I have been flooded with questions about the Saudi Umrah visa rules for 2025, with regard to the Nusuk hotel booking requirements. Saudi Arabia has tightened the rules and requires agents to book hotels through Nusuk; you’re not alone. The recent changes have created massive confusion among Muslim travellers, but the answer is simpler than you think.
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The Short Answer: Most Travellers DON’T Need Nusuk Booking
You do NOT need to book your hotel via Nusuk if you’re travelling on:
- Tourist visa
- Visa waiver (especially UK citizens)
- Any non-Umrah-specific visa (like transit)
The new Nusuk hotel booking requirement that came into effect on June 10, 2025, only applies to Umrah visa holders – typically those booking through travel agents.
Why the Confusion Around Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Rules 2025?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that all Umrah visa applicants must now book licensed accommodations through the Nusuk Masar platform before visa issuance. However, this doesn’t affect other visa categories.
People and social media have been mixing up the different Saudi Arabia visa types, leading to widespread panic among DIY Umrah planners.
Tourist Visa vs Umrah Visa: Key Differences for 2025
Tourist Visa Holders (Including eVisa and Visa Waiver)
✅ No Nusuk booking required
✅ Can book hotels independently
✅ Valid for 90 days (multiple entry for some)
✅ Can perform Umrah freely
✅ More flexibility in accommodation choices
Umrah Visa Holders (Through Agents)
❌ Must book through Nusuk Masar platform
❌ Limited to Ministry of Tourism licensed hotels
❌ Agent must upload contracts before visa processing
❌ Single entry, 90-day validity
❌ Restricted accommodation options
What This Means for UK Citizens
UK citizens benefit significantly from the Saudi Arabia visa waiver program. The electronic visa waiver (EVW) allows:
- Up to 6 months stay
- Multiple purposes including Umrah
- No sponsor required
- No Nusuk booking requirement
Who Actually Needs the Nusuk Hotel Booking?
The new Nusuk Masar platform requirement applies to:
- Traditional Umrah visa applications
- Travellers booking through licensed Umrah agents
- Group bookings arranged by tour operators
- Anyone specifically applying for an “Umrah visa” category
Practical Steps for 2025 Umrah Planning
I have a number of articles on the website regarding planning your own DIY Umrah and how to save money on the trip.
Since you still plan to plan the trip yourself, you can check out my best hotel suggestions for budget options in Medinah as well as the reviews for hotels in Makkah.
Plus, you will also find the post on how to use the Haramain train interesting.
Why Saudi Arabia Made These Changes
The Vision 2030 initiative aims to:
- Standardise pilgrim accommodation quality
- Reduce fraud in the Umrah travel industry
- Improve digital infrastructure for religious tourism
- Ensure better protection for pilgrims’ rights
Bottom Line for Muslim Travellers
Don’t let the Nusuk hotel booking confusion derail your Umrah plans. If you’re travelling independently on a tourist visa or visa waiver, you maintain full flexibility in your accommodation choices.
The new rules are designed to regulate the traditional agent-based Umrah visa system, not independent travellers who’ve been successfully planning DIY Umrah for years.
Do I need Nusuk booking with a tourist visa?
No, tourist visa holders do not need to book through Nusuk.
Can UK citizens use visa waiver for Umrah?
Yes, UK citizens can use the electronic visa waiver.
Can you bring Zamzam on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can bring ZamZam water on a tourist visa as well as a visa waiver, just not with Wizz Air.
Download my free 18-page guide on the best time to book Umrah & save money