Nusuk App: What It Is and Why Every DIY Pilgrim Needs It

This article is correct as of 2026-07-13.

You have booked your flights, found a hotel near the Haram, and are counting down the days. Then someone in a Facebook group asks “have you got your Nusuk permit yet?”, and you have no idea what they are talking about. You are not alone. Nusuk is the single most important app every DIY Umrah pilgrim needs to understand before they travel, yet many first-timers only discover it after their visa is approved. This guide covers what Nusuk actually is, why the Saudi government made it mandatory, who must use it, and the practical steps to take before you go [1].

Table of Contents

• What Nusuk actually is [1]
• Why Nusuk is mandatory for Umrah pilgrims [3][4]
• What Nusuk does, visas, permits, and bookings [1][6][8]
• Nationality restrictions, who can and cannot use Nusuk directly [5][7]
• How to get started with Nusuk [9]
• Common mistakes and what people get wrong
• FAQ
• Next steps [3]

What Nusuk actually is

Nusuk is the official digital platform launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It is the single government-backed system that every Umrah pilgrim interacts with, whether they realize it or not. Before Nusuk, pilgrims juggled multiple apps, Eatmarna for permits, Maqam for logistics, separate visa portals for applications. Nusuk brought all of that under one roof [1][2].

Think of Nusuk as the Saudi government’s digital front desk for Umrah. It is not a travel agency and it does not sell package holidays. It is the official channel through which you prove to Saudi authorities that you are a legitimate pilgrim with a valid visa, confirmed accommodation, and an approved time slot to enter Masjid al-Haram. The platform is free to use, available in English and several other languages, and works on both iOS and Android [1][9].

The platform replaced Eatmarna in September 2022 and has been steadily expanding its scope since then. By 2026, it covers visa applications, hotel and transport bookings, Umrah permits, Rawdah slot reservations, and health protocol verification [2][8].

Why Nusuk is mandatory for Umrah pilgrims

Since 2024, every international Umrah pilgrim must have a Nusuk-issued permit to enter Masjid al-Haram. This is not optional. Security personnel at Haram gates scan QR codes generated by the Nusuk app, and pilgrims without an active permit are turned away, even if they have a valid Umrah visa in their passport [3][4][9].

The mandatory permit system serves three purposes. First, crowd control: by issuing timed entry slots, Nusuk prevents the dangerous overcrowding that plagued earlier Umrah seasons. Second, health screening: the platform integrates with Saudi health databases to verify vaccination status and medical eligibility. Third, logistics verification: Nusuk confirms that every pilgrim has pre-booked accommodation and transport before a visa is issued [3][8].

There is also a practical enforcement mechanism called the “no booking, no visa” rule. As of June 2025, Saudi Arabia will not issue an Umrah visa unless your hotel and transport are pre-booked and verified through the Nusuk Masar system. If your accommodation cannot be confirmed on Nusuk, your visa application will not proceed [3].

One important exception: GCC nationals who are Saudi residents can enter Masjid al-Haram without a Nusuk permit during non-peak times. Everyone else, tourists on e-visas, Umrah visa holders, and residents of other Gulf countries, needs the permit [3].

What Nusuk does, visas, permits, and bookings

Nusuk handles four main functions, and understanding which ones apply to you is key to planning your trip without surprises [1][6][8].

Umrah visa applications: For most nationalities, you can apply for an Umrah visa directly through Nusuk. The platform walks you through the application, collects your passport details, and links your application to your confirmed hotel and transport bookings. Once approved, your visa is linked to your Nusuk profile [1][6].

Umrah entry permits: After your visa is approved, you book a time slot for your Umrah through the Nusuk app. The app generates a QR code that is scanned at the Haram entrance gates. You cannot enter without this QR code, period. Permits are free and can be booked up to a few days in advance [3][9].

Rawdah reservations: The Rawdah (Riyad ul-Jannah) in Madinah is a small area inside Masjid an-Nabawi that millions of pilgrims want to visit. Entry is only possible with a Nusuk-booked time slot. These slots are released in batches and fill up fast, especially during peak seasons [3].

Package bookings: Nusuk also functions as a marketplace where you can book complete Umrah packages, flights, hotels, transport, and visa processing, from approved Saudi service providers. For DIY pilgrims who prefer to book everything themselves, this is less relevant, but it is worth knowing it exists as a fallback if your independent bookings hit a wall [1][8].

Nationality restrictions, who can and cannot use Nusuk directly

Not every pilgrim can self-serve through Nusuk. The most important restriction affects Indian and Pakistani passport holders [5][7].

Indian passport holders: You cannot apply for an Umrah visa directly through Nusuk. Saudi regulations require Indian nationals to submit their applications through a licensed Umrah travel agent recognized by Saudi authorities. The agent handles the visa application, uploads your hotel and transport bookings to the Nusuk system, and manages the permit process on your behalf. You still need a Nusuk permit, you just cannot get it yourself [5].

Pakistani passport holders: Similar to Indian nationals, Pakistani passport holders must use a licensed agent. The agent submits your visa application and updates your booking details on the Nusuk app. Real-world reports from Pakistani pilgrims confirm that visa applications made outside this agent channel are not processed [7].

UAE expats and GCC residents: If you hold a residence visa for the UAE or another GCC country, you may be able to self-apply through Nusuk after booking through Nusuk Masar. Rules vary by nationality and residency status, so check with the Saudi embassy in your country of residence [5].

Most other nationalities: UK, US, EU, Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian, and most other passport holders can register on Nusuk directly, apply for a visa, book permits, and manage everything through the app. The app interface is fully functional in English [9].

How to get started with Nusuk

If your nationality allows direct Nusuk access, here is the practical order of operations [1][3][9].

