The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the Nusuk Umrah service, an online platform set up to enable international pilgrims to submit direct applications for Umrah visas and book associated services directly online without using intermediaries, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
What is Nusuk Umrah? A Customized Pilgrimage Service
The platform allows travelers to tailor their trips by choosing integrated travel packages or booking individual services like visas, accommodations, transportation, and guided tours.
One of the ministry officials pointed out that the platform has a simple interface, is provided in seven languages, interfaces with government systems, and offers multiple payments methods.
#Nusuk Umrah has been launched offering distinguished packages and services for Umrah Visitors coming from outside the Kingdom.
Apply now 🔗: https://t.co/lSgihWEN2l pic.twitter.com/4OOP7PZm4j
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) August 20, 2025
“The Nusuk platform is made to enhance service quality and enhance the pilgrim experience,” the official said.
Nusuk Umrah And Saudi Economy Diversification
The release is in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 that seeks to deepen the kingdom’s position as a religious and cultural center while diversifying its economy away from fossil fuels.
In July 2025, Saudi Arabia confirmed that citizens of the Gulf as well as residents of the Gulf are now free to perform Umrah around the year, a relaxation of earlier restrictions. GCC citizens – UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar – are free to travel to the kingdom at any time to undertake the pilgrimage, as long as they seek permits through the official Nusuk app.
Residents can carry out Umrah on different types of visas, such as:
Umrah visas on Nusuk
Transit visas in collaboration with Saudia Airlines and Flynas
Tourist visas through the official portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This came after the kingdom resumed issuing international Umrah visas following the end of this year’s Hajj season.
What is Umrah?
In contrast to Hajj, which takes place in a designated time frame in the Islamic calendar, Umrah is an optional Islamic pilgrimage that Muslims can perform at any time of the year. While shorter and simpler than Hajj, Umrah is very significant spiritually to Muslims all over the world.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the “Nusuk Umrah” service, enabling pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia to directly apply for visas and book accommodation, transport, and other services online—without intermediaries—as part of Vision 2030 efforts to enhance the Umrah… pic.twitter.com/O6JiSwXxMR
— KSA Expats (@ksaexpats) August 20, 2025
Aims of Nusuk Umrah
Released on 20 August 2025, the Nusuk Umrah platform offers a formal online platform for global Muslims to submit visa applications and reserve key pilgrimage services, such as:
Accommodation
Transport
Guided tours
Other pilgrimage services
Accessible through https://umrah.nusuk.sa, Nusuk is offered in addition to current travel arrangements like licensed travel agents. Pilgrims may select total travel packages or standalone services based on their requirements, providing convenience and flexibility for organizing their religious journey.
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Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
