In an important policy shift to improve the Umrah experience and to protect the rights of pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that No Umrah visa is issued to international pilgrims without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel bookings via the “Nusuk Masar” platform. This new rule came into force on 10 June 2025 (14 DHU al-Hijjah 1446 AH). The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the announcement through its official channels, including an official position on X (formerly Twitter). According to a report from the Saudi press office (Spa), the decision applies to All pilgrims arriving from abroad And mandates that accommodations should only be booked in hotels with a permit from the Ministry of Tourism. All contracts must be submitted electronically and approved via the Nusuk Masar Digital Platform, the centralized portal for managing all pilgrimage -related services.
Objectives of the policy and vision of the government
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that this movement is intended to:
- Protect the rights of pilgrims
- Eliminate unauthorized and fraudulent home practices
- Prevent transfer
- Ensure a high standard of accommodation
- Streamline The pilgrimage trip for Umrah -visitors
In an official statement, the ministry said:“The new decision is intended to improve the professionalism of services, to improve the experience for both visitors and Umrah artists and to guarantee that pilgrims remain in recognized, conforming facilities.” The initiative is part of broader efforts to be in accordance with the vision of Saudi Aarabia 2030, which wants to transform the religious hospitality sector of the Kingdom by integrating digital innovation and maintaining higher service standards. This policy also reflects close cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism, both of which collaborate to guarantee a safe, seamless and regulated pilgrimage experience for everyone.
Role of the Nings Masar platform
The Nusuk Masar platform is an important part of this legal revision. It serves as the official digital gateway for managing pilgrims-related services and documentation. Pilgrims and service providers can:
- Book and confirm accommodations in approved hotels
- Upload and verify housing contracts
- Management of permits and logistics with regard to Umrah
- Access to educational material in multiple languages
This centralized approach ensures better coordination, faster processing and a more reliable experience for both pilgrims and service resources.
Strict enforcement and compliance measures
The Ministry has given strong advice to Umrah service providers, including:
- Licensed companies
- Authorized branches
- Foreign agents
All parties must take care of it Swift -documentation and complete compliance With the new guideline. The ministry warned that delays or not submitting home contracts via Nusuk Masar could lead to visa changes, processing delays or legal fines. This push is also intended to eliminate previous complaints with regard to substandard accommodation, fraudulent bookings and last-minute cancellations, issues that have influenced the quality of the service for many pilgrims from the past.With the 2025 Umrah season, the new Saudi Arabia regulation represents a decisive effort to improve the safety and comfort of pilgrims. In addition to guaranteeing quality accommodations, the policy strengthens overall coordination among service providers and supports the wider vision of the Kingdom to increase religious hospitality by combining tradition with advanced digital and regulatory measures.
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