New Umrah Visa Rules 2025: Mandatory Hotel & Transport Booking + What Pakistani Pilgrims Must Know
Are you planning to perform Umrah and wondering what’s new in the Saudi visa process for Pakistanis? You’re not alone. Starting from June 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced new Umrah visa rules that every Pakistani pilgrim must follow before applying. These rules have made hotel and transport booking mandatory and have shifted the entire process to the digital Nusuk Masar platform part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to modernize religious tourism.
If you’re planning your Umrah from Pakistan, this detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the new regulations, requirements, fees, and tips to ensure your visa approval.
What Has Changed in 2025?
Major Updates at a Glance
- From 10 June 2025, all Umrah visa applications must include confirmed hotel bookings before submission.
- Also mandatory: transport bookings (airport transfers, inter-city travel, internal travel) as part of the visa package.
- The process is fully integrated through the digital platform Nusuk Masar (or Nusuk) which verifies hotels, agents and transport.
- Visa-only applications (i.e., applying without booking accommodation & transport) are being rejected or will not be accepted
- The rules apply across all nationalities, including Pakistani pilgrims
- New emphasis on approved, licensed travel agencies and registered service providers for Umrah.
Why These Changes?
These updates are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 programme and aim to:
- Prevent fraud and misuse of Umrah visas and packages
- Improve safety, crowd-management and service quality for pilgrims
- Digitalise and streamline the Umrah journey from visa application to return
Old Umrah Visa Rules vs New Umrah Visa Rules (2025)
| Old Rules (Pre-2025) | New Rules (from 2025) |
| Visa could be applied for before booking hotel/transport | Hotel and transport bookings must be confirmed before visa submission |
| Partial or unverified accommodation often accepted | Full-stay bookings only & must be with Nusuk-registered hotels |
| Transport booking was flexible or optional | Confirmed transport arrangements required (airport + intercity + local) |
| Some individual travel allowed with less oversight | More group travel coordination; licensed agents mandatory |
| Verification often manual or through agent only | Digital verification via Nusuk; non-compliance leads to rejection |
The Role of the Nusuk Masar Platform
All bookings must be verified through the Nusuk Masar platform, Saudi Arabia’s official digital system for Umrah services. Only Nusuk-registered hotels and transport operators are accepted for visa applications.
The Nusuk platform handles:
- Visa applications and processing
- Hotel booking verification
- Transport arrangement verification
- Entry permits for Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi
- Rawdah visit bookings in Madinah
- Complete journey tracking
Benefits of Using Nusuk
- All bookings are verified directly by Saudi authorities
- Avoids scams or fake agencies
- Offers transparent pricing and official hotels only
- Integrates all services in one digital dashboard
Note: Pakistani pilgrims cannot apply directly through the Nusuk platform. All Umrah visa applications and bookings must be made via an authorized Saudi-approved travel agency in Pakistan to ensure proper verification and processing.
Learn more: Read our complete guide to Understanding the Nusuk Platform and How It Works for Pakistani Pilgrims →
KSA Travels manages all Nusuk platform interactions for you no need to struggle with Arabic/English interfaces or technical issues.
Key Rules for Hotel Bookings
- The hotel must be licensed and approved by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and registered on the Nusuk platform
- Your booking must cover the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia — no switching to relatives’ homes or moving mid-stay without prior approval.
- Bookings made on generic platforms (e.g., Booking.com, Expedia) won’t be accepted unless integrated with Nusuk.
- Ensure check-in and check-out dates align with flight dates and visa itinerary; mismatches may lead to rejection.
Pro Tip: When booking your Umrah package via KSA Travels, we ensure all hotel bookings are vetted and registered via Nusuk so the visa process is seamless.
Mandatory Transport Booking Rules
To comply with the 2025 rules, your Umrah package must include:
- Airport-to-hotel transfer (Jeddah or Madinah arrival)
- Inter-city travel (typically between Makkah & Madinah)
- Daily local transport for Ziyarah, Haram visits etc.
- All vehicles must be from licensed operators and details uploaded to Nusuk.
- Transport fees may now be linked to the vehicle type and number of passengers in the group.
Why this matters: These transport bookings ensure your movement is coordinated, safer and compliant especially important during peak Umrah seasons.
Umrah Important Documents & Visa Requirements 2025
Here is your checklist of documents required for Pakistani pilgrims under the new rules:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry)
- Recent passport-size photo (white background)
- Vaccination certificate (meningococcal meningitis, polio etc)
- Travel insurance with medical cover
- Confirmed hotel booking (as described above)
- Confirmed transport booking as per package
- Return or onward flight ticket
Estimated Visa Fees & Processing Time
| Type | Estimated Fee (PKR) |
| Basic Umrah Visa (visa-only or minimal package) | ~ PKR 35,000 – PKR 55,000 |
| Umrah Visa With Basic Services | ~ PKR 60,000 – PKR 90,000 |
| Processing Time (Standard) | ~ 7 – 14 days |
Important Notes
- These fees mostly cover the visa or minimal service portion only (i.e., the permit/visa fee itself) do not include full package costs like flights, premium hotel stays, luxury transport, and additional services.
