Saudi Arabia Enforces Stricter Umrah Regulations for Pakistani Pilgrims

Islamabad / Riyadh — Performing Umrah is a dream for millions of Muslims, and for Pakistani pilgrims, it is one of the most sought-after spiritual journeys. However, Saudi Arabia has recently introduced stricter policies that are reshaping how Umrah from Pakistan will be planned and carried out in the coming months.

The new regulations, part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, aim to enhance the pilgrimage experience by improving safety, reducing fraud, and streamlining services for international visitors. But for pilgrims and travel operators in Pakistan, these changes mean greater attention to detail and stricter compliance requirements.

No More “Visa Only” Applications in Umrah Packages

In the past, many pilgrims booked a simple Umrah visa and arranged accommodation and transport upon arrival. That option is now off the table. Under the new rules, every Umrah traveler must book a complete Umrah package before applying for a visa. This package must include:

Confirmed hotel reservations for the entire stay in Makkah and Madinah

Pre-booked transport from airports to hotels and between cities

A verified flight itinerary

All of these bookings must be made through the Saudi-approved Nusuk Masar digital platform, which ensures that only authorized hotels and service providers are used.

Group Travel Becomes Mandatory or Full Umrah Package

Another major shift is that pilgrims can no longer travel independently. The new system requires pilgrims to join a registered group with shared hotel stays and coordinated transportation. This measure is intended to improve crowd control, enhance safety, and ensure that pilgrims receive proper guidance throughout their stay.

A Digital Push for Transparency

The Nusuk Masar platform is now central to all Umrah logistics. It links travel agencies, hotels, and transportation services in one secure system. For Pakistani travel agents, this means a dramatic shift: every package must be logged digitally, verified, and fully paid before a visa is issued.

Officials in Riyadh say this system will not only reduce fraudulent practices but also create a smoother, more predictable pilgrimage experience.

Travel Agents in Pakistan Alerted

A circular shared with Umrah travel agents in Pakistan (see image) highlights just how serious these changes are. Once a Booking Reference Number (BRN) is issued, no edits or modifications will be allowed. Even a minor mistake in names, dates, or hotel details could result in full penalties or rejected visas.

Travel agents are now urging customers to double-check all their details before confirming any bookings. The message is clear: there is no room for last-minute changes or flexible arrangements.

Rising Demand, Stricter Rules

Saudi Arabia’s decision comes at a time when Umrah numbers are booming. Since the start of the 2025 Umrah season, more than 1.2 million pilgrims from over 100 countries have already visited the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 roadmap aims to welcome 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by the end of the decade, and the stricter measures are meant to prepare for this influx.

New technologies, including AI-powered crowd management, multilingual guidance services, and smart transportation systems, are already being deployed to improve the experience for worshippers.

Umrah Pilgrims Should Arrange Everything in Advance

For those planning Umrah from Pakistan, these changes will likely make travel packages more expensive and less flexible. However, they also promise a safer and better-organized journey. Pilgrims will benefit from pre-arranged services, guided support, and protection against fraudulent deals, which have historically been a problem in the travel industry.

Pakistani travel agencies are also expected to adapt quickly, restructuring their Umrah packages from Pakistan to meet the new requirements. While this may involve more planning and paperwork, the ultimate goal is to ensure that every pilgrim can focus on their spiritual journey without worrying about last-minute issues.

More Organized Umrah Package Experience

Saudi officials emphasize that these measures are not meant to create new hurdles for worshippers but to elevate the standards of religious tourism. By enforcing stricter rules on travel agencies rather than pilgrims themselves, the Kingdom hopes to ensure that visitors enjoy a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.

For Pakistani pilgrims, the message is simple: plan early, book through authorized agents, and confirm every detail before applying for a visa. The process may feel more structured than before, but it’s all part of Saudi Arabia’s larger vision to make Umrah safer, more accessible, and better organized for the millions who visit every year.

;