Nusuk Platform 2026: Umrah & Hajj Permits, Booking, and Overseas Pilgrims

Nusuk is the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's unified portal for everything related to performing the rites: Haramain entry permits, Hajj, Umrah, services in Madinah, and overseas-pilgrim booking. Official URL: nusuk.sa.

Before 2018 these services were scattered across multiple platforms (Eatmarna, Tasreeh, Smart Hajj). In 2022 the ministry unified everything under "Nusuk," and the digital permit became a requirement to enter the Grand Mosque courtyards during peak seasons (Ramadan, Hajj) — not only for performing Umrah.

Who needs a Nusuk permit?

| User | Permit type | |---|---| | Saudi or resident performing Umrah | Umrah permit | | Saudi or resident praying at the Grand Mosque (e.g., Ramadan) | Prayer / visit permit | | Saudi or resident performing Hajj | Hajj permit (after the lottery) | | Pilgrim from outside the Kingdom | Umrah visa + digital permit | | Visitor on a tourist visa wanting Umrah | Umrah permit on the tourist visa |

Umrah permit for citizens and residents

| Step | Detail | |---|---| | 1 | Open nusuk.sa or download the Nusuk app | | 2 | Sign in with National Single Sign-On or Absher | | 3 | Choose "Umrah" → "Book Permit" | | 4 | Set the date and time (typically 2-hour windows) | | 5 | Add companions (must be linked in Absher or registered with their IDs) | | 6 | Review and confirm the booking | | 7 | Show the QR code from the app at the mosque gate |

Key rules:

• The permit is time-bound; being late invalidates it.
• Missing the appointment twice in a row temporarily suspends the account.
• The permit is per person; not transferable.

Hajj registration for Saudis and residents

Hajj requires a separate permit on a different path:

• Registration window: announced annually about two months before Hajj (typically Shawwal-Dhu al-Qi'dah).
• Selection: by lottery or priority (first-time pilgrims, older pilgrims, etc.).
• Packages: 6 tiers from economy to premium — chosen before the lottery.
• Payment: after acceptance, to the chosen Hajj service company.
• Priority: those who have never performed Hajj, then those who performed it more than 5 years ago.

Booking for overseas pilgrims

The fastest path to perform Umrah from abroad — and the most significant recent development:

| Step | Detail | |---|---| | 1 | Visit nusuk.sa/en and pick your language | | 2 | Register with your passport (Saudi / non-Saudi / other-country resident) | | 3 | Browse packages — all from accredited Saudi companies | | 4 | Each package includes: Umrah visa, flight (optional), hotel, transport, meals, guide | | 5 | Pay by card or bank transfer | | 6 | Receive the e-visa by email in days |

Warning: some overseas Umrah agencies advertise fake packages or issue visas in your name without your knowledge. Use only Nusuk-registered companies or agencies certified by your country's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Umrah visa vs tourist visa

Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has opened a tourist visitor visa to a wide list of countries (49 countries e-visa initially, then more). For a Muslim, this visa allows performing Umrah without needing a specific Umrah visa.

| Criterion | Umrah visa | Tourist visa | |---|---|---| | Duration | 90 days | 90 days (multi-entry annually) | | Allowed areas | Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah (transit) | All Kingdom (Makkah and Madinah for Muslims only) | | For Hajj | No | No | | For Umrah | Yes (its original purpose) | Yes for Muslims | | Fees | Vary by package | ~100-130 USD | | Applicant | Accredited Umrah company | Directly from government |

Common mistakes

• Peak-time booking without confirming companions: some families book, then it's auto-cancelled because someone has a conflicting permit.
• Overstaying the visa: risk of deportation and 5-year ban.
• Buying from unofficial sites: many sites impersonate Nusuk — verify SSL and the official URL.
• Missing your permit slot: 30 minutes late invalidates it.
• Donating your permit to another person: the system uses face recognition (cameras) — both parties are penalised.

Tips especially for Saudis

• Book early in Ramadan: permits sell out in minutes for the last ten nights.
• Last ten nights are the hardest season: you may need a permit even for regular prayer.
• Grand Mosque is sometimes closed to non-permit holders: don't enter without one, especially during peak tawaf hours.
• Download the QR offline before entry: the mosque network is congested.

Related articles

• Absher — the complete guide
• Saudi passport renewal
• Visa-free countries for the Saudi passport

Sources:

• Official Nusuk platform — nusuk.sa
• Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — haj.gov.sa
• General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques — gph.gov.sa