Saudi Arabia has introduced a new requirement for international Umrah pilgrims, mandating confirmed hotel bookings via the Nusuk Masar platform before visa issuance.
This policy, effective from 10 June 2025, affects all overseas applicants seeking an Umrah visa.
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Improved visa eligibility through pre-approved hotel bookings
Pilgrims must secure accommodation in Ministry‑licensed hotels and submit the contract through the Nusuk Masar digital platform.
This ensures verified bookings and prevents visa issuance without clear lodging arrangements.
The initiative seeks to protect pilgrims from fraudulent accommodation offers and reduce incidents of overbooking or last‑minute cancellations during peak pilgrimage periods.
Integration with vision 2030 and digital management
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasises that linking Umrah visa to accredited hotel booking aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to digitise pilgrimage services and elevate service standards.
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By GlobalDataNusuk Masar acts as a central portal where pilgrims and service providers can reserve hotels, upload verified contracts, and access multilingual educational materials—all aimed at enabling a streamlined pilgrimage experience.
Compliance obligations for agencies and operators
Licensed travel agencies, local establishments and international agents are responsible for ensuring full compliance with the new Umrah visa hotel booking requirement.
The Ministry warns that failure to upload confirmed hotel contracts via Nusuk Masar may result in visa delays, rejections or penalties.
This measure also addresses past complaints regarding substandard lodging and irregular booking practices, signalling a move towards more reliable and comfortable pilgrimage arrangements.
Pilgrims planning their journey are urged to use the nusuk masar portal
Pilgrims planning Umrah are advised to adopt the Nusuk Masar system to book approved hotels early, thus avoiding visa complications.
The platform’s mandatory use highlights Saudi Arabia’s push for greater transparency and control in the Umrah visa process.
By integrating hotel booking verification with visa processing, Saudi authorities aim to enhance both logistical oversight and pilgrim satisfaction, while reinforcing the principles of the Vision 2030 digital transformation strategy.
