Nusuk App and Umrah Permits — What UK Pilgrims Must Know Before They Fly

A few years ago, an Umrah trip meant: book a package, get a visa, fly, and go to the Haram when you wanted.

That has changed. Today, much of the pilgrimage is managed through one digital platform: Nusuk, run by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Many UK pilgrims first hear about Nusuk when someone tells them they need a "permit" or an "appointment". This guide explains what that means, in plain English, so you arrive in Makkah and Madinah prepared.

Saudi regulations change often. Everything below reflects what was reported at the time of writing. Always confirm current rules in the Nusuk app and with your agency before you travel.

What Is Nusuk?

Nusuk is the official Saudi platform and mobile app for Hajj and Umrah services. It is available on Apple, Android and Huawei devices, and offers well over a hundred digital services, from permits and bookings to crowd information and support.

For UK pilgrims, the services that matter most are:

• Umrah permit: a time-slot booking to perform Umrah at Masjid Al Haram
• Rawdah permit: a separate appointment to pray in the Rawdah in Masjid An-Nabawi, Madinah
• Your bookings: a place to see your permits and hotel and transport bookings

Do I Need an Umrah Permit?

Reports for the 2026 season state that international pilgrims need a confirmed Nusuk permit to perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque, and that having a visa alone may not be enough to enter during busy times.

In simple terms: your visa gets you into Saudi Arabia. Your permit gives you a booked time slot for Umrah. They are two different things.

What this means for you:

• Do not assume you can simply walk in and perform Umrah at any time
• Choose your permit slot early, because popular dates fill quickly
• Arrive for your slot on time

The Rawdah Needs a Separate Permit

The Rawdah, the blessed area between the Prophet's ﷺ grave and his pulpit, is booked separately from your Umrah permit.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise."

(Bukhari and Muslim)

Key points reported for 2026:

• Rawdah slots are booked in a different section of the app from the Umrah permit. Mixing them up is a common first-timer mistake
• Slots can fill within minutes
• Rules on how often one person can book have been reported differently and have changed over time. Check the current rule inside the app
• New options such as instant booking and waiting lists have been introduced. Availability depends on capacity

Our advice: book your Rawdah slot as soon as your Madinah dates are confirmed, not when you arrive.

How the Process Usually Works for UK Pilgrims

Exact steps depend on your package and on current rules, but the general order is:

Step 1 — Book your package with a licensed agency

Your agency arranges your visa, flights, hotels and transport. Reports for 2026 say visa applications are linked to confirmed accommodation and transport bookings. [CONFIRM with team how this works for our packages]

Step 2 — Download and register on Nusuk

Download the official app only. Create your account with the same name as on your passport.

Step 3 — Book your Umrah permit

Choose a date and time slot that matches your Makkah dates. Open the permit later from your bookings.

Step 4 — Book your Rawdah permit

Use the separate Rawdah section. Choose a slot for your Madinah days.

Step 5 — Save your permits

Keep the live QR permit available on your phone. Do not rely only on a screenshot, and open it before you reach a crowded area where signal may be weak.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Leaving it to the last minute. Good slots go first.

2. Confusing the Umrah and Rawdah sections. They are separate bookings.

3. Using unofficial apps or sellers. Permits are booked through the official Nusuk platform. Be careful with anyone offering to sell you a slot.

4. Name mismatches. Details must match your passport.

5. Missing your time slot. Plan your hotel-to-Haram journey with extra time, especially at busy hours.

6. Phone problems. Charge your phone and carry a power bank.

Why a Close Hotel Helps With Permits

Permits are tied to time slots. If your hotel is 2-3 minutes from the Haram (Platinum) or 5-7 minutes (Gold), arriving on time is far easier than from a hotel 15 minutes away, especially with elderly parents or children.

Dua for Ease

Arabic: رَبِّ يَسِّرْ وَلَا تُعَسِّرْ

Transliteration: Rabbi yassir wa la tu'assir.

Meaning: "My Lord, make it easy and do not make it difficult."

Book Umrah Packages from the UK

Verify ATOL: atol.org.uk, licence 11375

Silver 3-star: 10-15 min from Haram Gold 4-star: 5-7 min, most popular Platinum 5-star: 2-3 min, Swissotel, Pullman Zamzam

From London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bradford. Our team can guide you through the Nusuk steps for your dates. [CONFIRM before publishing] Call 0203 475 4003, 24 hours a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nusuk app?

Nusuk is the official platform of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims use it for Umrah permits, Rawdah appointments and other services.

Do UK pilgrims need an Umrah permit?

Reports for 2026 say international pilgrims need a Nusuk permit for Umrah in addition to their visa. Confirm the current rule with your agency and the app.

Is the Rawdah permit the same as the Umrah permit?

No. The Rawdah permit is a separate booking in a different section of the app.

When should I book my Rawdah permit?

As early as your dates allow. Slots can fill quickly, so do not wait until you reach Madinah.

Is Nusuk free?

Umrah permits were reported as free in 2026, but fees and rules can change. Check the app for current details.