As the 1448 AH Umrah season opens, the Nusuk platform has become the central gateway for booking the pilgrimage, but the way pilgrims apply still depends heavily on their nationality. Pilgrims from around 66 eligible countries can apply directly online, while travellers from many other nations must go through a licensed agent. Understanding which route applies is now an essential first step for anyone planning Umrah.
The distinction matters because Saudi Arabia has tightened the rules for the new season. Nusuk is mandatory for all pilgrims regardless of visa type, and a verified hotel booking through the platform is now required before a visa application can be submitted. Pilgrims who skip these steps risk delays or rejection.
Who Can Apply Directly
According to guidance compiled by Umrah travel specialists, citizens and eligible residents of roughly 66 countries can apply for an Umrah visa directly through Nusuk without an agent. This group includes the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, European Union member states, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and all member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
For these travellers, the process is largely self-service. Applicants create a Nusuk account, book accommodation through the platform, and apply for the visa online. The system is designed to handle visa issuance and package booking in one place, reducing reliance on outside intermediaries.
Saudi authorities have also shortened the entry visa validity for Umrah from three months to one month from the date of issuance. Pilgrims in the eligible group should therefore time their application close to their intended travel date to avoid the visa expiring before departure.
Who Must Use a Licensed Agent
Travellers from countries outside the e-visa list follow a different path. This includes pilgrims from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Egypt, Nigeria, and several other nations. They must apply through a travel agent licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah rather than directly on Nusuk.
For these pilgrims, choosing an accredited agent is the most important safeguard. Using an unlicensed operator can lead to invalid bookings or visa problems on arrival. The Ministry's licensing system exists to ensure that agents meet approved standards, and pilgrims are advised to confirm an agent's status before paying.
Even where an agent handles the paperwork, the underlying booking still flows through the official system. The mandatory accommodation requirement applies to all pilgrims, so a verified hotel reservation in Makkah, Madinah, or both must be in place before the visa is issued.
What All Pilgrims Should Do
Regardless of nationality, several rules now apply across the board. Nusuk is required for entry to Makkah and for obtaining Umrah permits, so pilgrims should download and set up the app well before travelling. Permits for praying and performing rituals at the Grand Mosque are increasingly tied to the platform.
Pilgrims should also pay close attention to the season calendar. Umrah visa issuance for the 1448 AH season began at the end of May 2026, with entry to Makkah through Nusuk opening on June 1, 2026. The final date for issuing Umrah visas has been set for March 9, 2027, with pilgrims permitted to enter the Kingdom until March 23, 2027, and required to depart by April 7, 2027.
Practical preparation makes a difference. Pilgrims are advised to secure their accommodation booking first, since the visa depends on it; to keep the one-month visa validity in mind when timing their application; and to verify every operator and booking against official channels. Those unsure which route applies to them should check their eligibility on Nusuk or consult a licensed agent before committing to flights.
The overall direction is clear. Saudi Arabia is steadily consolidating Umrah travel around a single official platform, and pilgrims who learn the system early will find the process smoother than those who leave it to the last minute.