Saudi Arabia has tightened the rules for Umrah. As of 10th June 2025, pilgrims cannot obtain Umrah visas without an approved hotel booking on Nusuk Masar. Saudi Arabia has officially announced a new rule that requires pilgrims to enter the Kingdom with a confirmed hotel booking approved by the Ministry of Tourism. This will be done by applying for an Umrah visa through a digital platform, Nusuk Masar. This strict rule demonstrates that the Kingdom is implementing new regulations to modernize and protect the pilgrimage system under its Vision 2030 strategy. The strategy aims to provide better service standards to pilgrims and save them from accommodation scams. The approved method will provide better accommodations with more transparent logistical management. 

What B2B Travel Agents Must Know About Nusuk Masar

Inclusion of Registered Hotels

Starting June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), a new Saudi rule mandates that international pilgrims or their travel agents must pre-book approved hotel accommodations via the Nusuk Masar platform before they can receive an Umrah visa. This regulation changes the entire shape of Umrah for all travel agents handling Umrah services, as it is now impossible to obtain a visa without a registered and confirmed hotel stay.

Inclusion of Transport & Flights

It is now mandatory for Umrah travel agents to include ground transportation in the Umrah package for visa approval. This requirement ensures that pilgrims are not left stranded upon arrival at Jeddah or Madinah airports without guidance on how to reach their hotels in Makkah or Madinah. The complete transport route, from airport pickup to intercity travel, must be entered into the visa application form before submitting it. Without this information, the Umrah visa cannot be issued. Additionally, a confirmed flight booking is now also required as part of the application process. Without these essential travel details, the Umrah visa will not be issued.

Why This Rule Was Introduced

This rule is introduced to enhance the Umrah travel experience. Previously, pilgrims frequently booked Umrah packages through unverified or informal sources and travel agents. This resulted in widespread issues such as low-quality accommodations, last-minute cancellations, and visa rejections. The Saudi authorities introduced this rule to eliminate those risks, protect pilgrims from fraudulent agents, and ensure a seamless and safe travel experience. 

The Benefits for Pilgrims and Travel Agents

The new system benefits everyone involved, including Umrah passengers, travel agents, and Saudi authorities. For pilgrims, it guarantees safe, pre-approved accommodations and reduces the risk of poor service and a change of hotel upon entering Saudi Arabia. For Saudi authorities, it allows better crowd control, better checks on who is entering Saudi Arabia and where they are staying for how many nights, accommodation oversight, and service regulation. For travel agents, the new rule eliminates unfair competition from unlicensed mediators offering cheap and unreliable services. The new regulations help restore trust in the market and enable agents to deliver quality service with confidence.

Nusuk Masar: A Digital Platform

Nusuk Masar is a centralized digital platform operated by the Ministries of Hajj and Tourism of Saudi Arabia. It enables travel agents to upload contracts, book hotels, submit Umrah visa applications, and manage the full range of pilgrim logistics. Available in multiple languages, this platform ensures full transparency and reduces manual processing errors, creating a reliable and consistent system for international pilgrim management.

Planning Ahead is Now Essential

Plan in advance rule discourages last-minute bookings and spontaneous Umrah travel. Travel agents must encourage Umrah travelers to plan well in advance, securing accommodations in Makkah and Madinah and submitting all documents through Nusuk Masar before any visa application. Any delays or missed documentation can result in a denied visa or loss of access to preferred hotels, especially as demand rises during peak Umrah seasons.

Reshaping the Umrah Journey

In light of the new requirements, a compliant Umrah package for 2025 should include a confirmed hotel booking, electronic documentation on Nusuk Masar, visa processing support, round-trip flights, and coordinated ground transport. Additional services such as check-in assistance, local guidance, and guided ziarat can elevate the experience further, helping pilgrims feel secure and supported throughout their journey.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet the new requirements comes with serious consequences. Incomplete bookings, fake accommodation details, or bypassing the Nusuk Masar platform may result in visa rejection or, worse, entry denial upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. This exposes both the pilgrim and the travel agent to reputational and financial loss, underscoring the importance of following the new regulations closely.

The Role of Trusted Partners

To adapt to these changes, B2B travel agents must partner with licensed and experienced providers. Funadiq, a Saudi-based company, offers full support that handles hotel bookings, document uploads, and coordination with Saudi authorities. The company bridges the connection between the Saudi Authorities and travel agents. Travel agencies that work with Funadiq can rest assured that their clients are compliant, protected, and well cared for.

Final Thoughts

As the new Umrah season begins, the time to act is now. Travel agents must prepare early, understand the requirements of Nusuk Masar, and structure their packages accordingly. By collaborating with trusted platforms like Funadiq, agents can ensure a smooth, secure, and spiritually fulfilling journey for every pilgrim. For partnership and hotel inquiries, visit Funadiq.com.