If you’re planning your Umrah journey, there’s a new Umrah rule you absolutely need to know and yes, it could impact your total budget and preparation timeline.
As of June 10, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced a new Umrah rule making it mandatory for anyone to book hotel via Nusuk App before applying for an Umrah visa.
Whether you’re traveling from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the UK, USA, or anywhere else, you cannot get an Umrah visa unless you book hotel via Nusuk app and upload the confirmed reservation for verification.
Here’s everything you need to know before applying for Umrah visa:
How to Book Hotel via Nusuk App for Umrah Visa?
After June 10, 2025, every Umrah visa applicant must book hotel via Nusuk app before starting the visa process. Without this, your visa will not be processed.
What is the Nusuk App?
The Nusuk app is Saudi Arabia’s official digital platform for Umrah hotel booking, transportation, and pilgrimage-related services. It’s designed to simplify and centralize all processes under the Vision 2030 initiative.
How to Use the Nusuk App for Hotel Booking?
To successfully complete your hotel booking via Nusuk app, follow these steps:
- Register on the Nusuk Masar platform (available on iOS, Android, and web).
- Choose from approved hotels licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
- Make a confirmed hotel booking via Nusuk app.
- Upload the verified hotel reservation to the platform.
- Wait for verification before proceeding with your Umrah visa application.
This new Umrah rule ensures that all pilgrims stay in licensed hotels, reducing fraud, overbooking, and improving safety standards.
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Can I Apply for an Umrah Visa Without Booking Hotels Through Nusuk?
No, you cannot apply for an Umrah visa without completing your hotel booking via Nusuk app.
As of June 10, 2025, this rule is strictly enforced for all international pilgrims—individuals and group travelers alike. Your visa application will be rejected automatically if it does not match a verified Umrah hotel booking made on the Nusuk app.
Whether you’re applying from South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or North America, booking hotel via Nusuk app is non-negotiable for Umrah pilgrims. This initiative also helps authorities maintain a transparent and seamless booking process.
What Happens If I Don’t Book Hotels via Nusuk Before Applying?
Failing to book hotel via Nusuk app means your Umrah visa application will not even enter the processing stage.
Here’s what happens:
- Visa applications without verified Umrah hotel booking on Nusuk get automatically rejected.
- No hotel booking via Nusuk = No Umrah visa.
- Potential delays, rejections, or fines.
- Umrah agents and service providers may also face penalties for non-compliance.
This new Umrah rule aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push under Vision 2030 to ensure pilgrims enjoy a smooth, safe, and digitally connected journey.
Does This Apply to All Travelers?
This rule only applies to Umrah visa holders. If you’re traveling on a tourist visa or visa waiver (e.g., UK citizens entering on tourist visas), you’re not required to use the Nusuk app for hotel booking. You can arrange accommodation independently.
However, it’s highly recommended that even tourists explore hotel options on Nusuk for reliable and vetted listings.
How Much Does Hotel Booking via Nusuk App Cost for Umrah?
The cost of hotel booking via Nusuk app for Umrah depends on the package type and hotel category you select. When you book hotel via Nusuk app, you can choose from a variety of Umrah hotel booking options from basic to luxury, all approved by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Below is a general price guide for 2025:
- Economy Package: Starts from around 2,600 SAR
- Golden Package: Starts from about 3,500 SAR
- Umrah Plus Package: Around 7,900 SAR
- Umrah Diamond Plus Package: Starts at 12,000 SAR and above
Each of these Umrah hotel booking packages via Nusuk typically includes accommodation in licensed hotels and may offer added services like transport and guided tours.
If you are arranging your Umrah trip from the UAE, full packages (including flights, Umrah visa, transport, and hotels), it can generally cost around 2,590 AED to 3,600 AED per person for a 5-night stay (2 nights in Madinah, 3 nights in Makkah) in economy hotels, depending on room sharing options.
Choosing hotel booking via Nusuk app guarantees that your accommodation is verified, safe, and officially linked to your Umrah visa application. This transparency ensures no hidden fees and aligns with the new Umrah rule that makes such booking mandatory for visa approval.
Whether you select an economy or diamond package, remember: as per the new Umrah rule, you must book hotel via Nusuk app before applying for your Umrah visa.
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Benefits of Using Hotel Booking via Nusuk App Compared to Other Platforms
Choosing hotel booking via Nusuk app over other platforms offers several clear advantages especially for those applying for an Umrah visa under the new Umrah rule.
1. Official and Verified Hotels
When you book hotel via Nusuk app, you can rest assured that your accommodation is licensed, approved, and vetted by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Every Umrah hotel booking on Nusuk meets strict regulatory standards, ensuring pilgrims stay in safe, high-quality hotels near Haram.
2. Mandatory for Umrah Visa
Since June 2025, hotel booking via Nusuk app is mandatory for anyone applying for an Umrah visa. Unlike third-party platforms, Nusuk ensures your booking is linked to your visa file, preventing automatic rejections caused by unverified accommodation.
3. Real-Time Support & Transparency
Hotel booking via Nusuk app gives you full clarity on rates, amenities, and availability—no hidden charges, no shady agents. Plus, Nusuk offers real-time support for any issues you face during your booking.
4. Secure and Trusted Payments
When you book hotel via Nusuk app, your payment is processed through official and secure channels. You can use international debit or credit cards confidently, with instant receipts and no fear of fraud.
5. Early Booking Perks
Nusuk allows you to book hotel via Nusuk app early, which means better deals on hotels near Haram, discounted transport, and exclusive offers on tours—benefits not always available on generic hotel booking sites.
6. Faster and Safer Visa Processing
Because Nusuk links your Umrah hotel booking directly to your Umrah visa file, visa processing becomes faster and smoother. This reduces rejection risks tied to unverified hotel reservations; something no other platform can guarantee under the new Umrah rule.
In short: Hotel booking via Nusuk app is not just safer, it’s essential for your Umrah visa and peace of mind. Other platforms may offer variety, but only Nusuk ensures compliance with the new Umrah rule and direct visa linkage.
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Key Takeaways: Don’t Skip Hotel Booking via Nusuk App
- Since June 10, 2025, hotel booking via Nusuk app is mandatory for all Umrah visa applicants.
- Your visa will not be processed unless your Umrah hotel booking is verified on Nusuk.
- This new Umrah rule improves safety, reduces fraud, and ensures accommodation quality.
- No hotel booking via Nusuk app = No visa = No Umrah.
Whether you’re going solo or with a group, always book hotel via Nusuk app to avoid last-minute surprises or visa issues.
Final Thoughts
Planning for Umrah has always required spiritual and logistical preparation. With the new Umrah rule, it’s now more important than ever to begin with your hotel booking via Nusuk app. Not only does it streamline the process, but it also adds a layer of trust and efficiency to your spiritual journey.
So, before you start your application, remember the golden rule for 2025:
Book hotel via Nusuk app or your Umrah visa won’t happen.
