CNIC / NICOP Requirements
Even a small mismatch between your CNIC and passport can get a Saudi visa rejected. Everything must line up here.
What must my CNIC / NICOP match for Umrah?
Your CNIC (NICOP for overseas Pakistanis) must exactly match your passport for name, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth. The card must not be expired. If anything differs, correct it at NADRA first - before applying for the Saudi visa.
- 1
Compare your CNIC and passport
Compare name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, and place of birth - letter by letter. Small spelling differences matter.
- 2
Check expiry
Your CNIC / NICOP must be valid on your travel date. Renew in advance if it's close to expiring.
- 3
Correct mismatches at NADRA
For any mismatch, apply at a NADRA registration centre or on Pak-ID. Bring supporting documents (certificates, school records).
- 4
Final match with passport
After correction, update the passport office too if needed, so both documents carry identical data.
- 5
Prepare copies for the visa application
Provide clean scans - front and back - in colour and legible. Some operators require two copies.
Key FactMismatches between CNIC and passport are the #1 cause of Saudi visa rejection for Pakistani applicants.
Key FactOverseas Pakistanis must use a NICOP - a standard CNIC alone is not accepted.
Key FactNADRA corrections can take a few weeks - start early, before applying for your visa.
Common mistakes & troubleshooting
- !Different spellings of the name (e.g. "Muhammad" vs "Mohammad") - the Saudi system treats them as different people.
- !Changed surname after marriage on one document but not the other - align both.
- !Expired CNIC not disclosed to the operator - it will be caught at the visa stage.
- !Overseas applicants using an old CNIC instead of a NICOP.
Official action - leave Nidaul Khaleel and continue on the government portal.
Apply / correct CNIC or NICOP on nadra.gov.pk