Starting June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), Saudi Arabia has enforced a new visa requirement for international Umrah pilgrims: confirmed hotel bookings must be made through the official Nusuk Masar platform before an Umrah visa can be issued.
Announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah via social media platform X, the policy mandates that all accommodations must be booked exclusively at hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. All hotel contracts must be submitted electronically and approved through Nusuk Masar, now designated as the central portal for managing all aspects of the Umrah experience.
Protecting Pilgrims and Enhancing Travel Standards
The Ministry stated the regulation is designed 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.” Officials emphasized the move is also aimed at protecting pilgrims’ rights, preventing fraud, and addressing issues of overbooking and substandard accommodation.
This policy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative focused on improving the religious tourism experience through digital integration and elevated service standards.
Digital Immigration Guide for Pilgrims
The Nusuk Masar platform serves as a comprehensive visa guide and travel management portal, allowing users to:
Book approved hotel accommodations
Upload and validate housing contracts
Manage pilgrimage permits
Access multilingual travel resources
Umrah agents, tour operators, and travel companies have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the new visa application requirements. Failure to upload verified accommodation contracts may result in visa delays, rejection, or financial penalties.
A More Secure and Seamless Pilgrimage
The updated visa policy addresses long-standing concerns over fraudulent bookings and poor lodging conditions. By mandating bookings through a unified digital platform and restricting accommodations to licensed properties, Saudi authorities aim to provide pilgrims with a safer, more reliable, and dignified Umrah experience.
This rule marks a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s immigration policies for religious tourism and reinforces its commitment to modernizing pilgrimage services while safeguarding visitor welfare.
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