Saudi Arabia Launches New Digital Platform to Simplify the Umrah Journey for International Pilgrims

Published on August 23, 2025

On 20 August 2025, Saudi Arabia introduced a revolutionary online platform designed to streamline the Umrah pilgrimage for foreign pilgrims. As part of the nation’s overall Vision 2030 strategy for the modernization and growth of religious tourism, the platform, which is found at umrah.nusuk.sa, enables pilgrims to apply for visas, reserve lodging, organize transport, and access a variety of other travel services all from one online location.

This new service aims to be more convenient and efficient, allowing pilgrims to plan the entire Umrah experience from visa submission to travel bookings online. It supplements conventional ways by giving pilgrims the choice to book extensive travel packages or pick single services, as per their liking.

A Seamless Online Experience for Pilgrims

The launch of this digital platform marks a significant step toward modernizing religious tourism in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the platform is fully integrated with government systems, ensuring a speedy visa issuance process and seamless service delivery for pilgrims worldwide. The platform’s multilingual interface supports seven languages, making it accessible to a global audience and further simplifying the pilgrimage experience for non-Arabic speakers.

In addition to the convenience of online bookings, the platform includes multiple payment options, which accommodate the diverse international audience wishing to visit Mecca and Medina for Umrah.

Enhancing the Umrah Experience Through Technology

The Nusuk platform was created to address key challenges faced by Umrah pilgrims, particularly in streamlining travel arrangements and making the process more efficient. By consolidating visa applications, hotel bookings, transportation arrangements, and guided tours in one place, the platform eliminates the need for multiple intermediaries, reducing time spent on planning and paperwork.

Saudi authorities hope that this initiative will increase the ease of access to Umrah, welcoming more international Muslims to visit the Kingdom and participate in the pilgrimage. It also supports the Kingdom’s goal of attracting 30 million pilgrims annually by 2030, a target aligned with the Vision 2030 objective of boosting tourism and diversifying the economy.

A Flexible Approach to Pilgrimage Services

Pilgrims using the platform have the option to select services individually or opt for all-inclusive packages, depending on their travel preferences and budget. This flexibility enables pilgrims to create a customized travel experience, with the option to choose services such as accommodation in Mecca, transportation to and from the holy cities, and access to specialized tours or spiritual guidance.

This digital solution is particularly beneficial for young, tech-savvy travelers who prefer a more self-sufficient travel experience. It also provides peace of mind for older or less experienced pilgrims, who may find the ability to book all their services through one platform a more straightforward and reliable option.

Aiming to Support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Goals

The digital platform is part of Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive strategy to position the Kingdom as a global leader in religious tourism. As Hajj and Umrah are integral to the Kingdom’s tourism sector, the introduction of digital services like this is intended to streamline the entire pilgrimage process, making Saudi Arabia a more accessible and welcoming destination for Muslim travelers from all over the world.

In addition to expanding tourism and increasing pilgrim numbers, the platform also ties into Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing the Kingdom’s infrastructure and tourism services. By focusing on digital transformation, Saudi Arabia is making strides toward becoming a smart, interconnected destination where visitors can seamlessly plan and enjoy their time in the country.

Implications for Global Pilgrimage and Tourism Growth

This initiative not only simplifies the Umrah journey but also contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, as more Muslims from around the world seek to engage with the Kingdom’s rich religious heritage. The digital platform is expected to drive increased engagement with Saudi Arabia’s tourism offerings and encourage repeat visits from international pilgrims.

The digital solution also enhances Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness as a tourism destination by combining religious tourism with modern digital tools, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of global tourism innovations. As more pilgrims take advantage of this user-friendly platform, the country will undoubtedly see a boost in visitation and further development of the tourism infrastructure.

A New Era for Umrah Pilgrims and Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Sector

The launch of the Nusuk platform is another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s determination to technologically advance religious tourism. Through streamlining the Umrah procedure, improving quality of service, and adopting digital technology, the Kingdom is setting itself up as a global tourism leader in religious tourism.

With its Vision 2030 being ambitious, Saudi Arabia is heading in the right direction in meeting its target of 30 million pilgrims in 2030, making Umrah more convenient, accessible, and streamlined for Muslim travelers globally.