14 hours ago
Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to provide confirmed hotel bookings for Umrah visa
In an effort to improve the Umrah experience, Saudi Arabia now requires pilgrims applying for an Umrah visa to provide confirmed hotel bookings via the Nusuk Masar platform.
'To improve service standards and enrich the pilgrim experience, housing documentation through Nusuk Masar is now required for all 1447H (2025) Umrah visa issuances,' the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on its official X platform.
The directive aims to enhance the quality of services provided and to improve the overall experience for pilgrims and visitors, according to the ministry.
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 Hajj and Umrah ministry urged companies to limit accommodations to hotels licensed and approved by the Ministry of Tourism and to document all contracts through the Nusuk Masar platform.
The Ministry has instructed all licensed Umrah operators, agents, and companies to ensure full compliance, adding that failure to upload verified hotel contracts could lead to visa delays, rejection, or penalties.
The Nusuk Masar platform is the central portal for managing all Umrah-related bookings, and allows users to book approved accommodation, upload housing contracts, manage permits, and access travel materials in multiple languages.
