Government & Regulations

Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for Umrah pilgrims, aiming to streamline the process while ensuring stricter compliance. Every step—from visa applications to hotel bookings and transport—must now be completed through official platforms, including the Nusuk app and the Masar system.

Umrah operators in the UAE highlighted the following 10 key changes for pilgrims:

1. Hotel bookings mandatory – Accommodation must be selected during visa application through approved hotels or confirmed family stays.

2. Family stay requires Saudi ID – Hosts’ unified Saudi ID must be linked to the Umrah visa and updated if itineraries change.

3. No tourist visas for Umrah – Pilgrims cannot perform Umrah on a tourist visa; access to holy sites may be denied.

4. Dedicated Umrah visa – Only a proper Umrah visa via Nusuk or approved operators is allowed.

5. Strict itinerary compliance – Visa applications require uploading a fixed itinerary; overstays incur fines.

6. Visa on arrival for select nationals – UK, US, Canada, Schengen visa holders or residents may qualify under conditions.

7. Airport verification – Officials check hotel and transport bookings on Nusuk/Masar; missing documents may lead to fines.

8. Authorised transport only – Registered taxis, buses, or trains booked through official channels are mandatory.

9. Train timing rules – Haramain Express runs until 9 pm; post-9 pm arrivals require pre-booked authorised transport.

10. Heavy fines for violations – Breaking any rule, from unauthorised transport to overstaying, results in penalties starting from SAR 750 (Dh734).

Qaisar Mahmood, owner of Asaa Tours and Travels, stressed that these measures ensure a transparent and organised pilgrimage, while Shihab, another operator, warned of strict enforcement at airports and holy sites.

Pilgrims are advised to plan carefully, book through official channels, and adhere strictly to the new regulations to avoid delays or fines.

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