Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced a new regulation requiring all international pilgrims to book approved accommodations through the “Nusuk Masar” digital platform before applying for an Umrah visa.
Starting June 10, 2025, Umrah visas will only be issued to foreign pilgrims whose lodging arrangements have been documented and verified via the Nusuk Masar system.
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The revised policy mandates that all Umrah service providers, including agents, companies, and establishments, ensure that accommodations are exclusively booked in hotels licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. These bookings must be digitally validated through Nusuk Masar before the visa application process can proceed.
The Ministry stated that the goal of this regulation is to improve service standards, enhance the pilgrim experience, and guarantee that visitors stay in legally compliant, high-quality accommodations. The move also aims to address issues like overbooking and substandard housing, as well as combat fraudulent lodging arrangements.
Service providers are urged to submit the necessary documentation promptly, as non-compliance may result in visa processing delays or penalties. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, modernizing and elevating the Kingdom’s religious tourism sector.
The Nusuk Masar platform serves as the centralized system for managing all pilgrimage services, offering tools for booking, verification, and multilingual support.
