Below are the questions SafirAvia gets most often, grouped by topic — Umrah basics, documents, flights, payments, and refunds. If your question isn't here, WhatsApp us directly on 0300 0399322 and we will answer honestly, including telling you when something is outside what we can help with.
Umrah basics
- Can I book Umrah myself without an agent? No — Pakistani passport holders must book through a licensed Pakistani Umrah operator on the Nusuk Masar system; direct self-application on Nusuk is currently limited to UK, EU, US and GCC passport holders.
- What does an Umrah package include? Typically the Nusuk-registered hotel in Makkah and Madinah, visa processing, and return flights, though we always confirm exactly what is and isn't included before you pay.
- How long does a typical Umrah trip last? Most packages run 7-15 days, though it can be shorter or longer depending on your leave and budget.
- Can I do Umrah more than once in a year? Yes, there is no fixed limit on how many times a person can perform Umrah, though each visit needs its own visa and, since July 2026, a Nusuk package for each entry even under the new 365-day multiple-entry visa.
- Is Umrah the same as Hajj? No. Umrah can be performed any time of year and has fewer rites; Hajj happens once a year on fixed dates and follows a different, longer set of rites. See our Umrah guide and Hajj 2027 page.
Documents and visa
- What documents do I need? Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages, CNIC copy (B-Form for children), digital photo to Saudi spec, two white-background photographs, and a meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate.
- Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination record? Some operators still ask for one — confirm with us before travel.
- How long does visa processing take? Usually a few working days once your documents are complete and correct; delays almost always come from missing or incorrect paperwork.
- Can children travel without their own CNIC? Yes, children use a B-Form copy instead and travel on the same Nusuk booking as their parent or guardian.
- Do women need a mahram for Umrah? Requirements vary by age and travel arrangement — we confirm your specific situation before booking rather than assuming a blanket rule. See visa requirements.
- What if my passport has less than 6 months' validity? Renew it first — this is one of the most common reasons a visa application is rejected or delayed.
Flights and routing
- Which Pakistani cities have direct flights to Jeddah? Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and, with more limited frequency, Peshawar all have PIA and/or other-carrier direct service.
- Which cities have direct flights to Madinah? Karachi and Lahore, and Multan on PIA, have scheduled direct Madinah service; other cities usually route via Jeddah.
- Can I fly into Madinah and out of Jeddah? Yes, this open-jaw routing is common and we can price it against a standard round trip.
- Do you sell flight-only tickets, without a package? Yes, SafirAvia issues standalone flight tickets for Umrah, Hajj-linked travel, and general Pakistan-UK/Gulf routes.
- How far in advance should I book flights? 4-6 weeks for normal months, 8-10 weeks for Ramadan or December.
UK and overseas travellers
- Can I book Umrah from the UK for my parents in Pakistan? Yes, this is one of our most common bookings — see Umrah Packages UK.
- Is SafirAvia ATOL protected? No, we are a Pakistan-based, IATA-accredited agency, not a UK ATOL holder. We state clearly what protection, if any, applies before you pay for a UK flight-inclusive package.
- Can UK passport holders book Umrah directly on Nusuk? Yes, since August 2025, without going through a Pakistani operator.
- Which UK airports have direct Saudi Arabia flights? London Heathrow and Manchester, both via Saudia; London also has British Airways nonstop.
- Is there a direct flight from Birmingham? No — Birmingham has no nonstop Saudi Arabia or Pakistan flights; travel connects via the Gulf or overland to London or Manchester.
Payments and pricing
- Are your prices fixed? No, we quote indicative ranges based on current market rates and confirm your exact price in writing before you pay.
- Do prices include flights? We always label whether a quote is with or without flights, so you can compare clearly.
- Why do prices vary so much between agencies? Mostly hotel distance from the Haram and room sharing — two packages that look similar can differ hugely in walking distance to the mosque.
- Is Ramadan Umrah really that much more expensive? Yes, indicative Ramadan pricing can run PKR 600,000-800,000 versus PKR 220,000-300,000 off-peak for the same tier — see our cost guide.
- Are there hidden costs? Sometimes — ground transfer, meals beyond breakfast, and visa service fees can be separate line items; ask us for a single all-in figure.
Refunds and changes
- Can I cancel or change my Umrah booking? It depends on the airline fare rules and hotel cancellation policy attached to your specific booking — we explain these clearly at the time of booking, not after.
- What happens if my visa is rejected? We work with you to correct and resubmit the document that caused the rejection; airline and hotel refund policies depend on the specific fare and rate booked.
- Can I change my travel dates after booking? Sometimes, subject to fare and hotel rules and availability on the new dates — ask us before assuming a date change is free.
- Do you offer travel insurance? We can point you to it, but always confirm coverage details with the insurer directly, particularly around pilgrimage-specific risks.
Facts on this page were checked on 2026-09-18 against: blog.wego.com · umrah-packages.pk · etihadtravels.co.uk