What you need to know about the new Umrah booking portal

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah just released a significant update for Muslims worldwide. The integrated electronic platform known as Nusuk has been made available by the Saudi authorities to act as a new entry point for pilgrims traveling to Madinah and Makkah, among other holy places.

So what exactly is Nusuk? Are you traveling for Umrah soon and curious as to what impact will this new service have on both domestic and foreign pilgrims? Here is what we currently know about the Eatmarna app replacement.

What we will cover

• About the Nusuk App/Platform
• Purpose for the Nusuk App
• What are the features of the Nusuk app?
• Getting the Nusuk App
• Will the Nusuk app be available for Hajj?
• Adding a companion on the Nusuk App
• Nusuk Hajj
• Creating an account on Nusuk Hajj
• Nusuk Hajj services

About Nusuk

The Eatmarna app which was formerly used to book your Umrah pilgrimage is effectively being replaced by the Nusuk app. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seeks to offer all pilgrims a safe, easy, hassle-free, and enjoyable journey. The app will facilitate the electronic issuing of their visit and/or Umrah visas. The integration and unification of the Nusuk app will efficiently assist pilgrims from all over the world with their Umrah bookings as well as allow them to plan visits to several Saudi Arabian historical and religious places.
The Nusuk app positions itself as a continuation of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance the calibre of services offered to pilgrims utilising cutting-edge technology.

Purpose behind the Nusuk App

For the past few years those travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were required to download both the Tawakkalna and Eatmarna app to verify their vaccination and entry requirements and for booking their pilgrimage. Both have been very successful in adding efficiency to the overall Hajj and Umrah journey. Encouraged by the success, the Saudi government decided to merge the Tawakkalna and Eatmarna applications' functionalities into a single, unified app - giving you the Nusuk App.

Additionally, the Nusuk app now includes new features and capabilities. Users will be able to apply for a variety of things, including an Umrah visa and permit, admission to the Rawdah As Sheerafah, and more.

Feature of the Nusuk App

• Issuing the entry visa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Issuing necessary permits for Umrah and prayer at Ar-Rawdah Ash Shareefah
• Booking of various packages and programs suitable for visitors of Makkah and Madinah
• Facilitates the arrival of international pilgrims
• Provides travel and transportation services
• Information about cultural events and exclusive offers
• Reservation of Umrah permit and allowing pilgrims to visit the Prophet’s Mosque
• E-guides in multiple languages
• Connecting the Umrah performers and visitors with services of public and private sectors
• Interactive maps of the holy sites
• Provides specialised courses for private sector employees
• Book hotels and flights

Additionally, the Nusuk app allows pilgrims to request for their Umrah visas to be extended by three months, no matter their nationality. With this convenience, the pilgrims can now stay in the middle eastern country for one month to three months.

Getting the Nusuk App

The Nusuk app can be downloaded on any smartphone via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. The services can also be accessed on their website at https://www.nusuk.sa.

Can the Nusuk App be used for Hajj bookings?

The Nusuk App will also be available for Hajj bookings this coming season. The app allows pilgrims to create their own Hajj itinerary to efficiently organise their bookings in Makkah, Madinah and other holy places.

Adding a companion on the Nusuk app

On the Nusuk app you can request a permit for a companion that you are travelling with by following these few steps:

1. Open your Nusuk app
   
2. Click on ‘Umrah’
   
3. Tick off the main user.
   
4. Click ‘Add companion’
   
5. Select the ‘companion type’
   
6. Input the Iqama ID
   
7. Select the nationality
   
8. Choose the city of arrival
   
9. Input the date of birth
   
10. Click ‘add’

Nusuk Hajj

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah have also introduced Nusuk Hajj (https://hajj.nusuk.sa), the official platform for managing and booking your spiritual journey for this upcoming season.
Nusuk Hajj is the only platform formally approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide Hajj services for the year 1444-2023. It was mainly established to provide a unique spiritual Hajj journey for European, American, Australian and New Zealander Muslims.
Funadiq.com is proud to be one of Nusuk’s Hajj package providers. Pilgrims can feel confident and worry-free about their decision to travel with Funadiq as we are backed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Nusuk Hajj is available to international travellers coming in from the 60 countries listed below:

Creating an account on Nusuk Hajj

Creating an account on Nusuk HajjTo create an account on Nusuk Hajj you can follow the steps below. Pilgrims should note that registering on the platform does not mean that you will be accepted for Hajj. Closer to the start of the Hajj season packages and payment options will become available. You can subscribe to their newsletter here https://hajj.nusuk.sa to stay up to date on times for reservations.

Creating your new account in Nusuk Hajj:

1. Go to login page
   
2. Then click on Create Account
   
3. Wait until you are redirected to Create New Account page
   
4. Enter required information
   
5. Read Terms of Use then click accept
   
6. After entering all data click on the Register button
   
7. Enter OTP (one time password) that was sent to your email

Your account is now created. To start using the platform it requires you to have a registered account so you can receive the best service.

To login to you new Nusuk account follow the steps below:

1. Click on Sign In
   
2. You will then be redirected to enter the required information on the page
   
3. Enter login information (email address and password)
   
4. Select Login
   
5. Enter OTP that was sent to your email address associated with the account

Nusuk Hajj Services

• Flights: flight services to and from pilgrim’s country of residence
• Accommodations: housing services in Makkah and Madinah
• Transportation: transportation services inside cities and Mashaer
• Catering: catering services with the highest standard
• Tour guide: guide and support for pilgrims throughout Hajj
• Secured payment: variety of secured payment channels including Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, cash collection, SADAD
• Support: providing all kinds of support to the pilgrim around the clock through various support channels
• Validate essential documents: validating documents required for issuing a visa

Nusuk provides the following guide to help users with any of their questions https://hajj.nusuk.sa/archive/nusuk-hajj-user-manual-en.pdf or you can contact them via telephone or email using the contact information provided on their site.
Funadiq.com is backed by Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah so pilgrims can feel confident when booking with us. If you have any questions about travelling for Hajj or Umrah or about the new Nusuk app/platform you can contact our team and we will be glad to assist you.