Saudi Arabia: Hotel bookings made mandatory by the country for acquiring Umrah visa

Saudi Arabia has announced that Umrah visas will not be issued to international pilgrims without confirmed hotel bookings made through the official Nusuk Masar platform. The new rule came into effect on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), and applies to all foreign pilgrims.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the announcement through X and confirmed that only hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism will be accepted for bookings. All contracts must be submitted electronically and approved on the Nusuk Masar platform.

According to the Ministry, the decision is aimed at protecting pilgrims' rights, preventing fraud, stopping overbooking, and ensuring a high standard of accommodation.


In an official statement, the Ministry said, “The new decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for both visitors and Umrah performers, and guarantee that pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant facilities.”


The policy supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes improving the religious tourism experience through digital platforms and strict service standards. The initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism.

The Nusuk Masar platform is now the central portal for managing all Umrah-related bookings. Through the platform, users can book approved accommodation, upload housing contracts, manage permits, and access travel materials in multiple languages.

The Ministry has instructed all licensed Umrah operators, agents, and companies to ensure full compliance. Failure to upload verified hotel contracts could lead to visa delays, rejection, or penalties.

The move comes as part of efforts to address past complaints about poor accommodation and booking fraud. By using a unified system and approved hotels, the government aims to offer a more secure and smooth pilgrimage experience.