Travelers going to Madinah must hold an Umrah visa, as people with work or family visit visas are currently not allowed to enter the city.
This rule led to a recent issue at Islamabad Airport, where an AirSial flight heading to Madinah had to offload 60 passengers. These travelers did not have Umrah visas and were denied boarding, causing delays and disappointment.
Authorities are reminding all passengers to carefully review their visa type before booking flights to Madinah. The Saudi government has placed strict entry requirements for this holy city, allowing only Umrah pilgrims to arrive directly. Anyone holding a different visa must plan accordingly and may need to fly to another city in Saudi Arabia.
The situation has raised concerns among travelers and airlines alike. Officials are now urging both passengers and travel agents to double-check all documents before the journey begins. Avoiding such misunderstandings can save time, money, and unnecessary stress at the airport.
Passengers are strongly advised to contact their airline or travel agent to verify their visa eligibility for Madinah. Making sure your documents meet the travel rules is the key to a smooth and successful trip.
