International pilgrims can now organize their entire Umrah journey using Nusuk, a new website in Saudi Arabia that assists visitors in securing the required visas and permissions for the pilgrimage.
Domestic pilgrims are also provided to by the Nusuk application and website, nusuk.sa.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the portal in November 2022.
What is Nusuk?
The “official guide to Mecca and Medina” is the “Nusuk” app, which is available for Apple and Android devices. It informs pilgrims about the requirements for immigration, umrah group packages, rituals that must be performed during umrah, and specifics about the various sites in Mecca and Medina that they can visit.
Regarding Umrah in particular, the app instructs a user on how to apply for an Umrah visa and enables them to reserve a time slot from those that are offered by the system, in order to apply for their Umrah permission. According to the Nusuk website, travelers must reserve an Umrah permit from the available dates on the Nusuk app before traveling to the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The website adds: “It is highly advised to book during the less crowded times, which helps pilgrims complete Umrah in reverence and peace.”
Similarly to this, you would require a permit to pray in the Al Rawda Al Sharifa, the section of the mosque where the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) grave is located, in Medina at the mosque of the Prophet (PBUH).
Three types of Umrah visa categories
You will need to apply for an Umrah visa as your first task. You can choose how to apply for the visa using the app, depending on your nationality and place of residence. Three categories make up the umrah visa:
- Visa on arrival – for tourists from 49 eligible countries and holders of tourist or business visas from the UK, US, or Schengen Area.
- eVisa – for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residents.
- Umrah visa – If you do not fit into one of these categories, you must use travel agencies and Umrah providers who have been certified by Nusuk to apply for an Umrah visa package. If you fit this description, Nusuk will provide you with a list of organizations where you can submit an application for the visa.
How to apply for the Umrah permit through Nusuk app?
Apple and Android devices both support the Nusuk app. You must set up an account in order to use the app.
Choose your language and fill up your information when the app first launches. Follow the procedures below to register for an account and reserve an Umrah permit:
Step 1: Create an account
If you are an international visitor, select the ‘Visitor’ account and enter the details below:
- Visa number – which is stated on your Saudi eVisa or Umrah visa
- Passport number
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Mobile number
- Email address
Create a password after entering the information, then check the terms and conditions.
After that, tap the Register button. The next step will include entering a One-Time-Password (OTP), which you will be sent through SMS.
Step 2: Book your Umrah journey
Go to the site and select the Umrah category after creating an account.
You must then book the time and date for Umrah. You will see a calendar on the app (you can only book two months in advance). The Gregorian and Hijri calendars are available for selection.
The entries in green indicate less crowded times, whereas the entries in red indicate crowded times.
Next, book a time slot.
Tap the ‘continue’ button.
Next, you will be able to view a summary of your Umrah details. This includes:
- The reservation and permit number.
- A QR Code of the permit.
- The date and time slot.
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