Umrah Visas to Be Issued Once Accommodation Booking Is Confirmed via Nusuk Masar Platform
According to a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency, the new regulation requires all Umrah service providers — including companies, establishments, and foreign agents — to book accommodations exclusively in hotels licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
All housing agreements must be electronically documented on the Nusuk Masar platform prior to the issuance of any Umrah visa.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said the move is designed to protect pilgrims’ rights, raise service standards, and ensure high-quality, licensed accommodations throughout the pilgrimage. “The new decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for both visitors and Umrah performers, and guarantee that pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant facilities,” the statement said.
The policy introduces tighter regulatory oversight to prevent housing-related fraud and address ongoing concerns about overbooking and accommodation standards.
Service providers have been urged to comply promptly, with the ministry warning that delays or failures in documentation could result in visa processing issues or penalties.
By leveraging digital tools like Nusuk Masar, the initiative is expected to streamline the Umrah journey, from booking to accommodation and permits.
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The Nusuk Masar platform acts as a centralized gateway for international pilgrims, offering multilingual educational resources and services to manage bookings and permits online.
Source: Gbusiness
