Pakistani Passport to Saudi Arabia — Visa Requirements 2026

Everything Pakistani passport holders need to know before travelling to Saudi Arabia in 2026 — tourist e-Visa, Hajj and Umrah, work visa (Iqama), costs, processing times, and required documents.

Quick Answer

Pakistani passport holders need a visa for Saudi Arabia. The Tourist e-Visa is the easiest path for tourism, family visits and Umrah — apply at visa.visitsaudi.com, pay ~SAR 535 ($143), approval in 24–72 hours. For Hajj, you go through the Pakistan Hajj Mission (Ministry of Religious Affairs). For employment, your Saudi employer sponsors a work visa and Iqama under the Kafala system.

Visa Required

Yes — choose visa type

Tourist e-Visa Cost

~$120–160 USD

Max Tourist Stay

90 days / 1 year multi

Processing Time

~1–3 business days

Saudi Visa Types for Pakistani Passport Holders

Tourist e-Visa

Online application. 1-year multi-entry. 90 days per stay. Available to Pakistani nationals since 2019.

Use for: Tourism, family visits, Umrah year-round (except Hajj season).
Cost: ~SAR 535 (≈$143) including insurance
Apply via: visa.visitsaudi.com

Hajj Visa

Required specifically for Hajj pilgrimage. Issued through the Pakistan Hajj Mission and authorised private Hajj operators.

Use for: Hajj pilgrimage during Dhul-Hijjah (June–July window in 2026).
Cost: PKR 1,075,000+ (Hajj package, government scheme)
Apply via: Ministry of Religious Affairs, Government of Pakistan

Umrah Visa

Now bundled into the Tourist e-Visa. Separate Umrah visa no longer required from Pakistan.

Use for: Year-round Umrah (avoid Hajj season — access to Mecca restricted).
Cost: Included in Tourist e-Visa
Apply via: visa.visitsaudi.com

Work Visa (Iqama)

Employer-sponsored under the Kafala system. Requires offer letter, embassy attestation in Islamabad, medical clearance at Gamca centres, and biometrics.

Use for: Employment, long-term residence, Iqama (residence permit).
Cost: Sponsored by employer; PKR 250,000–500,000 total processing including overseas employment promoter fees
Apply via: Saudi embassy in Islamabad (or consulate in Karachi)

Business Visa

For meetings, conferences, contract negotiations. Multi-entry options up to 5 years.

Use for: Business meetings, trade fairs, short-term assignments (under 90 days).
Cost: ~$120–180 USD
Apply via: Saudi embassy in Pakistan or e-Visa portal

How to Apply for Saudi Tourist e-Visa from Pakistan

  1. 1

    Visit visa.visitsaudi.com and create an account with your email and Pakistani passport number.

  2. 2

    Complete the application — personal details, travel plans, accommodation address. Upload your passport bio page and a recent colour photo (white background).

  3. 3

    Pay the fee (SAR 535 ≈ $143 USD), which includes mandatory medical insurance. Credit/debit card accepted.

  4. 4

    Receive your approved e-Visa by email within 24–72 hours. Print or save digitally and present with your passport at any Saudi airport on arrival.

Documents Required (Tourist e-Visa)

  • Pakistani passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates with 2 blank pages
  • Recent colour photograph (white background, 6×6 cm, taken within last 3 months)
  • Return / onward flight ticket
  • Hotel reservation or host's address in Saudi Arabia
  • Bank statement showing minimum balance (for first-time applicants)
  • Credit/debit card for online payment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pakistani passport holders get an e-Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes — since 2019, Pakistani nationals are eligible for the Saudi Tourist e-Visa. Cost is approximately SAR 535 ($143 USD) including mandatory medical insurance. It's valid for 1 year with multiple entries and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. Apply at visa.visitsaudi.com. Approval typically arrives within 24–72 hours.

Do I need a separate Umrah visa from Pakistan?

No — as of 2022, the Tourist e-Visa covers Umrah year-round (except during the Hajj period when access to Mecca is restricted to Hajj pilgrims). One Tourist e-Visa application covers tourism, family visits and Umrah.

How does the Hajj Visa scheme work in Pakistan?

Pakistan's Hajj quota is allocated by the Saudi government and distributed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. There are two schemes: Government Scheme (regular pricing through Hajj Committee) and Private Scheme (higher cost, more flexibility, organised by licensed Hajj operators). Applications typically open 6+ months before the Hajj month. Watch hajjinfo.gov.pk for announcements.

How does the Saudi work visa (Iqama) work for Pakistanis?

After your Saudi employer sponsors a work visa, the process typically takes 4–10 weeks: employment contract → Foreign Office attestation in Pakistan → Saudi Embassy attestation in Islamabad → Gamca-approved medical examination → biometric submission at the embassy → visa stamping. On arrival in Saudi, your employer obtains your Iqama (residence permit) — required for everything from opening a bank account to renting an apartment.

Can I visit Saudi Arabia on a Tourist e-Visa for work?

No. The Tourist e-Visa explicitly forbids paid employment. Working in Saudi Arabia without an Iqama is illegal and can result in deportation, fines (SAR 25,000+), and a long-term re-entry ban. Always go through your employer for a proper work visa.

Can I bring my family to Saudi Arabia on my Iqama?

Yes, after you receive your Iqama and meet the minimum salary requirement (typically SAR 4,000+/month for white-collar jobs, varies by profession). You can apply for a Family Visit Visa (3–6 months) or a Family Residence Visa for long-term dependents. Children's school enrolment and family healthcare are tied to your residence permit.

Are Pakistani Tourist e-Visas approved as quickly as Indian ones?

Yes — there's no nationality discrimination in the e-Visa processing system. Standard approval is 24–72 hours regardless of nationality. If your application is delayed beyond 72 hours, it usually means manual review is needed (check that all uploads are clear and details match your passport exactly).

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