In a significant replace that immediately impacts worldwide Umrah pilgrims, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced that lodge reserving is now a compulsory requirement for acquiring an Umrah visa, ranging from June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al‑Hijjah 1446 AH). This landmark coverage change goals to streamline the visa course of and improve pilgrim companies as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative.
What’s New? Hotel Booking = Visa Approval
From now on, no Umrah visa will likely be issued until the applicant has confirmed lodge bookings in each Makkah and Madinah, made via the official Nusuk Masar platform. These bookings should:
- Be from resorts licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Be uploaded and electronically documented by way of the Nusuk Masar system earlier than submitting the visa application.
This means merely planning your journey and submitting a visa application with out reserving a lodge will not be acceptable.
Why Has This Rule Been Introduced?
According to the official announcement from the Saudi Press Agency, the coverage is designed to:
- Prevent lodging fraud and overcrowding.
- Ensure security and high quality of keep for pilgrims.
- Allow Saudi authorities to higher handle and monitor pilgrim logistics and companies.
With hundreds of thousands visiting yearly, notably throughout peak Umrah seasons, this requirement will assist standardize pilgrim housing and enhance the general expertise.
What Umrah Visa Applicants Need to Do Now?
To efficiently apply for an Umrah visa in 2025, worldwide pilgrims should:
- Book licensed resorts in Makkah and Madinah by way of the Nusuk Masar platform (https://book.nusuk.sa/sa-en).
- Upload your lodge contract via the system.
- Submit your visa application solely after confirming your lodging electronically.
⚠️ Note: Without importing a sound lodge reserving contract, your visa application will likely be rejected or face important delays.
Who Does This Apply To?
This coverage applies to all worldwide candidates looking for the Umrah visa, no matter their nation of origin. Pilgrims touring with registered Umrah tour operators should make sure that their operator has fulfilled this reserving obligation on their behalf.
Impact on Pilgrims and Agents
For pilgrims:
- It’s important to confirm lodge bookings with official platforms.
- Avoid unlicensed journey brokers or third-social gathering web sites that don’t supply bookings built-in with Nusuk Masar.
For journey brokers:
- Immediate compliance is required to retain approval for facilitating Umrah journey.
- Agents should add all bookings to Nusuk Masar earlier than visa processing.
Effective Date
The rule of lodge reserving affirmation for Umrah Visa got here into impact on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al‑Hijjah 1446 AH.
Umrah Visa Applicants Must Confirm Hotel Booking Through Nusuk App Starting June 10, 2025 FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
