Performing Umrah has always been a dream journey for millions of Muslims, but the process of applying for visas, arranging hotels, and booking transportation is fraught with confusion and delays. Many people relied heavily on agents, while others attempted to complete the pilgrimage using tourist visas.
Umrah operators in the UAE have reported that Saudi Arabia has implemented a number of changes to streamline the process. Every step, from visa applications to transportation to hotel stays, is now linked to official platforms, ensuring a smooth and transparent journey. The system, however, requires pilgrims to comply more strictly.
Here are 10 key changes that every pilgrim should be aware of before planning their trip.
- Accommodation must be booked when applying for a visa
Pilgrims can no longer postpone hotel reservations for later. When applying for an Umrah visa, applicants must either select an approved hotel through the Masar system (which is linked to the Nusuk app) or confirm that they will stay with relatives in Saudi Arabia.
"Hotels and transportation are linked within the Saudi system known as Masar. Even taxis must be booked through the portal to ensure that only authorized services are used," explained Qaisar Mahmood, owner of Asaa Tours and Travels.
- Staying with relatives requires Saudi ID
Those planning to stay with family or friends must provide the host's unified Saudi ID number, which will be linked to their Umrah visa. If the itinerary is changed or postponed, the same ID must be entered into the system as proof of residence.
"If someone does not book a hotel through the approved system, they must register the Saudi host's unified ID with the visa. Even changes or postponements must be recorded against that ID," Mahmood explained.
- There are no tourist visas for Umrah
Umrah can no longer be performed using a tourist visa. Operators warn that those who attempt it risk being stopped and even denied access to Madinah's Riyaz ul Jannah.
"Going on a tourist visa to perform Umrah is risky. You can be stopped at any time. Even if you make it to Makkah, you will not be permitted to enter Riyaz ul Jannah in Madina," Shihab stated.
- Mandatory Umrah visa
All pilgrims must apply for a dedicated Umrah visa via the Nusuk platform, either as an eVisa or by booking a package with approved operators. "The Saudi system is now very clear." Mahmood stated that the only legal route is through an Umrah visa.
- Stringent itinerary rules
When applying for a visa, you must upload your itinerary, which cannot be changed or postponed. Overstaying attracts penalties.
"You cannot extend your stay beyond the approved plan. If the return journey is postponed, agents are fined starting at SAR 750 (Dh734) per person and may even face system blockage," Mahmood explained.
- Visa on arrival for certain nationalities
Travelers with visas from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, or the Schengen Area, as well as residents of those countries, can obtain a visa upon arrival.
"The condition is that they must have visited those countries at least once before, and the visa validity is one year," says Mahmood.
- Airport check for bookings
Upon arrival, officials confirm hotel and transportation reservations on Nusuk or Masar. Missed bookings can result in fines or denied onward travel.
"The airport teams review your lodging, transportation, and return reservations. If something is missing, pilgrims may be stopped and agents fined on the spot," Shihab stated.
- Authorized taxis and transportation only
Pilgrims must use registered taxis or trains arranged through the Nusuk app, or book their transportation in advance. "Authorised taxis, buses, and trains are required. Pilgrims cannot just take any random car from the airport," Shihab explained.
- Training rules and timings
The Haramain Express train is a major mode of transportation, but it only runs until 9pm. "If you arrive after the last train, you must reserve alternative authorised transportation. Otherwise, you may encounter problems," Mahmood said.
- Heavy fines for violations
Authorities impose severe fines on both pilgrims and agents who violate rules. "Any violation, from unauthorised taxis to overstaying, results in fines beginning at Dh750. "Pilgrims must strictly follow the rules," Mahmood explained.
