Latest news with #NusukMasar
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Umrah visa applicants now required to upload hotel bookings via Nusuk Masar
RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that confirmed hotel bookings through the Nusuk Masar platform are now mandatory for all Umrah visa applicants for the 1447H (2025) season. The Ministry confirmed the new requirement on its official X platform, stating: 'To improve service standards and enrich the pilgrim experience, housing documentation through Nusuk Masar is now required for all 1447H Umrah visa issuances.' Under the new rules, all Umrah operators and agents are required to limit accommodations to hotels licensed and approved by the Ministry of Tourism. Contracts must be documented and uploaded via the Nusuk Masar platform to ensure transparency and quality assurance. The Ministry warned that failure to comply with the new requirement could result in visa delays, rejections, or financial penalties. It also emphasized that the Nusuk Masar platform serves as the central portal for managing all Umrah-related services, including hotel bookings, housing contract uploads, permit management, and access to multilingual travel materials. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
18-06-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Umrah visa applicants now required to upload hotel bookings via Nusuk Masar
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that confirmed hotel bookings through the Nusuk Masar platform are now mandatory for all Umrah visa applicants for the 1447H season. The Ministry confirmed the new requirement on its official X platform, stating: 'To improve service standards and enrich the pilgrim experience, housing documentation through Nusuk Masar is now required for all 1447H Umrah visa issuances.' Under the new rules, all Umrah operators and agents are required to limit accommodations to hotels licensed and approved by the Ministry of Tourism. Contracts must be documented and uploaded via the Nusuk Masar platform to ensure transparency and quality assurance. The Ministry warned that failure to comply with the new requirement could result in visa delays, rejections, or financial penalties. It also emphasized that the Nusuk Masar platform serves as the central portal for managing all Umrah-related services, including hotel bookings, housing contract uploads, permit management, and access to multilingual travel materials.
Al Arabiya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia requires pilgrims to provide confirmed hotel bookings for Umrah visa
In an effort to improve the Umrah experience, Saudi Arabia now requires pilgrims applying for an Umrah visa to provide confirmed hotel bookings via the Nusuk Masar platform. 'To improve service standards and enrich the pilgrim experience, housing documentation through Nusuk Masar is now required for all 1447H (2025) Umrah visa issuances,' the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced on its official X platform. The directive aims to enhance the quality of services provided and to improve the overall experience for pilgrims and visitors, according to the ministry. The policy supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which includes improving the religious tourism experience through digital platforms and strict service standards. The initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism. The Hajj and Umrah ministry urged companies to limit accommodations to hotels licensed and approved by the Ministry of Tourism and to document all contracts through the Nusuk Masar platform. The Ministry has instructed all licensed Umrah operators, agents, and companies to ensure full compliance, adding that failure to upload verified hotel contracts could lead to visa delays, rejection, or penalties. The Nusuk Masar platform is the central portal for managing all Umrah-related bookings, and allows users to book approved accommodation, upload housing contracts, manage permits, and access travel materials in multiple languages.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia: Hotel bookings made mandatory by the country for acquiring Umrah visa
Saudi Arabia has announced that Umrah visas will not be issued to international pilgrims without confirmed hotel bookings made through the official Nusuk Masar platform. The new rule came into effect on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH), and applies to all foreign pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the announcement through X and confirmed that only hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism will be accepted for bookings. All contracts must be submitted electronically and approved on the Nusuk Masar platform. According to the Ministry, the decision is aimed at protecting pilgrims' rights, preventing fraud, stopping overbooking, and ensuring a high standard of accommodation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo In an official statement, the Ministry said, 'The new decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for both visitors and Umrah performers, and guarantee that pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant facilities.' (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) — MoHU_En (@MoHU_En) Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU Saudi Arabia gives confirmation on no refunds for cancelled exit and re-entry visas to the country Saudi Arabia resumes e-visa, Umrah visa services after Hajj concludes The policy supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which includes improving the religious tourism experience through digital platforms and strict service standards. The initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism. The Nusuk Masar platform is now the central portal for managing all Umrah-related bookings. Through the platform, users can book approved accommodation, upload housing contracts, manage permits, and access travel materials in multiple languages. The Ministry has instructed all licensed Umrah operators, agents, and companies to ensure full compliance. Failure to upload verified hotel contracts could lead to visa delays, rejection, or penalties. The move comes as part of efforts to address past complaints about poor accommodation and booking fraud. By using a unified system and approved hotels, the government aims to offer a more secure and smooth pilgrimage experience.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia: No Umrah visa without approved hotel booking, what pilgrims must Know
Muslim pilgrims offer prayers at top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) In a major policy shift to enhance the Umrah experience and protect the rights of pilgrims, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that no Umrah visa will be issued to international pilgrims without prior confirmation and documentation of hotel bookings via the 'Nusuk Masar' platform . This new rule came into effect on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 AH). The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah made the announcement through its official channels, including an official post on X (formerly Twitter). According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the decision applies to all pilgrims arriving from abroad and mandates that accommodations must be booked only in hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. — MoHU_En (@MoHU_En) All contracts must be electronically submitted and approved through the Nusuk Masar digital platform, the centralized portal for managing all pilgrimage-related services. Objectives of the Policy and Government's Vision The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that this move is intended to: Protect the rights of pilgrims Eliminate unauthorized and fraudulent housing practices Prevent overbooking Ensure a high standard of accommodation Streamline the pilgrimage journey for Umrah visitors In an official statement, the Ministry said: 'The new decision aims to enhance the professionalism of service delivery, improve the experience for both visitors and Umrah performers, and guarantee that pilgrims stay in licensed, compliant facilities.' The initiative is part of broader efforts to align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the Kingdom's religious hospitality sector by integrating digital innovation and enforcing higher service standards. This policy also reflects close cooperation between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Tourism, both of which are working together to ensure a secure, seamless, and regulated pilgrimage experience for all. Role of the Nusuk Masar Platform The Nusuk Masar platform is a key component of this regulatory overhaul. It serves as the official digital gateway for managing pilgrimage-related services and documentation. Through the platform, pilgrims and service providers can: Book and confirm accommodations in Ministry-approved hotels Upload and verify housing contracts Manage permits and logistics related to Umrah Access educational materials in multiple languages This centralized approach ensures better coordination, faster processing, and a more reliable experience for pilgrims and service agents alike. Strict Enforcement and Compliance Measures The Ministry has issued a strong advisory to Umrah service providers, including: Licensed companies Authorized establishments Foreign agents All parties must ensure swift documentation and full compliance with the new directive. The Ministry warned that delays or failure to submit housing contracts through Nusuk Masar could lead to visa rejections, processing delays, or regulatory penalties. This push is also meant to eliminate previous complaints related to substandard accommodation, fraudulent bookings, and last-minute cancellations, issues that have affected the quality of service for many past pilgrims. With the 2025 Umrah season underway, Saudi Arabia's new regulation represents a decisive effort to improve pilgrims' safety and comfort. Beyond ensuring quality accommodations, the policy strengthens overall coordination among service providers and supports the Kingdom's broader vision of elevating religious hospitality by combining tradition with advanced digital and regulatory measures.
