For many British Pakistani families, Ramadan brings two strong pulls at once: the wish to perform Umrah in the holy month and the longing to spend Ramadan or Eid with parents, grandparents and cousins back home in Pakistan. Combining Umrah with a family visit to Pakistan offers a way to fulfil both wishes in one journey.
The good news is that you do not always have to choose. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are only a few hours apart by air, so one trip from the UK can include both. This guide explains the main route options for Ramadan 2027, the documents you need, and how to plan the trip without stress.
British Pakistanis can combine Ramadan Umrah with a family visit to Pakistan by booking a multi-city trip, for example, UK to Saudi Arabia, then Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, then back to the UK. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March. You will need a Saudi visa and Nusuk permit for Umrah, and either a valid NICOP or POC, or a Pakistani visa, to enter Pakistan. Book early, as flights and hotels for the last ten nights sell out fast.
Why combine the two trips?
- One long-haul journey. Flights between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are short compared with flying from the UK twice.
- Better use of annual leave. One longer trip often fits more easily into work and school plans than two separate ones.
- Family together. Elderly parents in Pakistan may be able to join you in Makkah with their own Umrah visas, or you can bring them blessings and Zamzam water from the holy cities.
Three ways to plan your route
| Option | Route | Best for | Watch out for |
| Umrah first, Eid in Pakistan | UK to Saudi Arabia, then Pakistan, then home | Families who want Eid with relatives | Eid in Pakistan may fall a day later |
| Pakistan first, last ten nights in Makkah | UK to Pakistan, then Saudi Arabia, then home | Pilgrims who want the last ten nights and Eid in Makkah | Peak prices for the last ten nights |
| Two separate trips | UK to Saudi Arabia and back, Pakistan another time | Short annual leave or tight budgets | Paying for two sets of long-haul flights |
Option 1. Umrah first, then Eid with family in Pakistan
This is the most popular choice. You fly from the UK to Saudi Arabia in the first or middle part of Ramadan, perform Umrah, and spend time in Makkah and Madinah. You then fly on to Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi to spend the last days of Ramadan and Eid with your family.
One thing to remember is that Eid in Pakistan is sometimes celebrated a day later than in Saudi Arabia, because the moon is sighted separately. Check your flight date so you do not miss Eid in either place.
Option 2. Pakistan first, then the last ten nights in Makkah
Some families start Ramadan with relatives in Pakistan, then fly to Saudi Arabia for the last ten nights, which are expected to begin around 28 February 2027. This lets you seek Laylat al-Qadr in Makkah and celebrate Eid there before flying home to the UK.
This is the most spiritually rewarding route for many, but also the most expensive, as demand for the last ten nights is very high.
Option 3. Two separate trips
If your leave is short or your family plans are uncertain, two separate trips can still make sense. However, you will pay for two sets of long-haul flights, so compare the total cost carefully.
Documents you will need
For Saudi Arabia and Umrah:
- a British passport valid for at least six months
- a Saudi tourist eVisa or Umrah visa
- an Umrah permit booked through the official Nusuk app
- a meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate
For Pakistan:
- a valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card (POC), which allows visa-free entry
- or, if you do not hold one, a Pakistani visa applied for online before you travel
Make sure your NICOP has not expired. Under rules introduced in 2026, travelers with an expired or invalid NICOP must get a visa before traveling. Always check the latest entry requirements in the UK Foreign Office travel advice for Pakistan and travel advice for Saudi Arabia.
How an all-inclusive package helps
Planning a multi-city Ramadan trip on your own means juggling several flights, hotels, visas, and the Nusuk permit. All-inclusive Umrah packages cover flights, the visa, hotels, and transfers in one booking, and many operators can tailor the return leg so you fly home via Pakistan.
If you are traveling for the holy month, all-inclusive Ramadan Umrah packages are the simplest way to secure hotels near the Haram before they fill up. When you ask for a quote for Ramadan Umrah packages for 2027, mention your Pakistan plans early, so the flights can be arranged as one booking.
Booking flights as part of one package also matters for protection. Packages with flights sold by UK companies should be covered by the ATOL scheme, but a Pakistan flight you book separately on your own may not be.
Practical tips for a smooth trip
- Book early. Start planning by November or December for a February Ramadan, especially for the last ten nights.
- Mind your luggage. Gifts for family, Zamzam water, and winter clothes for Pakistan add weight, so check the baggage allowance for every flight.
- Plan your fasting. Islam allows travelers to postpone fasts, but many pilgrims prefer to fast. Plan rest days after long flights.
- Pack for two climates. Makkah is warm in February, while Lahore and Islamabad can be cool, and the northern areas are cold.
- Leave time for rest. Umrah, family visits, and Eid together are tiring, especially for older relatives and children.
Extend your stay after Eid
If you have extra days after Eid, Pakistan has plenty to offer. Many families take a short trip to see relatives in other cities, or plan a later visit to the northern valleys such as Hunza or Swat when the weather warms up in spring and summer.
Final thoughts
Combining Ramadan Umrah with a family visit to Pakistan turns one journey into two blessings. With the right route, valid documents, and early booking, British Pakistani families can worship in the holy cities and celebrate Eid with loved ones in the same trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan after Umrah?
Yes. Airlines run regular direct flights between Jeddah and major Pakistani cities such as Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, so you can travel on after Umrah.
Do British Pakistanis need a visa for Pakistan?
Not if they hold a valid NICOP or Pakistan Origin Card. Without one, or with an expired NICOP, a Pakistani visa is needed before travel.
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March, subject to moon sighting.
Do all-inclusive Ramadan Umrah packages include a stop in Pakistan?
Not as standard, but many UK operators can tailor the return flight so you travel home via Pakistan. Ask when you request your quote.
Is Eid on the same day in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan?
Not always. Eid in Pakistan is sometimes a day later because the moon is sighted separately, so check before you book your flights. If you’re extending your stay to explore the country with relatives, Pakistan Road Trips may be a useful starting point for planning a family trip.
About the author: This article was written by the team at Islamic Travel Agency, a London-based, ATOL-protected Umrah and Hajj specialist helping UK families plan their journeys.
