If you are a Pakistani passport holder with a valid UK, US or Schengen visa, or you live in the UK, US or EU, there is another way to perform Umrah: the Saudi tourist visa. Saudi Arabia says tourist visa holders may perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, with a permit booked in Nusuk. Here is who qualifies and how it compares with the Umrah visa.
In this guide
Who can use this route
Visit Saudi says holders of a valid US, UK or Schengen tourist or business visa are eligible for the Saudi tourist visa on arrival.
Permanent residents of the UK, the US or the EU are eligible for the tourist visa on arrival too.
These countries are on the Saudi eVisa list, so family members with these passports can apply online before travel.
Pakistan is not on the eVisa list. Without one of the visas above, use an Umrah visa. See the Umrah visa guide.
Tourist visa or Umrah visa?
| Saudi tourist visa | Umrah visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Umrah allowed | Yes, outside the Hajj season | Yes, within the Umrah season |
| Package needed | No; book your own hotel | Yes, hotel and transport package |
| Other travel | Tourism, family visits, events | Umrah and travel between cities |
| Hajj | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Nusuk permit | Needed for Umrah and the Rawdah | Needed for Umrah and the Rawdah |
How it works, step by step
- 1Check your visa is valid
Your UK, US or Schengen visa should be a tourist or business visa and valid when you travel. Check the current conditions on the official Visit Saudi website before you book.
- 2Book flights and a hotel
You arrange your own trip. Airlines may check your UK, US or Schengen visa at check-in, so carry it.
- 3Get the visa on arrival
You apply for the tourist visa when you land in Saudi Arabia.
- 4Register in Nusuk
Add your new visa number in Nusuk and book your Umrah permit and Rawdah slot. See our Nusuk guide.
Pakistanis living in the UK
- With a UK visa or UK residence on your Pakistani passport, you qualify for the tourist visa on arrival.
- If you hold a British passport, apply for the Saudi eVisa online, or book an Umrah package with a visa.
- Saudi Arabia has started asking applicants from the UK for fingerprints and a face photo through its Saudi Visa Bio app when it issues Umrah visas electronically.
- Meningitis vaccination applies to every pilgrim; the polio rule applies if you travel from Pakistan.
Living in the UK and planning other trips too? Our guide for Pakistanis in the UK and what your UK, US or Schengen visa unlocks cover the rest.
WhatsApp us “UMRAH” with the visas you hold and we will send our free checklist and tell you which route your visa allows.
Questions people ask
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season, with an Umrah permit booked in Nusuk. The tourist visa does not allow Hajj.
Can Pakistanis with a UK visa get a Saudi visa on arrival?
Yes. Visit Saudi says holders of a valid US, UK or Schengen tourist or business visa are eligible for the Saudi tourist visa on arrival.
I live in the UK on a Pakistani passport. Which visa should I use?
With UK residence or a UK visa you qualify for the tourist visa on arrival, which allows Umrah outside the Hajj season. An Umrah visa through a licensed package also works.
Do I need a package for Umrah on a tourist visa?
No. The package rule applies to Umrah visas. On a tourist visa you book your own hotel, but you still need a Nusuk Umrah permit.
travelEZ does not arrange Umrah visas or packages at the moment. This guide is free information, checked against official sources in October 2026; Saudi rules change often, so confirm the details with your Umrah company before you pay.
