New Umrah Visa Rule Hotel Booking on Nusuk Now Required

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a new rule for international pilgrims. From June 10, 2025, anyone planning to perform Umrah from outside the Kingdom must book their hotel through the “Nusuk Masar” platform before they can get an Umrah visa.

According to the ministry, no Umrah visa will be issued unless the pilgrim’s accommodation is confirmed and approved through this online system. This means international pilgrims must complete their hotel booking first, and only then can they apply for the visa.

Only Licensed HotelsApplies to All International Pilgrims

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) confirmed that this new rule applies to all pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia, regardless of their country of origin. The goal of this policy is to make the process more organized and professional, ensuring that all visitors get a better experience.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said in a statement that the new policy will help in the following ways:

Reduce problems like overbooking or accommodation scams Allowed Under New Rules

Ensure that pilgrims stay in safe and licensed hotels

Improve the quality of service provided to guests

The new policy is also important for travel companies and agents. All Umrah service providers—whether they are companies, agencies, or authorized foreign agents—are now required to book hotels that are officially licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.

Once the hotel booking is made, the contract must be submitted and verified digitally through the Nusuk Masar platform. Only then will the visa application be processed.

Warning for Service Providers: Submit Hotel Contracts Early

The Ministry has also warned Umrah service providers to submit hotel contracts on time. If they fail to do so, there could be delays in visa approvals or even penalties.

Officials explained that this step is being taken to ensure better management and transparency in Umrah services. By using a verified digital system, Saudi Arabia wants to avoid fake bookings and improve the overall travel experience for pilgrims.

Supporting Vision 2030 Goals

This decision is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the tourism and religious hospitality sectors in the country. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that Umrah pilgrims get the best facilities and services.

What is the Nusuk Masar Platform?

The Nusuk Masar platform is a digital system created by the Saudi government to help pilgrims plan their trip. Through this platform, pilgrims can:

• Book hotels
• Manage permits
• Get visa-related services
• Access educational content in different languages to understand each step of the Umrah journey

By making everything digital, the Saudi authorities want to provide a smooth and user-friendly experience for all pilgrims.

If you are planning to go for Umrah after June 10, 2025, make sure to:

• Book your hotel first using the Nusuk Masar platform
• Confirm that the hotel is licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism
• Ensure your service provider submits the contract before applying for a visa

Failing to follow these steps could lead to visa rejection or delays, so it’s important to follow the new rules carefully.

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