom.
  • Registered Accommodation Only: Visas will only be issued for bookings in officially registered hotels that meet the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's standards, aiming to standardize quality and ensure proper oversight.
  • Mandatory Pre-Arranged Transportation: Visas will not be issued without pre-arranged transportation, covering travel from arrival points (e.g., Jeddah Airport) to hotels in Makkah and Madinah, and for inter-city travel.
  • Group Travel as the New Standard: Individual travel without being part of a registered group is no longer permitted, designed to streamline logistics and enhance support services.
  • Mandatory E-Visas: All pilgrims will require an e-visa, simplifying the application process.
  • Updated Health Requirements: Strict vaccination requirements against meningitis, influenza, and COVID-19 are in place. Pilgrims must present valid vaccination certificates.
  • Smart Bracelets: Introduction of smart bracelets for GPS tracking and health monitoring.
  • Nusuk Masar Platform: Pilgrims must book and confirm accommodations via the "Nusuk Masar" platform. This is a crucial step to protect pilgrim rights, eliminate fraudulent housing practices, and ensure high accommodation standards.

Following the conclusion of Hajj 2025, Saudi Arabia has also officially lifted the temporary suspension of short-term visas, including Umrah visas, for citizens from various countries, including Pakistan, which was previously in place to manage unauthorized pilgrimages during Hajj.

The Enduring Role of Umrah Packages

The continued high number of Pakistani Umrah pilgrims is significantly bolstered by the readily available and affordable Umrah packages offered by tour operators in Pakistan. These comprehensive packages are designed to cater to diverse budgets and travel needs, typically encompassing visa processing, flight bookings, hotel arrangements, and ground transportation. This integrated approach ensures that pilgrims can focus solely on their spiritual journey, with all logistical aspects expertly managed. As a trusted travel agency, we encourage aspiring pilgrims to consider our exceptional Umrah packages for 2025, crafted to provide a seamless, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience in the Holy Land.

 

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