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On 26 September 2022, the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah launched the Nusuk app. The update was made after the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfig Al-Rabiah launched Nusuk with the aim of facilitating the arrival of Umrah performers from all countries of the world and easing procedures for issuing visit and Umrah visas electronically.

In addition it would also enrich the religious and cultural experience of Umrah performers through preparing religious and historical sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to receive guests as part of targets of Saudi Vision 2030.

Nusuk was officially launched in the United Kingdom at Umrah+ Connect, an event co-hosted by the APPG Hajj & Umrah and CBHUK on Sunday 6 November 2022.

The new Umrah season of 1445H (2023/24) commenced on 1st Muharram 1445 corresponding to 19th July 2023. 

Please see the below guidance on how to perform Umrah during the current season (correct at the time of publishing).

Download the Nusuk App and book your Umrah slot (this app can also be used to book prayers in Riadhul Jannah in Madinah).

NOTE: You will need a valid Visa to register the App – see below.

Link to Download Nusuk App: Google Play   App Store

For Umrah Visa holders: It is a Mandatory requirement to have had Meningitis ACWY Vaccination at least 10 days before arriving in KSA.

For all other visa types, there is no mandatory requirement for any other vaccines.  However, we encourage you to check with your GP if you are up to date with all other vaccinations before travel along with any medications you may need for existing conditions (make allowances to take extra medication in case of delays on your return leg).

COVID-19 vaccine and PCR tests are no longer required to gain entry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

For further advice on travel health visit NaTHNaC
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/19/hajj-and-umrah

There are currently four different Visa options available for British passport holders to perform Umrah.

One is to go for the traditional Umrah Visa booked via an approved Umrah Agent, and the other options are  to obtain the new tourism e-Visa, Visa on Arrival, or Transit/Stopover Visa. 

The new EVW (Electronic Visa Waiver) allows entry for Tourism but does not explicitly say a person may or may not perform Umrah.  Although many who have travelled for Umrah using EVW have been managed to perform Umrah, you should use this option at your own risk. 

For citizens of other countries visit https://www.nusuk.sa/  and https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ to check what options are available for you. 

Click on the Visa Types for more info….

All ages can enter Saudi Arabia.
As of the date of the article, children aged five and above can perform umrah on any type of visa. Children below the age of 5 can accompany parents for the umrah rituals.

Currently the only measures that remain in place are:
Entry into the Mataaf is only for pilgrims performing Umrah (i.e. people with Ihram and valid Umrah permit obtained on the Nusuk App).

You can book a visit to Riadhul Jannah in Masjid Al Nabawi through the Nusuk app only for both Men and Women. Slots are very popular, so we encourage you to book as soon as possible.

Please note, at the date of this article, only one visit is allowed per 30 days. The Nusuk app will block any additional visits within the 30-day period. Therefore, for most pilgrims, they will only be able to visit Riadhul Jannah once during their stay.

Men: Entry will be through Gate 38, queuing opposite gate 37.

Women: Entry will be through Gate 37 and is available during two periods in the day. The morning period will be from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. While the evening period, will be from 9:30p.m. until 12:00a.m. On Fridays, the agency said, that the morning period will be from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00a.m., while the evening period will be the same as the weekdays, from 9:30p.m. until 12:00a.m.

However, please double check the gate number on your permit via Nusuk app and ask the local security officials for local timings for access as it is subject to change.

As of 5 March 2022, the Saudi authorities have removed the ten-day waiting period between the issuance of Umrah permits. Thus, a new Umrah permit can now be issued immediately after each Umrah and you can perform as many Umrahs during your stay.

There is no limit on the number of Umrah you can perform with an Umrah Visa. We advise you to obtain a wristband from your Umrah company, which will give you ease of access to Haram and to performing Umrah. This is particularly useful for those who are not tech savvy as you do not need to use the Nusuk booking App to book Umrah. Certain hotels can also issue you Umrah permits, but please check with them before booking.

Entry to Mataaf is only allowed for pilgrims carrying a valid Umrah permit for the purpose of tawaf (as part of an Umrah) and that you must be wearing the Ihram.

Restrictions relating to touching the Ka’bah, black stone and prayers in the Hateem have now been lifted so you can perform such activities whilst performing Umrah.

However please note that the Ka’bah and black stone are heavily perfumed, so if you are in the state of Ihram you will contravene the rules of Ihram if you touch these perfumed area’s and will be subject to a penalty (dam). Please consult an Islamic scholar for further advice.

Nafl tawaf (i.e. not part of an umrah) is allowed inside Masjid Al Haram (1st, 2nd Floor and the roof in ramadan). There is no need to book a slot using the Nusuk app.

Please note as it is only permitted to be performed inside Masjid Al Haram it can take approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

Wheelchair users must perform tawaf on the first floor as the mataf area is now a wheelchair-free zone due to increased numbers. Furthermore, mobility scooters are available to rent when performing Tawaf and/or Sa’ee.

The Fee’s are as follows (Price correct as of July 2023):

Single Person Mobility Scooter

Sa’ee Only               57.50SAR

Tawaf Only             57.50SAR

Full Umrah           115.00SAR

Double Person Mobility Scooter

Sa’ee Only              115.00SAR

Tawaf Only            115.00SAR

Full Umrah           230.00SAR

You can walk in and hire the mobility scooter when needed or download the App to Pre-book it. APP STORE    GOOGLE PLAY

The Hire kiosk is located on the mezzenine level accessed via the ramp on the 1st floor, follow the “Electric Cart” signs.

You have several options on where to wear your ihram:

Home:

Wear both pieces of Ihram

Wear bottom ihram and Jubba and wear top ihram on the plane

AIRPORT:

Use facilities at the airport e.g. multi faith rooms

Wear both pieces of Ihram

Wear bottom ihram and Jubba and wear top ihram on the plane

On the Plane:

There will be restrictions due to space so it is advisable to wear your ihram beforehand, If flying Saudia Airlines, they have a prayer space in the back which is usually used to change into ihram.

Only those on an Umrah visa or those who can demonstrate a valid Umrah booking on the Nusuk App are entitled to 1 x 5 litre bottle of Zam Zam per passenger, the current price for Zamzam is 8.5SAR (Correct as of Aug 2023) and can ONLY be purchased at Jeddah or Madinah Airport (These bottles are packaged for air transport).   

We advise you to  check with you airline if Zam Zam allowance forms part of your total luggage allowance or allowed in addition as some may allow for free whilst other may charge or disallow. Rules differ from airline to airline.

Note: Zam Zam water cannot be exported via cargo and the Saudi General Civil Aviation Authority (GACA) has issued new guidelines, restricting Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from carrying Zam Zam water bottles inside checked-in baggage back to their countries.

• Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity on your return date
• EVW / eVisa / Transit Visa / Umrah Visa (not required if you are going to opt for  Visa on Arrival)
• eTicket/Airline Ticket/Boarding Pass
• ACWY Vaccination Certificate (Umrah Visa)
• Medication letter/prescription if applicable

Please bookmark and visit the link below for the latest FCDO travel advice to Saudi Arabia.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you will find useful Hajj & Umrah training videos.

https://www.youtube.com/@cbhuk

You can also purchase handy pocket sized guides: https://cbhuk.org/product/hajj-umrah-5-pack-set/