The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that no Umrah card will be issued to foreign pilgrims without prior notification and receipt of hotel reservations through the” Nusuk Masar” system, in a significant policy change to boost the Umrah experience and protect the rights of travelers. This innovative law came into effect on June 10, 2025 ( 14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH). The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the announcement via its official channels, including a blog post on X ( previously Twitter ). The Saudi Press Agency ( SPA ) reported on a report that stated the decision applies to all pilgrims traveling abroad and stipulates that only accommodations must be booked at hotels that have been approved by the Ministry of Tourism. The Nusuk Masar Digital Platform, the central hub for managing all pilgrimage-related service, requires all deals to be remotely submitted and approved.
The Policy and Government’s Vision’s Priorities
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made it clear that this action is:
- Protect the travellers ‘ right
- Eliminate unapproved and deceptive cover techniques
- Prevent overbooking
- Maintain a higher standard of accommodations
- Streamline Umrah journey by facilitating the journey.
The Ministry stated in a statement that the new choice “ensures pilgrims sit in licensed, cooperative facilities, improves the quality of service supply, improves the experience for both visitors and Umrah performers, and improves the support delivery.” The program is a part of wider efforts to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the kingdom’s spiritual hospitality industry by integrating modern technology and putting higher support standards into effect. The Ministry of Tourism and Umrah, both of which are working together to ensure a safe, smooth, and controlled pilgrimage experience, are also closely linked by this policy.
The Nusuk Masar Platform’s position
This regulation reform includes a significant portion of the Nusuk Masar program. It is the primary online repository for managing documents and services related to pilgrimage. Through the program, travelers and service providers is:
- Book and verify lodging at Ministry-approved hotels.
- Upload and locate cover contracts
- Maintain permits and transportation related to Umrah
- access to educational supplies in a variety of cultures
This unified approach allows for better coordination, quicker processing, and a more trustworthy experience for both pilgrims and service providers.
Strict Compliance and Enforcement Methods
The Ministry has issued a powerful remark to Umrah company companies, including:
- firms with licenses
- authorized businesses
- Foreigners
All parties must ensure that the new order is fully documented and adheres to all applicable laws. The Ministry warned that Nusuk Masar’s inability to send housing contracts could result in immigration rejections, processing delays, or legal fines. This press is also intended to get rid of past complaints about subpar accommodations, false bookings, and last-minute cancellations, issues that have negatively impacted the company for some past pilgrims. Saudi Arabia’s fresh legislation makes a significant effort to enhance travelers ‘ safety and comfort with the start of the 2025 Umrah time. The plan enhances general coordination among service companies and advances the Kingdom’s wider goal of elevating spiritual hospitality by combining custom with modern digital and regulatory measures, in addition to ensuring quality accommodations.
