No Umrah visa without approved hotel booking, Saudi Arabia announces new policy

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced a new policy requiring international pilgrims to secure approved hotel accommodations through the “Nusuk Masar” platform before obtaining an Umrah visa.

Effective June 10, 2025, no international pilgrim will be granted an Umrah visa unless their housing contracts are documented via the Nusuk Masar digital platform, the Ministry said.

Under the updated regulations, all Umrah service providers, including companies, establishments, and authorized foreign agents, must arrange accommodation exclusively in hotels licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.

These contracts must be electronically verified and submitted through Nusuk Masar prior to visa issuance.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the new requirement applies to all pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom.

“The decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for visitors and Umrah performers, and ensure that all pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant accommodations,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The policy introduces a new level of regulatory oversight intended to prevent housing fraud and address longstanding concerns regarding accommodation quality and overbooking.

To improve service standards and enrich the pilgrim experience, housing documentation through Nusuk Masar is now required for all 1447H Umrah visa issuances.#Ease_And_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/LVKaghP0E9

— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) June 14, 2025

Service providers are urged to document contracts promptly; failure to comply could result in visa delays or regulatory penalties, the Ministry warned.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasized that this measure supports Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to transform and modernize its religious hospitality and tourism sectors.

The Nusuk Masar platform serves as the Kingdom’s centralized digital hub for pilgrimage services, enabling pilgrims to book, confirm, and manage their permits. It also offers multilingual educational resources to guide pilgrims through their journey.