New Umrah Visa Rules in 2025: Everything You Must Know
Hajj 2025 is over and now the Umrah season has started. Now the rules have been made very strict for those who are planning to perform Umrah – whether retail agency group visa holders or single visa holders. These rules are especially in discussion for India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and other Gulf countries. In this new rules, many important updates have been implemented for hotel booking, transportation and flight booking.

So in this blog we will know in detail what new changes have been made in Umrah Visa Rules in 2025.
Major Change: Hotel Booking Mandatory on Nusuk Masar
In the new Umrah visa rules 2025, the biggest and most important change is that now no international pilgrim can get an Umrah visa without first booking an approved hotel through the Nusuk Masar platform.
Starting from June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH), Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it compulsory for all agents, service providers, and travel agencies to arrange hotel bookings only in hotels that are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. And all these bookings must be uploaded and confirmed online on the Nusuk Masar system before the visa can be issued.
This new rule aims to:
- Protect the rights of pilgrims
- Prevent housing fraud and overbooking
- Guarantee high-quality, licensed accommodations
- Ensure a smooth and professional experience for all visitors
Why Did Saudi Arabia Change the Umrah Visa Rules in 2025?
The Saudi government is now fully focusing on making the pilgrimage experience better and easier under their Vision 2030 plan. Their target is to modernize religious tourism by using digital technology, stronger rules, and better quality services for pilgrims.
With the Nusuk Masar platform, everything has become very clear and simple. Pilgrims can easily book hotels, confirm their reservations, and manage all travel permits online. Plus, the system also provides helpful information in many languages, making the whole process smooth and safe for everyone.
New Umrah Visa Dates for 2025
According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Umrah visa issuance resumed on June 10, 2025. The first groups of foreign pilgrims began arriving on June 11, 2025, marking the start of the new Umrah season.
This comes right after a highly successful Hajj season that saw participation from over 1.6 million pilgrims globally.
Important dates to remember:
- Visa issuance started: June 10, 2025
- First pilgrim arrivals: June 11, 2025
- Service agreement deadline: May 27, 2025 (for agencies and providers)
Umrah Visa Rules in 2025 for Indian Passport Holders
For Indian Muslims planning their journey, here are the key highlights of Umrah visa rules 2025 for Indian passport holders:
- Hotel booking through Nusuk Masar is mandatory.
- Accommodation must be in hotels licensed by Saudi Ministry of Tourism.
- Visa applications can only be processed once hotel contracts are electronically documented.
- Service providers must ensure proper contract documentation to avoid delays.
- Failure to comply may result in visa denial or penalties.
Umrah Visa Period: Which Months Is Umrah Closed in 2025?
Unlike Hajj, which happens once a year, Umrah is open year-round. However, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspends Umrah visa issuance before and during Hajj to manage the huge number of Hajj pilgrims.
In 2025, Umrah visa issuance paused a few weeks before Hajj and resumed on June 10, 2025. This pause ensures smooth operations and safety during the Hajj season.
So, technically, Umrah was closed during the peak Hajj season but is available for the rest of the year. The upcoming Umrah season will continue into 2026 (1447H).
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Last Date for Umrah Visa 2025
As of now, Saudi authorities have not announced a final closing date for Umrah visas in 2025. Generally, Umrah visas remain open throughout the Islamic year, except for the temporary closure before Hajj.
Travelers should keep checking for updates on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or Nusuk platforms for the latest information.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply With the New Rules?
The Ministry has warned that any Umrah service providers or foreign agents who fail to comply with the new hotel booking rules may face:
- Visa processing delays
- Regulatory penalties
- Suspension or cancellation of license
Therefore, both pilgrims and agents must follow the new procedures carefully to ensure smooth visa approvals.
Benefits of the New Umrah Visa Rules 2025
While these new regulations might seem strict, they offer many benefits:
- Protection from fake hotel bookings and scams
- Assurance of licensed and safe accommodations
- Better coordination between travel agencies and Saudi authorities
- Higher service standards and better facilities for pilgrims
- Enhanced safety and comfort throughout the journey
Quick Summary of Umrah Visa Changes 2025
Key Point | Details |
---|---|
Visa Start Date | June 10, 2025 |
Mandatory Hotel Booking | Through Nusuk Masar |
Approved Hotels | Licensed by Ministry of Tourism |
Booking Documentation | Electronic only |
Umrah Closed Period | Just before and during Hajj 2025 |
Applicable To | All international pilgrims, including Indians |
Conclusion
The new Umrah visa rules in 2025 have completely changed how Saudi Arabia is handling the Umrah process. These new rules are made to protect pilgrims, improve the service quality, and give every pilgrim a smooth, safe, and peaceful experience.
For Indian Muslims and pilgrims from all over the world, it’s very important to understand these new rules properly, so there is no problem during your Umrah trip. Always make sure your hotel is booked, confirmed, and uploaded on the Nusuk Masar platform before you apply for your visa.
Keep checking the official updates for any new announcements. May your Umrah journey be easy, accepted, and full of blessings from Allah (SWT).
❓ FAQs on Umrah Visa Rules in 2025
1. Do I need to book a hotel on Nusuk Masar before applying for an Umrah visa?
Yes. From June 10, 2025, Saudi authorities made it mandatory to have confirmed, licensed hotel bookings (in both Makkah and Madinah) uploaded through the Nusuk Masar platform before the visa is issued. No verified accommodation means no visa approval .
2. When did Umrah visa issuance resume in 2025?
Umrah visas resumed on June 10, 2025 (14 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH), immediately after the Hajj season concluded International pilgrims could begin arriving from June 11, 2025 onwards.
3. Which hotels are accepted for Umrah visa hotel booking?
Bookings must be made only in hotels licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Civil Defense. These must be confirmed and submitted via Nusuk Masar before visa issuance.
4. Can I apply for an Umrah visa without using the Nusuk platform?
No. The entire visa application process—including hotel booking, transport arrangements, and visa issuance—is handled digitally through the Nusuk/Nusuk Masar platform. Manual or offline applications are no longer accepted.
5. Why did Saudi Arabia tighten Umrah visa rules in 2025?
As part of Vision 2030, the government aims to enhance safety, improve service quality, reduce fraud, and create a transparent pilgrimage experience. This includes stricter hotel-booking rules, digital integration, better accommodations, and regulated pilgrim transport .