No Umrah visa without approved hotel booking on Nusuk Masar

Kingdom tightens Umrah visa rules to ensure licensed accommodation 

The move aims to protect pilgrims’ rights, ensure high-quality accommodation, and streamline the overall journey.

 Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that, beginning with the new Umrah season, no international pilgrim will be granted an Umrah visa without first documenting their housing contracts through the “Nusuk Masar” digital platform.

The new requirement, which came into effect on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), mandates that all Umrah service providers companies, establishments, and foreign agents, secure accommodation for pilgrims exclusively in hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. All contracts must be electronically documented on the Nusuk Masar platform before visa issuance.

The move aims to protect pilgrims’ rights, ensure high-quality accommodation, and streamline the overall journey. “The new decision aims 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,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The policy also introduces a layer of regulatory oversight intended to prevent housing fraud and address longstanding concerns about accommodation quality and overbooking. Service providers are urged to document contracts promptly, with the Ministry warning that failure to comply could result in visa delays or regulatory penalties.