Umrah Visa Applicants Must Confirm Hotel Booking Through Nusuk App Starting June 10, 2025
In a major update that directly impacts international Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that hotel booking is now a mandatory requirement for obtaining an Umrah visa, starting from June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al‑Hijjah 1446 AH). This landmark policy change aims to streamline the visa process and enhance pilgrim services as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative.
What’s New? Hotel Booking = Visa Approval
From now on, no Umrah visa will be issued unless the applicant has confirmed hotel bookings in both Makkah and Madinah, made through the official Nusuk Masar platform. These bookings must:
- Be from hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Be uploaded and electronically documented via the Nusuk Masar system before submitting the visa application.
This means simply planning your travel and submitting a visa application without booking a hotel will no longer be acceptable.
Why Has This Rule Been Introduced?
According to the official announcement from the Saudi Press Agency, the policy is designed to:
- Prevent accommodation fraud and overcrowding.
- Ensure safety and quality of stay for pilgrims.
- Allow Saudi authorities to better manage and monitor pilgrim logistics and services.
With millions visiting annually, particularly during peak Umrah seasons, this requirement will help standardize pilgrim housing and improve the overall experience.
What Umrah Visa Applicants Need to Do Now?
To successfully apply for an Umrah visa in 2025, international pilgrims must:
- Book licensed hotels in Makkah and Madinah via the Nusuk Masar platform (https://book.nusuk.sa/sa-en).
- Upload your hotel contract through the system.
- Submit your visa application only after confirming your accommodation electronically.
⚠️ Note: Without uploading a valid hotel booking contract, your visa application will be rejected or face significant delays.
Who Does This Apply To?
This policy applies to all international applicants seeking the Umrah visa, regardless of their country of origin. Pilgrims traveling with registered Umrah tour operators must ensure that their operator has fulfilled this booking obligation on their behalf.
Impact on Pilgrims and Agents
For pilgrims:
- It’s essential to verify hotel bookings with official platforms.
- Avoid unlicensed travel agents or third-party websites that don’t offer bookings integrated with Nusuk Masar.
For travel agents:
- Immediate compliance is required to retain approval for facilitating Umrah travel.
- Agents must upload all bookings to Nusuk Masar before visa processing.
Effective Date
The rule of hotel booking confirmation for Umrah Visa came into effect on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al‑Hijjah 1446 AH.