- The full “Umrah package cost” (visa + accommodation + flights + transport + extras) will be significantly higher, depending on hotel category, number of pilgrims, time of year (Ramadan, peak months) and departure city in Pakistan.
- For full package servicing (especially compliant with the 2025 rules: hotel + transport pre-booked via Nusuk, premium proximity hotels, etc.), you should calculate based on the service level you offer rather than just visa fee alone.
Benefits of the New Visa Rules
- Protection from scams: Confirmed bookings and NRC-registered agents reduce chances of fraud or last-minute hotel replacements.
- Better safety & service: Saudi authorities can monitor and manage pilgrim flow via the digital Nusuk system, thereby improving overall experience.
- Reduced stress & surprises: Knowing your accommodation and transport are pre-approved gives peace of mind you focus on worship, not logistics.
- Compliance ensures approval: Failing to meet these new rules means your visa application may simply be rejected — no second chances.
Common Reasons for Umrah Visa Rejection (2025)
Many Pakistani applicants face visa delays or denials due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common causes and how to prevent them:
| Reason | Description | How to Avoid |
| Hotel or flight details don’t match | Your check-in/out dates or flight schedule don’t align with your visa application. | Double-check that hotel bookings and flight itineraries perfectly match your travel dates before submission. |
| Unverified hotel booking (not via Nusuk) | The hotel isn’t listed or approved on the Nusuk platform. | Always book accommodation through a Nusuk-registered travel agent or platform. |
| Missing vaccination proof or insurance | Vaccination certificates or valid travel insurance aren’t uploaded. | Upload your meningitis vaccine record (taken 10–15 days before travel) and valid travel/medical insurance with your application. |
| Invalid or near-expiry passport | Passport validity less than 6 months from your travel date. | Renew your passport before starting the visa process. |
| Applying without a registered travel agent | Direct or unauthorized visa submissions aren’t accepted under 2025 rules. | Submit your application only through an authorized Umrah operator integrated with Nusuk Masar. |
How KSA Travels Helps You Every Step
At KSA Travels, we offer complete Umrah packages 2025 tailored for Pakistani pilgrims fully aligned with the 2025 rules:
- Verified hotel bookings with Nusuk-registered properties in Makkah & Madinah
- Licensed transport arrangements (airport transfers + inter-city travel + local Ziyarah)
- Experienced agents who handle all documentation and coordination
- Clear pricing, no hidden fees, and support in Urdu for Pakistani travellers
- Guidance on vaccinations, insurance and departure/return scheduling
Let us take care of the logistics, so you can focus on the spiritual journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for Umrah visa without booking a hotel first?
No. Under the 2025 rules, hotel booking is mandatory before the visa application is submitted.
Is transport booking mandatory?
Yes. Confirmed transport (airport, inter-city, local) is required as part of your visa application.
Can I stay with relatives instead of a hotel?
Not unless the host’s Saudi Unified ID is registered and the stay is reported in the system and even then, many pilgrims are required to use registered hotels.
How long is the Umrah visa valid?
Typically up to 90 days from entry but the stay duration may depend on your package and timing.
Is this rule only for Pakistani pilgrims?
No it applies to all nationalities. However, Pakistani pilgrims must use an authorised agent and comply with agent-based booking rules.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
You’ll receive a specific reason for rejection. Common issues:
- Non-Nusuk hotel booking
- Date mismatches between hotel/flight/visa
- Incomplete or invalid vaccinations
- Missing documents
KSA Travels will help you fix the issue and resubmit at no additional agent fee. Resubmission success rate: 95%.
What happens if I want to change my hotel after booking?
Once your visa is approved based on specific hotel bookings, changing hotels requires:
- Updating the Nusuk system
- New hotel must also be Nusuk-registered
- May affect your visa validity
- Can cause significant complications
Always confirm your hotel choice before making final booking
Final Words
The new Umrah visa rules for 2025 mark a transformative change in how pilgrims plan and execute their journey to the House of Allah. Mandatory hotel and transport bookings, digital verification via Nusuk, and stricter agency compliance mean that your journey will be more secure, better organised, and fully aligned with Saudi Arabia’s modernisation goals.
For pilgrims from Pakistan, the key takeaway is: book early, use a reliable, licensed travel agency, ensure your hotel & transport are confirmed, and submit your documentation correctly. With the right preparation and KSA Travels by your side, you can focus entirely on your worship and spiritual renewal.
Ready to begin your Umrah with confidence? Contact KSA Travels today we are here to help you every step of the way.
