Saudi Arabia introduces Nusuk Umrah app for international pilgrims

Saudi Arabia introduces Nusuk Umrah app for international pilgrims

25-08-25

Saudi Arabia’s vision of modernizing the pilgrimage experience has taken shape with the launch, on August 20, 2025, of Nusuk Umrah, an innovative digital platform that centralizes everything an international pilgrim needs to organize their Umrah with ease. Through umrah.nusuk.sa, users can apply for visas, book accommodation, transportation, guided tours, and other essential services from a single virtual gateway, thereby simplifying processes that traditionally required multiple intermediaries and cumbersome paperwork.

The portal is not intended to replace accredited agencies but rather to provide a fast, direct, and customizable alternative for those who wish to manage every aspect of their spiritual journey. Pilgrims may choose from integrated packages or design their own itinerary by selecting only the services they require, offering an unprecedented level of flexibility in planning their trip.

From the outset, Nusuk Umrah has been designed with a global outlook: its multilingual interface—available in at least seven languages—and integration with official Saudi government systems ensure a transparent, secure process tailored to diverse cultural contexts. It also includes multiple payment methods to facilitate international transactions.

This initiative is part of the ambitious Vision 2030, which seeks not only to diversify the Kingdom’s economy but also to strengthen its leadership in religious tourism through the optimization of infrastructure and services powered by technology.

The expected benefits are numerous. By providing an all-in-one digital solution, the platform saves time, reduces paperwork, and minimizes errors in travel preparation. It also fosters a more comfortable and predictable experience, raising the quality of service for millions of international pilgrims.

Another key advantage is enhanced safety and trust. Thanks to direct integration with state systems, every visa application and booking is formally registered and verified, reducing the risks of fraud or unauthorized services. Pilgrims also receive real-time updates on the progress of their applications.

The results have already been significant. Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 15 million pilgrims in the first quarter of 2025, about 6.5 million of whom were international visitors. This figure not only represents a notable increase—over 10% compared to the same period last year—but also demonstrates a clear trend toward constant improvement in accessibility and the Umrah experience.

Within this transformative context, the country has also launched other complementary initiatives. For example, it is now a requirement for pilgrims to have an approved hotel reservation in order to apply for a visa, a rule facilitated through digital platforms such as Nusuk Masar. In addition, in the city of Medina a free, multilingual, 24-hour cloud-based support service has been implemented to provide direct assistance on rituals and spiritual guidance.

Taken together, these actions reflect a comprehensive transformation: from pre-travel planning to on-the-ground experience, Saudi Arabia is weaving a network of technological innovation, improved infrastructure, and personalized attention for its visitors. Mobile apps, multilingual digital interfaces, and cloud-based call centers are combined with regulatory measures, quality accommodation standards, and institutional support to offer a frictionless spiritual journey.

Nusuk Umrah represents a milestone in the evolution of religious tourism, marking a before and after in the way pilgrims prepare for and experience their journey to the holy sites. By centralizing services, streamlining processes, and empowering the pilgrim’s autonomy, the platform not only simplifies the physical path but also reduces the administrative barriers that once overshadowed the spiritual dimension of this profound journey. With this digital commitment, Saudi Arabia makes it clear that its path to the future combines its deepest traditions with the efficiency of the 21st century.

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