Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026

Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026

Planning your blessed journey to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for Umrah in 2026 is an exciting and spiritually significant endeavor. To ensure your pilgrimage is smooth, accepted, and free from avoidable obstacles, it is essential to understand the official framework governing it.

This comprehensive guide details the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026, providing you with a clear, up-to-date list of all the essential regulations you need to know. From obtaining your eVisa and booking your packages through the official Nusuk platform to understanding the new guidelines for performing the rites, we cover everything.

By familiarizing yourself with these Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026, you can focus your heart and mind on the profound spiritual experience that awaits, confident that your practical preparations are in complete order.

Understanding the Nusuk Platform: Your Digital Gateway to Umrah

The foundation of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 is the Nusuk platform itself (formerly known as Eatmarna). Launched by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Nusuk is the official, integrated digital system for planning and managing your entire pilgrimage.

For 2026, all international pilgrims are required to use the Nusuk application or website (nusuk.sa) for several critical steps. This centralized system is designed to enhance your experience, ensure your safety, and streamline the process. The first of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 is that you must create a verified personal account on the Nusuk platform.

This account will be your hub for applying for your eVisa, booking your approved Umrah packages, scheduling your entry times to the Grand Mosque, and accessing essential guidance. Embracing this digital-first approach is the most important initial step in complying with the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026.

Rule 1: Mandatory eVisa Application Through Nusuk

A pivotal change in the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 is the visa process. The traditional Umrah visa sticker in passports has been largely replaced by a digital Umrah eVisa. You must obtain this eVisa electronically through the Nusuk platform before traveling. The process is integrated: when you book an approved Umrah package through Nusuk, the system facilitates your visa application.

Key requirements for the eVisa include a passport valid for at least six months, a recent digital photo with a white background, confirmed round-trip airline tickets, proof of accommodation (such as bookings from verified partners like www.hotelsinmakkah.com), and vaccination certificates as mandated by Saudi health authorities. Ensuring all your documents are accurate and uploaded correctly to Nusuk is a non-negotiable part of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026.

Rule 2: Booking Through Approved Umrah Packages

One of the core Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 mandates that international pilgrims must book their pilgrimage through an approved Umrah package listed on the Nusuk platform. You cannot simply book flights and a hotel independently and obtain an Umrah visa. These curated packages ensure you receive services that meet government standards for quality, location, and pilgrim welfare.

Packages vary and typically include your eVisa facilitation, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, airport transfers, and often transportation between the two holy cities. When selecting your package on Nusuk, you can filter options based on your budget, hotel proximity to the Haram, and service level.

Choosing a package with hotels verified for quality and location, such as those listed on www.hotelsinmakkah.com, can greatly enhance your peace of mind and comfort, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026, which prioritize a well-organized journey.

Rule 3: Scheduling Your Umrah Permit (Izin) and Haram Entry

To manage crowds and ensure a safe, serene environment for all, the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 require pilgrims to obtain an Umrah permit (Izin) for performing the rites. This permit is distinct from your visa and is acquired through the Nusuk app.

You will be able to select your preferred date and time slot to enter the Grand Mosque for your Umrah. It is crucial to adhere to your scheduled time. Furthermore, the rules specify designated entry gates for pilgrims with permits. Your Nusuk app will guide you to the correct gate.

Always carry your digital permit (on your phone) or a printed copy, as it will be checked. This system, part of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026, is designed for your safety and to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a focused and peaceful performance of Umrah.

Rule 4: Adherence to Specific Guidelines During Tawaf and Sa'i

While the spiritual rites of Umrah remain unchanged, the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 include important guidelines for conducting Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa'i (walking between Safa and Marwah) in an orderly manner. Pilgrims are expected to follow the designated pathways and directions.

For Tawaf, always keep the Kaaba to your left and move with the flow of the crowd, avoiding sudden stops or attempts to push forward. For Sa'i, use the entire prescribed course and the available escalators. Special arrangements, such as separate timing or dedicated spaces, are often made for elderly and disabled pilgrims, which can be explored through the Nusuk platform.

