Saudi Ministry of Hajj, Umrah requires confirmed hotel bookings via Nusuk Masar for 1447H Umrah Visas

SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a new mandate requiring all Umrah visa applicants for the 1447H (2025) season to secure confirmed hotel bookings exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.

This policy, announced on June 10, 2025, aims to elevate service standards and enhance the overall experience for pilgrims by ensuring accommodation arrangements are transparent, verified, and compliant with Saudi regulations.

In an official statement posted on its X platform, the Ministry emphasized that “to improve service standards and enrich the pilgrim experience, housing documentation through Nusuk Masar is now required for all 1447H Umrah visa issuances.”

This directive means that pilgrims, travel agencies, and Umrah operators must upload verified hotel contracts through Nusuk Masar before visa applications can be processed.

Only bookings made at hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and approved on the platform will be accepted.

The introduction of this requirement addresses longstanding challenges in the Umrah hospitality sector, such as fraudulent bookings, overcapacity issues, and inconsistent accommodation quality.

By centralizing hotel contract verification, the Ministry aims to protect pilgrims’ rights, reduce disputes, and ensure that all visitors stay in safe, licensed establishments that meet rigorous standards for comfort and service.

The Nusuk Masar platform now serves as the official hub for managing all aspects of Umrah accommodation, including contract submissions, permit issuance, and real-time monitoring of bookings.

This digital system streamlines coordination between pilgrims, operators, and authorities, reducing paperwork and expediting visa processing.

The platform also provides multilingual support and travel resources to assist pilgrims throughout their journey.

Non-compliance with the new hotel booking mandate may result in visa delays, rejections, or financial penalties for both service providers and applicants.

The Ministry has urged all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures and ensure timely submission of required documentation to avoid disruptions.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to modernize religious tourism infrastructure, enhance pilgrim welfare, and promote transparency in service delivery.

By enforcing strict accommodation verification, the Ministry reinforces its commitment to providing a seamless, secure, and dignified pilgrimage experience for millions of visitors annually.

Pilgrims planning to perform Umrah in 2025 are encouraged to coordinate closely with authorized travel agencies and use the Nusuk Masar platform well in advance to secure compliant hotel bookings.

This proactive approach will help ensure smooth visa issuance and a comfortable stay in the Kingdom.

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