Umrah: Your Pilgrimage, Now at Your Fingertips

In a significant move to streamline the pilgrimage process for millions of Muslims worldwide, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially launched "Nusuk Umrah," a new digital platform that allows pilgrims to apply for Umrah visas and book all related services directly online. This innovative service eliminates the need for third-party intermediaries, providing a secure, seamless, and cost-effective way to plan a spiritual journey.

Available through the website (umrah.nusuk.sa) and a dedicated mobile app on Google Play and Apple's App Store, the platform is a one-stop shop for all pilgrimage needs. Users can secure an e-visa and book a full range of services, including hotel reservations, transportation, cultural tours, and support services. The initiative is a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to increase the number of Umrah and Hajj pilgrims by making the process more accessible and efficient.

One of the platform's key features is its flexibility. Pilgrims can choose from pre-packaged itineraries or, for the first time, build their own personalized travel plans. The multilingual interface is linked to a secure government system, ensuring a smooth and transparent process from start to finish. This not only empowers pilgrims to tailor their journey to their specific needs and budget but also enhances security by digitizing the entire visa and booking process.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying via the Nusuk Umrah Platform:

Applying for an Umrah visa and services through the Nusuk Umrah platform is designed to be straightforward. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide for prospective pilgrims:

1. Create an Account: Begin by visiting the Nusuk website or downloading the mobile app and creating a new user account.
2. Enter Personal Details: Fill in the required personal information, including your passport or national ID number, phone number, email, nationality, and date of birth.
3. Verify Your Account: A security code will be sent to your registered phone number or email to verify the account.
4. Select "Umrah Service": Navigate to the Umrah service section and choose your preferred date and time for the pilgrimage.
5. Add Companions: If you are traveling with family or friends, you can add their details to your application.
6. Review and Agree: Read the instructions and agree to the terms and conditions.
7. Complete Payment: Pay for your visa and chosen services securely online using a variety of payment options.
8. Receive Your E-Visa: Once the payment is complete, your e-visa will be issued and sent to you electronically within minutes.

In addition to the new digital platform, pilgrims should be aware of recent updates to Umrah regulations for the upcoming season. As of mid-2025, Saudi authorities have mandated that all Umrah visa applications must be accompanied by a confirmed booking for a full package, including accommodation and transportation. This is a significant change, as visa-only applications are no longer accepted.

Furthermore, all accommodations must be booked through hotels licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and registered on the Nusuk Masar platform. This measure aims to prevent fraudulent bookings and ensure that all pilgrims receive high-quality, verified services. The official Nusuk app also offers free access to its services without requiring an internet or data connection while in Saudi Arabia, providing pilgrims with essential information and support on the ground.

By launching the Nusuk Umrah platform and streamlining visa and booking procedures, Saudi Arabia is taking a major leap forward in digitizing religious tourism and fulfilling its commitment to making the spiritual journey of Umrah more accessible and convenient for Muslims around the globe.