Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made it mandatory for international pilgrims to confirm and document their accommodation details through the Nusuk Masar digital platform before receiving an Umrah visa.
The new regulation, effective from June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), applies to all foreign pilgrims and was announced by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah via its official X account.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), all Umrah service providers — including authorised agents and travel companies — must ensure pilgrims are booked only in hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
All housing contracts must be submitted and approved via the Nusuk Masar platform prior to the issuance of any Umrah visa.
The new policy is to tighten oversight of Umrah travel logistics by curbing housing-related fraud, preventing overbooking, and ensuring the overall quality of accommodations. The Ministry has stressed the urgency of compliance, cautioning that any delays or incomplete documentation may result in visa complications or penalties.
The primary goals of the requirement are to enhance service quality and efficiency, elevate the overall pilgrimage experience, and safeguard the rights of pilgrims by eliminating unauthorized practices. Authorities continue to stress the importance of early documentation and strict adherence to the process to avoid disruptions.
This initiative reflects a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism. Together, they seek to raise standards across the Umrah sector and deliver a safer, smoother, and more regulated pilgrimage experience for all international visitors.