1. Download the app first. Get Nusuk from the official iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Do not download from third-party APK sites, fake Nusuk apps exist and they collect passport data. The official app is free [9].

2. Register as a Visitor. Open the app and choose “Visitor” as your account type. International pilgrims should not select “Citizen” or “Resident” unless they hold Saudi residency. You will need your passport number, nationality, and an email address [9].

3. Explore the permit section before you book anything else. Before committing to flights and hotels, open Nusuk and look at the Umrah permit availability for your intended travel dates. If permits are sold out for your preferred week, you may want to shift your dates. This should be step one, not step five [3].

4. Book accommodation on a Nusuk-compatible platform. If you are applying for an Umrah visa, your hotel must be verifiable through the Nusuk Masar system. Booking.com and Agoda bookings may not automatically appear in Nusuk, check with your hotel or agent whether they are registered on the platform [3].

5. Apply for your visa through Nusuk. Once your accommodation is confirmed and linked, submit your visa application through the app. Processing times vary, do not leave this for the week before departure [1].

Common mistakes and what people get wrong

Assuming the visa alone gets you into the Haram. This is the most common error. Pilgrims arrive in Makkah with a valid Umrah visa, walk to the Haram gates, and are turned away because they never booked a Nusuk permit. The visa and the permit are separate. You need both [3].

Downloading a fake Nusuk app. There are copycat apps on unofficial app stores. If an app asks you to pay for registration, it is not the official Nusuk app. The real one is free [9].

Waiting until arrival in Saudi Arabia to set up Nusuk. You can register, verify your identity, and explore permit availability from outside Saudi Arabia. Doing this at home on WiFi is easier than trying to do it in a crowded Makkah hotel lobby with spotty internet [9].

Booking a hotel that is not on Nusuk Masar. If your hotel cannot be verified through the Nusuk system, your visa application will stall. Before paying for any accommodation, confirm with the hotel or booking platform that they are registered on Nusuk Masar [3].

Indian and Pakistani pilgrims trying to self-apply. If your passport is Indian or Pakistani, do not spend hours trying to register on Nusuk and apply for a visa. The system is not built for direct applications from these nationalities. Find a licensed agent first [5][7].

FAQ

Is Nusuk free to use? [1]

Yes, the Nusuk app is completely free. You pay for visas, permits, and bookings through the platform, but downloading the app and creating an account costs nothing [1].

Can I perform Umrah without a Nusuk permit if I have a valid visa? [3]

No. Since 2024, a valid Umrah visa alone is not sufficient. You must have a Nusuk-generated QR permit to enter Masjid al-Haram for Umrah. Security personnel scan the QR code at the gates [3].

Does the app work in English? [9]

Yes. The Nusuk app is fully functional in English. You can change the language in the settings menu after logging in. The English interface is designed for international pilgrims and covers all features [9].

What if my Nusuk hotel booking gets cancelled? [3]

If your accommodation is cancelled and it was linked to your visa application or permit, your permit may be affected. Contact your hotel or booking platform immediately to resolve it. If the cancellation happens after visa issuance but before travel, update your booking on Nusuk Masar as soon as possible. Traveling with a cancelled booking linked to your Nusuk profile is risky [3].

I have an Indian passport but live in the UK. Can I use Nusuk directly? [5]

The restriction is based on your passport nationality, not your country of residence. Indian passport holders must use a licensed agent regardless of where they live. Check with the Saudi embassy in your country of residence for a list of approved agents [5].

How far in advance can I book an Umrah permit? [3]

Permit availability windows vary by season. During peak periods like Ramadan and the month before Hajj, permits are released in batches and fill up within hours. During off-peak months, you can usually book a few days ahead. Check the Nusuk app regularly as your travel date approaches [3].

Next steps

If your nationality allows direct Nusuk access, download the app today, even if your trip is months away. Create your account, explore the permit section, and get comfortable with the interface before you need to use it under time pressure. If your nationality requires an agent, start the agent search now. The best agents book up during peak seasons, and you do not want to be scrambling for a Nusuk-linked agent two weeks before departure [3].

For the practical step-by-step walkthrough of setting up your account, verifying your ID, and making your first booking, see our dedicated Nusuk setup guide. [3]

Notes

1. [1] Nusuk Umrah Official Platform, umrah.nusuk.sa. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Accessed 2026-07-13.
2. [2] Nusuk, Wikipedia. Documents the September 2022 replacement of Eatmarna by Nusuk. Accessed 2026-07-13.
3. [3] HalalBooking Nusuk App Guide 2026, halalbooking.com/en/umrah/plan/nusuk. Confirms mandatory Nusuk permits for all international pilgrims as of 2026. Accessed 2026-07-13.
4. [4] Travel And Tour World, Saudi Arabia Announces Umrah 2026-27 Schedule. Confirms digital permits through Nusuk remain mandatory. Accessed 2026-07-13.
5. [5] Almahad Travels, Nusuk Umrah Visa vs Agent Visa for Indians (2026). Documents agent-only requirement for Indian and Pakistani nationals. Accessed 2026-07-13.
6. [6] Times of India, What is Nusuk Umrah. Covers Nusuk platform features for global pilgrims. Accessed 2026-07-13.
7. [7] Reddit r/Umrah, How to register on Nusuk without Visa. Real-world confirmation that Pakistani passport holders must use agents. Accessed 2026-07-13.
8. [8] Furas Makkah, Nusuk New Rules and Policies 2026. Confirms Nusuk as the single process for permits, visas, and packages. Accessed 2026-07-13.
9. [9] Saudi Umrah Visa, How to Use Nusuk App for Umrah 2026. Confirms English interface, QR scanning at Haram gates, and free app access. Accessed 2026-07-13.