Tuesday, June 17, 2025
No Umrah visa without approved Hotel booking for International pilgrims
International pilgrims must have confirmed accommodation reservations through the official Nusuk Masar (masar.nusuk.sa) website in order to receive an Umrah visa, according to Saudi Arabia. Every foreign pilgrim is now subject to the new regulation, which went into force on June 10, 2025. Most Viewed: Procedure to check vehicle insurance validity online in Saudi Arabia
Only hotels with proper Ministry of Tourism licenses will be permitted for bookings, according to the notification published by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through X. The Nusuk Masar platform is the only place for online submission and approval of contracts.
The decision, as stated by the ministry, is intended to safeguard pilgrims' rights, combat fraud, end overbooking, and guarantee a good level of lodging.
"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 ministry stated in an official statement.
Improving the religious tourist experience through digital platforms and strict service standards is one of the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which is supported by the policy. Coordination with the Ministry of Tourism is being maintained for the effort. Recommend: New rules for domestic workers and similar professions in KSA
All bookings relating to the Umrah can now be managed through the Nusuk Masar platform. Users can maintain their permits, book permitted accommodations, post lodging contracts, and access travel documents in several languages using the platform.
It is essential that all authorized Umrah operators, agents, and businesses adhere to the ministry's directives. The visa application process could be delayed, rejected, or penalized if the hotel contracts are not uploaded.
This change is a response to previous feedback regarding inadequate lodging and instances of fraudulent bookings. The government's goal is to provide a safer and more convenient pilgrimage experience through the use of a standardized system and authorized accommodations. See Also: Penalty for violating Midday work ban in Saudi Arabia
No Umrah visa without approved Hotel booking for International pilgrims
