How to Book a Rawdah Permit on Nusuk: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

This article is correct as of 2026-07-20.

What is the Rawdah and Why You Need a Nusuk Permit

The Rawdah (Riyad ul-Jannah) is a small area inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, between the Prophet’s pulpit and his house. It is one of the most sought-after places for prayer during any Umrah trip to Madinah [1]. Since the Nusuk platform became the mandatory booking system, you cannot enter the Rawdah without an active permit, showing up without one means being turned away at the gate [3][1].

Nusuk is the official digital platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah [1]. It handles everything from visas to Umrah permits, Rawdah time slots, transport, and accommodation, all in one app [1]. Booking your Rawdah slot through Nusuk is free. You do not pay for the permit itself; you only need the app and your visa details.

Step-by-Step: How to Book a Rawdah Slot on Nusuk

Here is the exact booking flow, from downloading the app to saving your QR code:

1. Download the Nusuk app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). This is the official Ministry app, make sure you get the right one [1][3].
2. Register your account using your Umrah visa number and passport number. Do this as soon as your visa is issued, do not wait until the week of travel [3].
3. Navigate to the correct section. Tap Prophet’s Mosque Services, then Praying in the Noble Rawdah. This is different from the Umrah permit section, do not confuse the two [4].
4. Select your gender. Men and women have separate visiting hours, and the available time slots reflect that [3].
5. Check the calendar for green dates. Green means slots are available. Red means fully booked. Grey means slots have not been released yet [3].
6. Pick your time slot and tap “Issue Permit.” You will see a confirmation screen with a QR code [3].
7. Screenshot the QR code immediately. Do not rely on the app working inside the mosque, mobile data drops once you step inside, and you need the QR code visible at the gate [3].

When Slots Are Released: Timing Tricks That Work

The single biggest question from DIY travellers is when to check the app. Here is what community experience and guides report:

• Weekly release: Slots typically open on a rolling weekly basis. You can usually see and book slots for the next 7–14 days [3].
• Blank calendar months: If the month you need appears blank (greyed out), the slots simply have not been released yet. Travellers report checking in December and seeing January/February blanked out, those slots appeared 2–4 weeks before the date [5].
• 2-hour drop window: After a recent Nusuk app update, many users report that slots are released roughly two hours before the actual time slot. If you want a 10:00 AM slot, check around 8:00 AM local Madinah time [5].
• Odd-hour booking: Checking at unusual hours (like 3:00 AM local time) sometimes reveals newly dropped slots before the rush [5].
• Peak season is harder: During Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah, slots release on shorter notice (3–5 days) and disappear almost instantly [3].

The practical takeaway: check the app multiple times a day during your trip window, especially in the 2-hour window before each time slot. Persistence beats luck.

What to Do When All Slots Are Full

If you open the app and see nothing but red (fully booked) dates, do not panic. Here are your options:

1. Check again at the 2-hour mark. As noted above, slots often drop roughly two hours before the time. Refresh the app at :00 and :30 past each hour [5].
2. Join the waitlist. The Nusuk app includes a waitlist feature for the day. If you join, you get notified when a slot opens, but you need to act fast when the notification comes [3].
3. Try the Instant Track option. If you are physically near Masjid an-Nabawi and have location services turned on, Nusuk sometimes offers Instant Track slots, bookings available up to 2 hours ahead for people in the mosque vicinity [3].
4. Book at odd hours. 3:00 AM local time, just after midnight, or early morning (before Fajr) are less competitive windows when slots sometimes appear [5].
5. Extend your Madinah stay if possible. If your itinerary has flexibility, an extra day or two in Madinah gives you more booking windows to try.

