In a significant coverage shift to reinforce the Umrah expertise and shield the rights of pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced that no Umrah visa might be issued to worldwide pilgrims with out prior affirmation and documentation of resort bookings through the “Nusuk Masar” platform. This new rule got here into impact on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH). The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the announcement by means of its official channels, together with an official put up on X (previously Twitter). In keeping with a report by the Saudi Press Company (SPA), the choice applies to all pilgrims arriving from overseas and mandates that lodging have to be booked solely in inns licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. All contracts have to be electronically submitted and accredited by means of the Nusuk Masar digital platform, the centralized portal for managing all pilgrimage-related providers.
Aims of the Coverage and Authorities’s Imaginative and prescient
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that this transfer is meant to:
- Defend the rights of pilgrims
- Eradicate unauthorized and fraudulent housing practices
- Forestall overbooking
- Guarantee a excessive normal of lodging
- Streamline the pilgrimage journey for Umrah guests
In an official assertion, the Ministry stated:“The brand new choice goals to reinforce the professionalism of service supply, enhance the expertise for each guests and Umrah performers, and assure that pilgrims keep in licensed, compliant services.” The initiative is a part of broader efforts to align with Saudi Arabia’s Imaginative and prescient 2030, which seeks to rework the Kingdom’s non secular hospitality sector by integrating digital innovation and implementing larger service requirements. This coverage additionally displays shut cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism, each of that are working collectively to make sure a safe, seamless, and controlled pilgrimage expertise for all.
Function of the Nusuk Masar Platform
The Nusuk Masar platform is a key element of this regulatory overhaul. It serves because the official digital gateway for managing pilgrimage-related providers and documentation. By way of the platform, pilgrims and repair suppliers can:
- E-book and ensure lodging in Ministry-approved inns
- Add and confirm housing contracts
- Handle permits and logistics associated to Umrah
- Entry academic supplies in a number of languages
This centralized strategy ensures higher coordination, quicker processing, and a extra dependable expertise for pilgrims and repair brokers alike.
Strict Enforcement and Compliance Measures
The Ministry has issued a robust advisory to Umrah service suppliers, together with:
- Licensed corporations
- Approved institutions
- International brokers
All events should guarantee swift documentation and full compliance with the brand new directive. The Ministry warned that delays or failure to submit housing contracts by means of Nusuk Masar might result in visa rejections, processing delays, or regulatory penalties. This push can also be meant to eradicate earlier complaints associated to substandard lodging, fraudulent bookings, and last-minute cancellations, points which have affected the standard of service for a lot of previous pilgrims.With the 2025 Umrah season underway, Saudi Arabia’s new regulation represents a decisive effort to enhance pilgrims’ security and luxury. Past making certain high quality lodging, the coverage strengthens total coordination amongst service suppliers and helps the Kingdom’s broader imaginative and prescient of elevating non secular hospitality by combining custom with superior digital and regulatory measures.
