Umrah Package Prices from Pakistan Set to Soar Amid Stricter Visa Rules

Islamabad / Riyadh – September 2025: Pilgrims preparing for their spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah may soon face higher costs, as new regulations for the umrah visa and accommodations come into force. Travel agents in Pakistan are warning that these changes will directly impact the umrah package price, making upcoming umrah packages from Pakistan more expensive than before.

Stricter Visa Rules Introduced

The Saudi authorities have tightened the visa process, adding new requirements that every applicant must now fulfill. The most significant change is the obligation to have confirmed hotel bookings before applying for an umrah visa.

This means that travelers can no longer apply for a visa first and worry about lodging later. Every pilgrim must provide proof of accommodation in approved hotels before the visa application can even be submitted.

Another key rule is that visas will now be issued in accordance with the hotel bed capacity. Simply put, the number of visas granted will be limited by the number of beds available in officially licensed hotels in Makkah and Madinah. This move aims to regulate the influx of visitors, prevent overcrowding, and ensure proper accommodation standards for all pilgrims.

Impact on Pakistani Pilgrims

These changes, while designed to improve the overall Umrah experience, are set to have a direct impact on umrah packages from Pakistan.

Higher Umrah Visa Price Pakistan: The basic cost of obtaining a visa is expected to rise, as the process now involves additional verifications and system requirements.

Increased Umrah Package Price: Since Makkah and Madinah hotel bookings must be confirmed in advance, travel operators will have to secure guaranteed rooms at fixed rates. These costs will naturally be passed on to the customer.

Reduced Flexibility: In the past, many pilgrims booked economy hotels at the last minute, sometimes finding cheaper alternatives on arrival. With the new system, this option is no longer available.

For families, this could mean a noticeable increase in total travel costs. Budget travelers, in particular, may feel the pinch as package prices move upward.

Current Price Trends

At present, the umrah visa price Pakistan ranges between PKR 40,000 to 50,000 depending on the agent and the services included. When combined with flights, transportation, and hotels, the umrah package price can vary widely.

Economy packages are typically between PKR 110,000 to 150,000.

Mid-range packages often fall in the PKR 130,000 to 160,000 range.

Luxury packages can reach anywhere from PKR 250,000 to 350,000, depending on the hotel class and distance from the Haram.

With the new hotel booking requirement, these figures are expected to increase further, as agencies will be forced to lock in higher rates for licensed accommodations.

Challenges for Travel Operators

Travel agents in Pakistan also face new challenges under the updated system. Smaller operators, who previously managed to provide low-cost services by booking flexible or shared accommodations, may now struggle to keep up.

Larger agencies with established hotel contracts will have an advantage, as they can secure beds in bulk and pass the costs along in bundled umrah packages from Pakistan. For smaller players, however, the lack of access to affordable hotel agreements may make it harder to compete, potentially leading to market consolidation.

Why Saudi Arabia Introduced These Rules

The stricter visa system is part of a broader effort by Saudi Arabia to improve the quality of services offered to pilgrims. Authorities want to ensure that every visitor has a proper place to stay, reducing cases of overcrowded or unregistered accommodations.

It also reflects the country’s long-term tourism strategy, where digital systems and centralized booking platforms will create more transparency and efficiency. By linking visas directly to hotel beds, the government can better manage the flow of pilgrims during peak seasons.

Pilgrims’ Perspective

For many Pakistanis, performing Umrah is a lifelong dream and an emotional journey. While most understand that better organization and safety are important, the rising costs are a source of concern.

Travelers who used to rely on budget-friendly arrangements fear they may no longer be able to afford the pilgrimage as easily as before. Families traveling in groups are especially worried, as higher umrah package prices multiply when applied per person.

Despite these worries, some pilgrims welcome the changes. Confirmed hotel bookings mean less stress on arrival and greater assurance of having a proper place to stay close to the Haram in Makkah or the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

The cost of traveling for Umrah has always fluctuated with demand, airline prices, and hotel availability. But with these new rules, the trend is clearly upward. Umrah packages from Pakistan are projected to become more expensive across the board, and the days of last-minute bargain deals may be over.

Nevertheless, the changes also bring benefits. Pilgrims will be more assured of their lodging and safety, while the Saudi government gains better control over crowd management. The experience may become more organized, though undoubtedly more costly.

;