What You Need Before Booking

Requirement [3]	Details
Umrah visa number [3]	Issued as part of your Umrah package. You need this to register on Nusuk
Passport number [3]	Must match the passport linked to your visa
Nusuk app installed [1]	iOS or Android. Download the official Ministry app, not third-party versions
Hotel and transport booking (for visa approval) [3]	Since 2026, confirmed transport and accommodation on a Nusuk-compliant platform is required for visa approval. This is not directly for the Rawdah permit, but without a Nusuk-linked booking, your visa may not be approved, and without a visa, you cannot book Rawdah [3]
Active Umrah permit (separate) [1]	Your Umrah permit and Rawdah permit are two different bookings in the app. Make sure you have both

Arrival Tips: What Happens on the Day

Once you have your QR code and time slot confirmed, here is what to expect at the Prophet’s Mosque:

• Arrive 30–45 minutes before your slot. The designated Rawdah entry area has separate lines for men and women. Getting there early gives you time to find the correct gate and queue [6].
• Have your QR code ready offline. Open the screenshot before you enter the mosque. Mobile data often drops inside, and you do not want to be fumbling with the app at the gate [3].
• Bring your passport or a clear copy. Staff may ask for identification alongside the QR code [6].
• Look for Rawdah entry signs in English and Arabic. If unsure, ask mosque staff, they are accustomed to directing pilgrims to the correct entrance [6].
• Scanning starts on time. If you are late, you risk being denied entry even with a valid QR code [3].

Common Mistakes People Make

1. Confusing the Rawdah permit with the Umrah permit. These are two completely separate bookings inside the Nusuk app. The Umrah permit is for entering Makkah. The Rawdah permit is under Prophet’s Mosque Services in Madinah [4].
2. Waiting until arrival in Madinah to book. You must book before you get there. Slots fill within seconds of release, and if you wait until you are at the hotel, you will likely find everything fully booked [3].
3. Not screenshotting the QR code. The app may not load inside the mosque due to poor connectivity. Without a screenshot, you have no way to show your permit at the gate [3].
4. Forgetting about the 45-day rule. Nusuk enforces a waiting period, you cannot book a new Rawdah permit within 45 days of your last visit. If you did Umrah recently and visited Rawdah, check your last permit date before trying to book again [4].
5. Checking the app once and giving up. Slots appear and disappear throughout the day. If you check once at 9:00 AM and see everything red, that does not mean the entire day is gone. Check again at the 2-hour marks [5].
6. Not coordinating with your group. Each person needs their own Nusuk registration and their own Rawdah permit. You cannot book one slot for a family of four, each person books individually. Try to get the same time window for everyone in your group [1].

Quick FAQ

Is the Rawdah permit free?
Yes. Booking through the Nusuk app is free. You do not pay to reserve a Rawdah slot [1].

Can women book Rawdah slots?
Yes. Women have their own designated visiting hours and booking slots, clearly marked in the Nusuk app [3].

How far in advance can I book?
Slots typically appear 2–4 weeks before the date. If the month you need is greyed out, check back closer to your travel dates [5].

Can I book for my spouse or parents?
Each person must have their own Nusuk account and book individually. You cannot book one slot for multiple people [1].

What if I miss my slot?
You will not be allowed in. You must rebook a new slot, subject to availability and the 45-day waiting rule if applicable [4].

Do children need a Rawdah permit?
Yes, if they are old enough to have their own visa and passport. Each pilgrim, regardless of age, needs their own permit [1].

Is location tracking required?
For the Instant Track feature (last-minute bookings), yes, Nusuk checks if you are near the mosque. For regular advance bookings, location is not required [3].

Notes

1. [1] Nusuk Umrah Platform (Official Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah). https://umrah.nusuk.sa/, accessed 2026-07-20.
2. [2] Masar Nusuk FAQ (Official Nusuk Platform). https://masar.nusuk.sa/landing/FAQ, accessed 2026-07-20.
3. [3] UmrahTransit Blog – How to Book Rawdah Permit on Nusuk App 2026 Guide. https://umrahtransit.com/blog/how-to-book-rawdah-permit-nusuk-app-2026, accessed 2026-07-20.
4. [4] HajjUmrahPlanner – Rawdah Permit Guide. https://hajjumrahplanner.com/rawdah-permit/, accessed 2026-07-20.
5. [5] Reddit r/Umrah community discussions on Rawdah booking slots and Nusuk app updates. https://www.reddit.com/r/Umrah/comments/1piy9fl/, accessed 2026-07-20.
6. [6] Hisar Travel Singapore – Rawdah Booking Singapore: Nusuk Steps, Timing Tips. https://hisartravel.sg/rawdah-booking-singapore-nusuk-steps-timing-tips/, accessed 2026-07-20.