Following these practical guidelines is a key aspect of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026, showing consideration for your fellow pilgrims and facilitating a smoother experience for all.

Rule 5: Health, Vaccination, and Insurance Requirements

Your well-being is a top priority. The Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 mandate specific health and vaccination requirements. While these can be updated, they have historically included vaccinations against meningitis, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19 (as per prevailing guidelines). You must provide valid, certified proof of these vaccinations during your eVisa application on Nusuk.

Furthermore, having comprehensive health insurance that covers your stay in Saudi Arabia is a compulsory part of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026. Many approved Umrah packages include this insurance. It is your responsibility to check that you meet all the latest health criteria listed on the Nusuk platform well before your planned travel date.

Rule 6: Code of Conduct and Dress Code (Ihram and General)

The Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 uphold the traditional Islamic decorum of the holy cities, which all pilgrims are expected to respect. This includes maintaining a dignified code of conduct—showing patience, avoiding arguments, and respecting the sanctity of the sites.

The Ihram dress code is specific: for men, two seamless white cloths; for women, loose, opaque clothing that covers the entire body except for the face and hands. Beyond Ihram, general modest dress is required at all times.

Additionally, certain actions are prohibited while in the state of Ihram, such as cutting hair or nails, using scented products, or engaging in marital relations. Adherence to these spiritual and behavioral guidelines is a fundamental part of the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026.

Planning Your Stay: Aligning Accommodation with Nusuk Rules

As you plan according to the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026, securing the right accommodation is crucial for your comfort and compliance. Your chosen package on Nusuk will include hotel bookings.

To ensure you are getting a hotel that offers verified quality and ideal proximity to the Haram, you can use resources like www.hotelsinmakkah.com to research and compare options that often align with Nusuk-approved providers.

Selecting a hotel nearby, as highlighted on such platforms, complements the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 by making it easier for you to attend prayers and fulfill your rites according to your scheduled permits.

Conclusion

Understanding and following the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 is the key to a blessed and seamless pilgrimage. These rules, centered on the official Nusuk platform, are designed to organize your journey from visa to visitation, ensuring safety, order, and a deeply spiritual atmosphere for all. By embracing these guidelines for booking, scheduling, and conduct, you fulfill the practical conditions for an accepted Umrah.

This allows you to direct your full intention and energy toward the profound spiritual connection and personal reflection that define this sacred journey.

We encourage you to use the official Nusuk app as your primary guide and to consult trusted resources like www.hotelsinmakkah.com for accommodation planning. May your preparation be smooth, and may your 2026 Umrah be a journey of immense peace, blessing, and divine acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I perform Umrah in 2026 without using the Nusuk app?

No. The Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 make it mandatory for all international pilgrims to use the official Nusuk platform (app or website) to apply for the eVisa, book approved packages, and obtain the Umrah permit for entering the Grand Mosque. Independent planning is not supported under the current system.

Q2: How far in advance should I apply through Nusuk for a 2026 Umrah?

It is highly recommended to begin your planning and application on the Nusuk platform at least 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date, especially for periods like Ramadan. This allows ample time for visa processing, package selection, and securing your preferred time slots for Umrah.

Q3: What happens if I miss my scheduled Umrah permit time?

The Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026 emphasize adherence to your scheduled time for crowd management. If you miss your slot, you will likely need to log back into the Nusuk app to book a new available time. It is crucial to plan your day carefully to arrive at the designated gate on time.

Q4: Are there age restrictions for performing Umrah under the new rules?

There are no specific age restrictions in the Nusuk Umrah Rules 2026. However, all pilgrims, including children and the elderly, must have a valid eVisa and be included in an approved Umrah package. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian (Mahram) as per standard regulations.

Q5: Where should I book my hotels to ensure they are compliant?

To ensure compliance and convenience, book your accommodation through the approved Umrah packages on the Nusuk platform. You can research hotel quality and proximity beforehand on verified sites like www.hotelsinmakkah.com, which often feature partners aligned with Nusuk-approved services.