New Saudi Rules Make DIY Umrah Harder in 2025: 

What Every Pilgrim Must Know (and Smart Ways to Save Money)

June 2025 update: Planning a DIY Umrah trip just got a lot trickier. Here’s what’s changed, why it matters, and how you can still organize an affordable, independent Umrah with the new rules.

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🕋 Why This Matters: New Hotel Booking Requirement for Umrah Visa

Saudi Arabia has introduced a major change that affects all Umrah pilgrims—especially those who love planning their own trips (DIY). Starting June 10, 2025, you must book your Umrah hotel through the official Nusuk Masar platform to get your visa. No more booking from your favorite sites like Booking.com, Expedia, HalalBooking, or Airbnb for the visa process!

What’s required?

• A hotel booked through Nusuk Masar
• The hotel must be licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism
• Your booking must be electronically approved in Nusuk Masar before you apply for your Umrah visa

Why?

The move aims to standardize Umrah accommodations, prevent fraud, and align with Saudi Vision 2030. But for budget travelers and DIY pilgrims, this means rethinking how you plan and book your Umrah trip.

✈️ How Does This Affect DIY Umrah?

You can still go DIY, but with stricter rules:

• You must book your hotel via Nusuk Masar for the visa process.
• Other arrangements (flight, local transport, etc.) remain flexible.
• If you use an e-Tourist visa for Umrah, the same rule applies: your initial hotel must be through Nusuk Masar.

Can I Book on Expedia or HalalBooking.com and Just Show That?

No . Bookings from third-party sites are no longer accepted for Umrah visa processing. Only bookings approved and uploaded via Nusuk Masar will be recognized.

💡 Smart DIY Tip: Book Minimum Nights via Nusuk Masar, Extend Later!

Some savvy pilgrims are considering this approach:

1. Book only one or a few nights on Nusuk Masar—enough to get your visa.
2. Once the visa is approved, book the rest of your stay on your favorite platform (Expedia, HalalBooking.com, Airbnb, etc.).
3. Upon arrival, check in at your Nusuk Masar hotel for the required nights, then move to your preferred accommodation.

Is There a Minimum Stay Required?

• Official sources and travel forums confirm there is no fixed minimum duration for the Nusuk Masar hotel booking. One night is enough for visa approval.
• But be ready to show all your booking confirmations (including subsequent stays) if asked at immigration.

Any Risks?

• Saudi officials expect you to follow your declared itinerary, but as long as you have legal bookings and valid documentation, you should not face issues.
• Do not skip your Nusuk Masar hotel check-in, as some hotels may report no-shows, potentially raising flags.

🔗 How to Book Your DIY Umrah (2025 Step-by-Step)

1. Register on Nusuk Masar

Go to Nusuk Masar and create an account.

2. Search and Book an Approved Hotel

• Filter by “Ministry of Tourism licensed” hotels in Makkah or Madinah.
• Book your stay (even just 1 night if you want to minimize cost).
• Ensure your booking contract is electronically approved.

3. Apply for Your Umrah Visa (or e-Tourist Visa)

• Submit your details and upload the Nusuk Masar contract.
• Wait for approval (usually 1–2 days for e-Visa).

4. Book Flights and Extra Stays (Optional)

• Once your visa is granted, use any platform for extra nights.

5. Download the Nusuk App

• Handy for prayer permits or last-minute updates.

6. Travel and Perform Umrah!

• Carry your passport, visa, and ALL booking confirmations.
• Check in to your Nusuk Masar hotel first.

⚠️ What About Ziyarah?

These rules are specific to Umrah pilgrims, not for general tourism (ziyarah) or sightseeing trips. But if your main purpose is Umrah (even on a tourist visa), you must meet the new hotel booking rule for visa approval.

💬 Final Thoughts: DIY Still Possible, Just More Structured

• The DIY Umrah dream isn’t dead, but you’ll need to follow the new hotel booking rules closely.
• Booking only the minimum required nights via Nusuk Masar is a legit way to save money, as long as you’re transparent and have all your documents.
• For pure ziyarah (tourism without Umrah), these rules don’t apply—but most Muslim travelers going to Makkah/Madinah are usually doing Umrah, so keep this in mind!

Ready to plan your Umrah the smart way?
Let me know if you need help picking hotels, understanding Nusuk Masar, or want up-to-date tips for 2025 Umrah travel!

Share this post with friends and family—DIY Umrah just got a new playbook!

📚 Further Reading & Resources for Umrah DIY, Agents, and Hospitality Hosts

Want to dive deeper or get expert strategies for making the most out of Umrah and Ziyarah travel—even with the new rules? Check out my eBooks:

1. Rooms & Rewards: Profiting from Pilgrim Travel Without Owning a Hotel

Discover global strategies for “Umrahpreneurs” to profit from the travel boom. This guide is packed with insights on rewards, affiliate programs, and hospitality—even in the face of new Saudi hotel requirements for Umrah visas!

Available now on Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books.

2. Homestay Hospitality in Makkah: Opportunities, Operations, and Success

If you’re a host or want to enter the Umrah/Ziyarah accommodation market, this book reveals success stories and opportunities—especially for pilgrims staying beyond their initial visa-approved nights.

Available now on Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books.

3. Build & Save with UmrahPlus: The Agent/DIY Hybrid Business Blueprint

Ideal for agents and ambitious pilgrims! This blueprint explains how to offer compliant, profitable, and personalized Umrah experiences—including navigating the new Nusuk hotel booking rules with hybrid DIY/agent support.

Available now on Amazon Kindle and Google Play Books.

💡 All guides include fresh tips and solutions for the latest Umrah travel requirements. Get the edge—plan, save, and succeed!