The process for completing Umrah was a dream come true for millions of Muslims, but applying for a visa, arranging hotels, and transportation always brought confusion and delays. Many people used an agent for the process, and many others tried to complete the pilgrimage on a tourist visa.
Now, Umrah operators in the UAE said Saudi Arabia has introduced a string of changes meant to make the process easier than before. Each part of the process, from visa applications, transport to hotel, is now linked to official platforms, which will ensure that the journey is a process that was easier and more transparent. However, the system also demands stricter compliance from pilgrims.
Here is a detailed overview of 10 important changes that every pilgrim should be aware of before they dash off on their journey. 
1. Accommodation must now be reserved while applying for a visa
Pilgrims can no longer defer their hotel bookings to a later date. When applying for the Umrah visa, the pilgrims will have to either select from one of its approved hotels through the Masar system (it’s linked to the Nusuk app) or verify that the pilgrim will be staying with friends or relatives in Saudi Arabia.
“All hotels and transportation are booked within the Saudi system called Masar. Taxis, actually all transportation, must be booked through the Masar portal. Everything must be arranged using approved or authorized hotels and transportation,” said Qaisar Mahmood, owner of Asaa Tours and Travels.
2. Hosts require Saudi ID details
Those pilgrims planning to stay with friends or relatives will now need to provide the person’s unified Saudi ID. The unified ID will now be registered to the Umrah visa itself. Should the in-country itinerary change or postponement occur, that Saudi ID would need to be registered in the system as proof of residence for the duration of the trip.
“If someone is not booking a hotel through the approved system, they will need to register their host’s unified Saudi ID, basically their national ID, with the visa. All changes and addenda, as well as postponements in the country, must be updated against that unified ID,” Mahmood added.
3. Tourists are not permitted to perform Umrah on a tourist visa
Individuals wishing to take part in Umrah on a tourist visa will not be allowed to and will be told to leave if they try and get away with it. Operators note that if you have a tourist visa and make it to Makkah, you are not going to get into Riyaz ul Jannah in Madinah.
“If you go on a visa, you are taking a risk. You can likely be stopped at any time. Just make sure that if you do get to Makkah, that you do not expect to go into Riyaz ul Jannah in Madina,” said Shihab.
4. A dedicated Umrah visa is required
All pilgrims need to apply for a dedicated Umrah visa, which is done through the Nusuk platform either via an eVisa or as part of a package through a recognised operator.
“The Saudi system is very clear now. An Umrah visa is the only way to go,” said Mahmood.
5. Itinerary must remain as planned, and cannot be changed
When you are applying for the visa, your itinerary should be uploaded, and this must remain as is. The consequence of exceeding your time will lead to a penalty.
“If you wish to extend your time beyond what you plan, it will not be an option. If you delay returning, agents are fined starting from SAR 750 (Dh734) per person and perhaps blocked from the transactions as well,” said Mahmood.
6. Visa Availability for Arrivals for Certain Nationalities
Travelers with visas from the UK, US, Canada, or the Schengen countries, or who are residents of those areas, are eligible for a visa on arrival. “All of this depends on them having visited one of those countries at least once (with use of their visa) and is valid for one year,” Mahmood added.
7. Airport checks for bookings
Upon arrival, an airport official will be responsible for checking your hotel and transport bookings on either Nusuk or Masar. If you do not have a booking, you could face fines or not be permitted onward travel. “The teams at the airport will check your accommodation, transport, and return bookings. If any one of them is missing, pilgrims can be stopped here, and the agent could be fined at the moment,” Shihab said.
8. Only Transport or Taxis from Orwnds
Pilgrims must utilize transport registered through the Nusuk app, or be pre-booked, or use registered taxi services. “Transport must be from authorized taxis, buses, or trains. Pilgrims are not allowed to take any random car or taxi from the airport,” Shihab said.
9. Train regulations and schedules
The Haramain Express train is a significant transport option available; however, it runs only until 9 pm. “If you arrive after the last train, then it is mandatory for you to arrange your own transport via an authorised service in advance. If you do not arrange transport in advance, it may lead to complications,” says Mahmood.
10. Significant fines for rule violations
Heavy fines are issued to pilgrims and agents for any violations.
“For each rule violation, whether it’s taxis or overstaying your time frame, a fine can be issued from Dh750 and up. All rules should be followed by pilgrims,” says Mahmood.
