Saudi Arabia new travel rule has introduced a major shift for international pilgrims: from now on, hotel bookings are mandatory before applying for an Umrah visa. This rule, announced in June 2025 by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to improve the quality of pilgrimage services and regulate the flow of religious tourism.
The move has sparked mixed reactions from pilgrims and travel agents across the globe. Some welcome the clarity and streamlined process, while others worry about added costs and complexities. Here’s everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s new travel rule and how it impacts Umrah seekers worldwide.
Why This Rule Was Introduced
The Saudi government has made it clear that the main goal behind Saudi Arabia new travel rule is to improve planning and reduce overcrowding during the Umrah seasons. In previous years, many pilgrims arrived in Makkah or Madinah without pre-arranged accommodations. This led to last-minute scrambling, inflated hotel prices, and logistical issues for both visitors and authorities.
By requiring confirmed hotel bookings in advance, Saudi Arabia aims to:
- Control the number of incoming pilgrims.
- Provide better hospitality and transport services.
- Ensure safety and comfort.
- Prevent illegal overstays or unofficial tour packages.
The Saudi Arabia new travel rule is a step towards the country’s long-term Vision 2030 plan, which aims to make the Kingdom a top travel destination while maintaining the spiritual sanctity of religious journeys.
Who Is Affected by This New Travel Rule?
The new requirement applies to:
- International pilgrims seeking Umrah visas.
- Travelers applying via the official “Nusuk” platform.
- Agents and tour operators managing Umrah packages.
Whether you are planning to visit Makkah alone or with family, you now need to upload a confirmed hotel booking at the time of your visa application. Without it, your application will be automatically rejected.
This rule affects millions of Muslims who travel from countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, and other regions for Umrah every year.
How to Book Hotels Under the New System
The Ministry has partnered with authorized travel platforms and agents to ease the booking process. One of the main tools introduced is the “Nusuk” platform, which allows pilgrims to:
- Book hotels near Haram in Makkah or Madinah.
- Select transport options.
- Submit Umrah visa applications.
- Choose guided tour packages.
According to Saudi Arabia new travel rule, only bookings from licensed hotels listed on Nusuk or approved agents will be accepted. This prevents fraud and ensures quality accommodation.
Challenges Pilgrims May Face
While the goal is to create a more organized experience, the new policy brings some challenges:
1. Increased Costs
Hotel prices may surge, especially in peak seasons like Ramadan or school holidays. Pilgrims on tight budgets may find it harder to afford decent accommodation in preferred locations.
2. Limited Flexibility
In the past, many pilgrims chose to book hotels after arriving in Saudi Arabia for greater flexibility. Now, fixed pre-bookings remove that option.
3. Complex Application Process
For elderly or first-time pilgrims unfamiliar with digital tools, booking hotels and uploading confirmations might be confusing. Tech-savvy users may benefit more from this system.
4. Dependence on Agents
Not everyone can use online platforms easily. This rule might make more pilgrims depend on agents, which can lead to additional service fees.
3 Benefits of the Saudi Arabia New Travel Rule
Despite the concerns, there are positive aspects to the new rule:
1. Better Planning
With hotel reservations in place, pilgrims have a clear itinerary. This helps avoid last-minute panic and confusion upon arrival.
2. Safer Experience
Confirmed accommodations ensure that no pilgrims are left stranded. This enhances safety, especially for women and the elderly.
3. Less Overcrowding
By knowing in advance how many people are arriving, authorities can better plan transportation, security, and crowd control.
What Travel Agents Are Saying
Many travel agencies have responded quickly by updating their Umrah packages. They now include:
- Pre-booked hotel stays
- Visa services via Nusuk
- Ground transport
- Guided tours
Some agencies have welcomed the change as it reduces the number of informal or unregistered tours, which often create issues for both travelers and authorities.
Others warn that this may increase costs and force budget pilgrims to delay or cancel their plans.
Official Statement from Ministry
In a recent press briefing, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated:
“This new step is vital in organizing and upgrading the Umrah experience. We urge all pilgrims and agents to follow the new guidelines. The system is designed to serve you better and offer a more peaceful journey to the Holy Lands.”
What You Should Do Before Applying for an Umrah Visa
To avoid delays or rejections, follow this checklist before applying:
- Choose a verified Umrah agent or use the Nusuk app/website.
- Book your hotel near Haram in Makkah or Madinah.
- Keep your booking confirmation in PDF or image format.
- Submit the hotel document along with your Umrah visa application.
- Confirm all travel dates and transport options before payment.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia new travel rule may seem strict at first, but it is ultimately aimed at enhancing the spiritual journey of millions of pilgrims. It ensures that all visitors have safe, clean, and organized accommodations and that the Holy Sites are not overcrowded or mismanaged.
As with any new system, there may be growing pains, but the long-term benefits could outweigh the short-term challenges. Pilgrims are advised to stay informed, work with trusted agents, and book their trips early to avoid high prices and last-minute issues.
Also Read – Ghibli Fest: 5 Magical Reasons Kids and Adults Love It
