Saudi Arabia has tightened the rules for Umrah. As of 10th June 2025, pilgrims cannot obtain Umrah visas without an approved hotel booking on Nusuk Masar. Saudi Arabia has officially announced a new rule that requires pilgrims to enter the Kingdom with a confirmed hotel booking approved by the Ministry of Tourism. This will be done by applying for an Umrah visa through a digital platform, Nusuk Masar. This strict rule demonstrates that the Kingdom is implementing new regulations to modernize and protect the pilgrimage system under its Vision 2030 strategy. The strategy aims to provide better service standards to pilgrims and save them from accommodation scams. The approved method will provide better accommodations with more transparent logistical management.
Previously, pilgrims often booked Umrah Packages through unidentified sources, which carried risks, including surprise cancellations, offered cheap but standard accommodations, or resulted in visa rejections. Now, with the new rule, Nusuk Masar is a gateway for every international pilgrim to reserve approved hotels before visa approval. It is to be noted that pilgrims can not get an Umrah visa without a registered hotel stay.
Why This Change Is Important for International Pilgrims?
The benefits of this new rule reach far and wide. The new rule ensures every pilgrim gets safe and comfortable lodging. It also eliminates the chances of multiple bookings, surprise cancellations, or low-standard accommodations. Another benefit is a regular check on Umrah services. The Saudi authorities can now check what kind of accommodation is provided to a pilgrim, distribute accommodation, control overcrowding, and manage pilgrim flows more efficiently.
This new rule also helps to manage fraud and profiteering, which is common among middlemen offering last-minute cheap Umrah deals to international pilgrims, which often turn out to be fake and unreliable. This rule empowers pilgrims to travel with peace of mind, knowing that Saudi authorities monitor everything. Licensed travel agents also benefit from this rule as they do not have to worry about unfair competition from fraudulent middlemen.
Nusuk Masar - The Digital Platform
The new rule, 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 must secure accommodation for pilgrims exclusively in approved hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. The new requirement also mandates that all Umrah contracts must be electronically documented on the digital Nusuk Masar platform before Umrah visa issuance.
Nusuk Masar is a digital platform managed and controlled by the Ministries of Hajj and Tourism. It offers every travel component, accommodation contracts, Umrah visa applications, and logistical details in multiple languages. The platform enables pilgrims to see every detail of their contract, from booking hotels to uploading check-in agreements within this portal. This digital platform ensures transparency and clarity. It also reduces delays and the likelihood of human error.
Planning is Now A Must
The new rule reduces the chances of spontaneous pilgrimage trips and last-minute bookings. It requires planning early and well, particularly early booking of hotels in Makkah and Madinah, and application for visas. As the new Umrah season approaches after Hajj, a delay in booking hotels could mean fewer chances of securing preferred hotels, as hotels in Makkah and Madinah fill up quickly. That's why choosing a professional and experienced travel agent who knows the complications and understands Nusuk Masar has now become crucial for a smooth Umrah experience. A professional and licensed travel agent can easily manage hotel selection, upload contracts on time, and effectively interact with Saudi authorities so that their clients do not suffer and can focus solely on their pilgrimage and prayers.
What Pilgrims Should Look For in an Umrah Package?
Given the new rule, the ideal Umrah Packages 2025 must fulfill several conditions:
Umrah visa assistance: Umrah Packages include guidance on using Nusuk Masar uploads and its conditions.
Round-trip Flights: Umrah Packages 2025 by reputable agents often include reputable airlines and convenient transit.
Licensed Hotel Bookings: Approved Packages for Umrah 2025 often include hotels near Haramain to provide comfort and convenience in one package.
Ground Transport: These Packages for Umrah also provide airport pick-ups and drop-offs and travel between Makkah and Madinah.
Check-in Support and Local Presentation: Many reputable Umrah agencies offer local assistance and check-in support to help pilgrims in a foreign country. The best Umrah packages 2025 also include extras like guided ziarat to religious and historical places, Umrah sessions, and travel SIMs.
What If You Don't Comply?
If your travel agent does not pre-book your accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, your Umrah visa application is likely to be rejected. Saudi authorities have clearly announced that incomplete Umrah documentation can result in visa rejection or delay. And if anyone gets a visa through an unofficial channel, arriving in Makkah with fake or unregistered hotel details puts pilgrims at serious risk.
Final Note
If you are planning for Umrah in the new Umrah season 2025, start planning and booking the best Umrah Packages 2025 as early as possible. Reach out to the reputable Umrah Companions, powered by Funadiq - a Saudi-based company, for an organized pilgrimage experience. Umrah Companions offers well-designed Umrah Packages with the flexibility to include or exclude services. Their end-to-end service keeps pilgrims compliant and supported. Reach out to Umrah Companions and discuss your travel needs and budget limits. Pilgrims can expect improved Umrah experience, better hotels near Haram in Makkah and Madinah, comfortable transport, and smoother visa processes. May your journey be blessed and your rituals accepted. Ameen.
