As of September 2025, UAE residents planning to perform Umrah are required to secure confirmed hotel accommodations and licensed transportation before applying for their visas. Saudi authorities have introduced these measures to improve pilgrim management, enhance safety, and reduce illegal operations around the holy cities.
Travel operators in the UAE emphasise that all pilgrims should complete their bookings at the time of visa application. This ensures compliance with Saudi regulations and avoids potential fines or operational restrictions for the travel companies facilitating the journey.
Mandatory Pre-Bookings for Visa Application
Pilgrims must pre-arrange the following before submitting an Umrah visa application:
- Hotels: Accommodation must be booked through Saudi-authorised hotels listed on official platforms.
- Transportation: Only prepaid taxis or tickets for the Haramain Express high-speed rail are accepted. Personal or informal transport arrangements are not recognised.
- Visa Compliance: Attempting Umrah on a tourist visa is prohibited. Pilgrims without a proper Umrah visa will be denied access to key religious sites.
Travel companies highlight that Saudi digital platforms, including Nusuk Masar and the Nusuk App, now integrate the visa process, allowing pilgrims to register their transport and hotel details directly.
Pilgrimage Travel
The new regulations are part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to streamline pilgrim movement and reduce illegal taxi services operating near airports and holy sites. By pre-booking hotels and transport, pilgrims from the UAE can ensure a seamless journey from arrival to departure, while travel operators remain compliant with the law.
Officials confirm that security checks at Jeddah and Madinah airports will verify hotel bookings and transport arrangements. While individual pilgrims may still travel without pre-bookings, the agencies facilitating their trips risk fines or system restrictions if bookings are incomplete.
How to Secure Your Pre-Bookings
UAE pilgrims are encouraged to plan their Umrah journey well in advance. This includes:
- Using Official Platforms: Book hotels and transport via Nusuk Masar or authorised travel agencies to ensure compliance.
- Confirming All Details: Make sure accommodation, transport, and visa details match exactly during application to avoid delays.
- Selecting Licensed Transport: Only taxis booked through Nusuk-approved portals or Haramain Express tickets are valid. Personal arrangements are not accepted.
By completing these steps before submitting a visa application, pilgrims minimise the risk of complications at arrival.
Tips for a Smooth Umrah Journey
- Early Planning: Start visa applications and bookings several weeks in advance to secure preferred hotels and travel times.
- Keep Documentation Ready: Maintain copies of your visa, hotel confirmation, and transport bookings for verification at airports.
- Check Updates: Stay informed about any regulatory changes or updates to the Umrah process through official channels.
- Licensed UAE travel operators can help ensure that all bookings are correctly registered in the Saudi system.
Following these guidelines ensures a seamless journey and a fulfilling spiritual experience for pilgrims from the UAE.
Digital Integration of the Process
Saudi Arabia has incorporated Umrah travel arrangements into its digital ecosystem. Platforms like Nusuk Masar and the Nusuk App allow pilgrims to:
- Register hotel bookings
- Reserve prepaid transport
- Verify details during visa submission
Integration with these platforms ensures that all pilgrims enter the Kingdom with complete and verified arrangements, improving safety and convenience.
UAE residents planning to perform Umrah in 2025 must now pre-book hotels and licensed transport as part of the visa application process. Compliance not only ensures a smooth pilgrimage but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to regulate travel and enhance the pilgrim experience.
By planning and using authorised platforms, pilgrims can focus on the spiritual journey without administrative delays or complications.
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