Saudi Arabia: No Umrah Visa without approved hotel booking, should pilgrims know. world News
In a major policy change to increase Umrah’s experience and protect the rights of pilgrims, the state of Saudi Arabia has announced that No Umra Visa will be issued to international pilgrims without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel booking through “Nusuk Masar” platform, This new rule came into force on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hija 1446A). The Ministry of Haj and Umrah announced through its official channels, including an official post on X (East Twitter). According to a report by Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the decision applies All pilgrims are coming from abroad And it suggests that only houses should be booked by the Ministry of Tourism in licensed hotels. All contracts should be presented electronically and approved through the Nusuk Masar Digital Platform, the centralized portal for the management of all pilgrimage services.
The objective of policy and government vision
The Haj and Umrah Ministry clarified that this step is that:
- Protect the rights of pilgrims
- Remove unauthorized and fraudulent housing practices
- Stop overbooking
- Ensure a high standard of housing
- Elite the pilgrimage for visitors for Umrah visitors
In an official statement, the ministry said:“The aim of the new decision is to enhance the professionalism of service distribution, to improve experience for both visitors and Umrah artists, and guarantee that pilgrims live in licensed, obedient facilities.” The initiative is part of the comprehensive efforts of Saudi Arabia to align with Vision 2030, which wants to change the state’s religious hospitality region by integrating digital innovation and implementing high service standards. This policy also reflects close cooperation between the Haj and Umrah Ministry and the Ministry of Tourism, both are working together to ensure a safe, spontaneous and regulated pilgrimage experience for all.
Role of Nusuk masar platform
The Nusuk Masar platform is a major component of this regulatory overhaul. It acts as an official digital gateway for managing pilgrimage services and documentation. Through the stage, pilgrims and service providers can:
- Book and confirm housing in hotels approved by the ministry
- Housing contract upload and verify
- Manage permits and logistics related to Umrah
- Use educational materials in many languages
This centralized approach ensures better coordination, rapid processing and a more reliable experience for pilgrims and service agents.
Strict enforcement and compliance measures
The Ministry has issued a strong advice to Umrah Seva providers, including:
- Licensed companies
- Authorized establishment
- Foreign agent
All sides must ensure Swift documentation and complete compliance With new instructions. The ministry warned that delay or failure visa rejection, processing delay or regulatory punishment may lead to the delay in submission of housing contracts through Nusuk Masar. The push is also to eliminate previous complaints related to inferior housing, fraud booking, and final-finished cancellations, issues that have affected the quality of service for many previous pilgrims.With the 2025 Umrah season, the new regulation of Saudi Arabia represents a decisive attempt to improve the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Beyond ensuring quality housing, the policy strengthens the overall coordination among the service providers and supports the state’s comprehensive vision to elevate religious hospitality by combining traditions with advanced digital and regulatory measures.
