No Umrah visa without approved hotel booking on Nusuk Masar
Pakistan: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that, beginning with the new Umrah season, no international pilgrim will be granted an Umrah visa without first documenting their housing contracts through the “Nusuk Masar” digital platform.
The new requirement, which came into effect on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), mandates that all Umrah service providers companies, establishments, and foreign agents, secure accommodation for pilgrims exclusively in hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. All contracts must be electronically documented on the Nusuk Masar platform before visa issuance.
The move aims to protect pilgrims’ rights, ensure high-quality accommodation, and streamline the overall journey. “The new decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for both visitors and Umrah performers, and guarantee that pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant facilities,” the Ministry said in a statement.
What Is the Nusuk Platform?
Nusuk is the official platform launched by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to help streamline the pilgrimage process for both Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Through Nusuk, travelers can:
Book hotels and transportation
Reserve entry to the Two Holy Mosques
Plan their itineraries
Apply for an e-visa (in eligible countries)
Nusuk is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation agenda, aiming to enhance transparency, efficiency, and user experience. It is available as a website and mobile app and supports multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Urdu, and more.
The policy also introduces a layer of regulatory oversight intended to prevent housing fraud and address longstanding concerns about accommodation quality and overbooking. Service providers are urged to document contracts promptly, with the Ministry warning that failure to comply could result in visa delays or regulatory penalties.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that this directive supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of transforming the Kingdom’s religious hospitality sector. From leveraging digital technology to setting higher standards for service, the government aims to provide a more secure, seamless, and integrated pilgrimage experience.
The Nusuk Masar platform, which has become the Kingdom’s centralized digital gateway for pilgrimage services, enables pilgrims to book, confirm, and manage their permits, while also offering educational resources in multiple languages.
Technical and operational preparations for the new Umrah season, which officially launched last week, were completed in coordination with other government entities to ensure a smooth start and minimize disruptions.
How to Comply With the New Rule
Step 1: Create an Account on Nusuk
Visit the Nusuk.sa website or download the Nusuk app and create an account. You’ll need to provide personal information, including your passport details.
Step 2: Search and Book an Approved Hotel
Once logged in, browse available hotel options in Makkah and Madinah. These hotels are approved by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and are guaranteed to meet specific standards. Make sure the dates match your intended Umrah trip.
Step 3: Confirm Booking and Receive Reference Code
After selecting and paying for your hotel, you will receive a booking reference number. This reference will be linked to your passport number and automatically shared with Saudi visa authorities.
Step 4: Apply for Your Umrah Visa
Using the same platform (or via an authorized travel agent), apply for the Umrah visa. The visa system will check for a valid hotel booking before processing your application.
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