Umrah 2025: New Visa Rule Requires Hotel Booking on Nusuk Platform

Starting in 2025, Saudi Arabia has announced stricter guidelines for Umrah visa issuance. The most crucial update? You can no longer get an Umrah visa without a confirmed and approved hotel booking via the Nusuk Masar platform.

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Hotel booking now required before Visa application

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To apply for an Umrah visa in 2025, having a confirmed hotel booking is no longer optional — it's mandatory. Pilgrims must secure accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah, and these hotels must be officially licensed by the Civil Defence and the Saudi Tourism Authority. It's not just about booking a place to stay — it needs to be officially recognised by Saudi authorities.

Additionally, the booking dates must exactly match the traveller's entry and exit dates as stated in their visa application. Before submitting the application, the hotel must also electronically approve the booking via the Nusuk platform. On top of that, the accommodation details must be fully linked to the pilgrim’s overall Umrah program, ensuring everything is verified and aligned before the visa process can move forward.

No more “Visa Only” applications

With this update, individual travellers can no longer apply for a visa alone or without going through an authorised travel agency. This means the days of booking your own hotel and applying for a visa separately are over — unless you’re doing everything officially through Nusuk and approved partners.

What will lead to Visa rejection?

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The Saudi authorities have set clear boundaries: any deviation from the approved process will result in an immediate visa rejection. This includes random or last-minute hotel bookings, reservations made at unlicensed accommodations, or those arranged through unofficial intermediaries or agents. These types of bookings are flagged by the system and automatically rejected.

Even more seriously, attempts to bypass the approved channels could lead to a complete suspension of the visa request and even the cancellation of an already-issued Umrah permit. To avoid disappointment or travel disruption, pilgrims must ensure all arrangements are made through official and authorised platforms — especially the Nusuk Masar system.

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What does this mean for Muslim travellers?

For Muslim travellers — especially those who prefer to plan things independently — this change means you’ll need to rely on trusted, officially recognised platforms and travel agencies. While it may feel restrictive at first, this move is designed to ensure better safety, organisation, and comfort for all pilgrims.

So before you plan your spiritual journey, make sure your accommodation is booked through the Nusuk Masar platform and officially verified — it’s now the most important step in your Umrah preparation.