Saudi Arabia: No Umrah Visa Without An Approved Hotel Booking

Saudi Arabia will implement a new rule for Umrah pilgrims. Since June 10, 2025, international pilgrims must order hotels through the Nusuk Masar platform for visa approval. The Hajj and Umrah Ministry announced this to protect the rights of pilgrims and ensure the quality of accommodations. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. Nusuk Masar manages platform order and permission.

There will be a prominent policy shift to enhance the Umrah experience and protect the rights of pilgrims. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that no Umrah visa will be issued to international pilgrims without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel bookings, which must be made via the Nusuk Masar platform. This new rule came into effect on June 10, 2025.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced its official channels, including an official post on X. According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, the decision applies to all pilgrims arriving from abroad and mandates that accommodation must be booked only in hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

All contracts must be electronically submitted and approved through the Nusuk Masar digital platform, the centralised portal for managing all pilgrimage-related services.

Objectives of the Policy and the Government's Vision

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarifies that this move is intended to-

• Protect the rights of pilgrims
• Eliminate unauthorised and fraudulent housing practices.
• Prevent overbooking
• Ensure a high standard of accommodation
• Streamline the pilgrimage journey for Umrah visitors

In an official statement, the Ministry said, "The new decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for both visitors and Umrha performers and guarantee that pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant facilities."

 Role of the 'Nusuk Masar'

The Nusuk Masar platform is a central component of this regulatory overhaul. It serves as the digital gateway for managing pilgrimage-related services and documentation. Through this platform, pilgrims and service providers can:

• Book and confirm accommodations in Ministry-approved hotels.
• Upload and verify housing contracts.
• Manage permits related to Umrah

Strict and Compliance Measures 

The Ministry has issued strong regulations to Umrah service providers, and these are-

• Licenses companies
• Authorised establishments
• Foreign agents

All parties must ensure swift documentation and full compliance with the new directive. The Ministry warned that delays or failure to submit housing contracts through Nusuk Masar could result in visa rejection, processing delays, or regulatory penalties. This initiative is also aimed at addressing previous concerns about substandard accommodations, fraudulent bookings, and last-minute cancellations, which have negatively impacted the quality of service for many past pilgrims.

The Umrah season in 2025 is underway, and Saudi Arabia's latest regulation represents a crucial effort to enhance security for pilgrims. In addition to securing quality homes, the policy strengthens everyone through coordination among service providers. It supports the state's approach to lifting religious hospitality by combining tradition with advanced digital and regulatory measures.

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