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The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia has announced that from June 10 onwards (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), international visitors wishing to obtain Umrah visas must first secure accommodations through the nation’s digital platform, Nusuk Masar, and document their contracts accordingly.
As reported by the Saudi Press Agency, this new policy mandates that all providers of Umrah services, including companies, establishments, and foreign agents, make accommodation reservations exclusively at hotels accredited by the Ministry of Tourism.
All accommodation agreements need to be properly recorded on the Nusuk Masar platform prior to the issuance of any Umrah visa.
The ministry explained that this initiative aims to safeguard the rights of pilgrims, elevate service quality, and ensure that accommodations are both licensed and of high standards during the pilgrimage. “This decision is intended to improve the professionalism of the services provided, enhance the overall experience for visitors and Umrah practitioners, and ensure that pilgrims have access to compliant and licensed facilities,” the statement noted.
This policy introduces stricter regulatory measures to curb fraudulent housing practices and tackle ongoing issues related to overbooking and accommodation quality.
Service providers are encouraged to comply promptly, as delays or failures in documentation may lead to issues with visa processing or potential penalties.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, this directive aligns with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to modernize and expand the religious tourism industry. By utilizing digital platforms like Nusuk Masar, the initiative is designed to simplify the Umrah experience—from booking to accommodation and obtaining necessary permits.
The Nusuk Masar platform serves as a centralized resource for international pilgrims, offering multilingual educational content and services for managing online bookings and permits.
Umrah Season Program Enhancements
<pAdditionally, the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques is set to improve its program for the upcoming Umrah season with a variety of initiatives that aim to welcome pilgrims, worshippers, and visitors while promoting awareness of the rituals involved.
The presidency announced that it has expanded centers for responding to religious inquiries at 10 locations inside and outside the Grand Mosque in Makkah, along with four dedicated offices for telephone inquiries. These services will be manned by 62 participating scholars, including judges and faculty from universities, who will be available around the clock.
Moreover, the presidency intends to enhance the spiritual atmosphere with religious and scholarly programs throughout the season, actively seeking volunteers to assist in both the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.