Quick Answer: Nusuk (nusuk.sa) is the official digital platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Every pilgrim performing Umrah must register on Nusuk and obtain an Umrah permit through it — without a valid permit, you cannot perform Tawaf inside Masjid al-Haram. For UAE residents, the process involves: creating a Nusuk account with your passport details, registering as a pilgrim, and booking a time-slotted Umrah permit for your intended date. Some UAE travel agencies handle Nusuk registration and permit booking as part of the package — confirm whether yours does. If not, you register independently at nusuk.sa or through the Nusuk mobile app.
The Nusuk platform changed the way Umrah is managed. Before Nusuk, pilgrims could arrive in Makkah and proceed to perform Tawaf without pre-booking. Since the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah introduced the permit system — partly in response to crowd management requirements — every pilgrim needs a registered permit to enter the Haram for Umrah at a specific time.
For first-time pilgrims from the UAE, Nusuk can seem like an extra layer of complexity on top of an already detailed planning process. This guide demystifies it completely — covering registration, permit booking, what the app actually does, and how it fits into your overall Umrah preparation.
What Is Nusuk and Why Do You Need It?
Nusuk (Arabic: نسك — meaning “acts of worship” or “rituals”) is the official integrated digital platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It was developed to manage the flow of pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah, ensure the safety of the Haram, and provide pilgrims with a single platform for planning and booking their pilgrimage services.
Through Nusuk, pilgrims can:
- Register as an Umrah pilgrim and create a verified pilgrim profile
- Obtain an Umrah permit — required to perform Tawaf inside Masjid al-Haram
- Book accommodation in Makkah and Madinah (hotel packages are available through the platform)
- Book transport between Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah via the Haramain train
- Access guidance on Umrah rituals and practical information
- Receive updates and announcements from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
The permit system is the most critical feature for UAE pilgrims. Without a valid, time-slotted Umrah permit issued through Nusuk, you will not be permitted to enter Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf. This is enforced — it is not a recommendation or a formality.
How to Access Nusuk: Website vs App
Nusuk is accessible through two channels:
- Website: nusuk.sa — accessible on any device through a web browser. The website has the full range of features and is useful for initial registration and longer booking tasks best done on a larger screen.
- Mobile app: Available for both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store). Search for “Nusuk” — the official app is published by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The app is the most practical option for use inside Saudi Arabia during your trip — for showing permit QR codes, navigation, and on-the-ground information.
Download and register on the app before you travel. Do not leave this until you arrive in Makkah — Nusuk registration requires identity verification that takes time, and Umrah permit slots for popular dates and times can fill up quickly.
Step-by-Step: How to Register on Nusuk
The registration process is straightforward. Here is the full sequence:
- Go to nusuk.sa or open the Nusuk app.
- Select your language. Nusuk is available in Arabic and English. Select English if you prefer.
- Create an account. Enter your email address and create a password. You will receive a verification email — confirm it before proceeding.
- Enter your personal details. This includes your full name (as it appears on your passport), nationality, date of birth, and contact information.
- Enter your passport details. Passport number, issue date, expiry date, and issuing country. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your intended travel date.
- Enter your UAE residence details (for expats). Your UAE residence visa number and Emirates ID number may be required depending on your nationality and entry visa type.
- Upload a passport photo. A clear, recent photograph against a white background. The app will guide you on the specifications required.
- Submit and await verification. Nusuk verifies your identity against Saudi government systems. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours. Do not attempt to book a permit until verification is complete.
Once your profile is verified, you have a registered Nusuk pilgrim account and can proceed to book your Umrah permit.
How to Book Your Umrah Permit on Nusuk
The Umrah permit (tasreeh) is a time-slotted authorisation to perform Tawaf inside Masjid al-Haram. It specifies the date and time window during which you are authorised to enter and perform your Umrah.
- Log in to your verified Nusuk account.
- Navigate to “Umrah Permit” or “Book Permit” — the exact menu label may vary with app updates.
- Select your intended date of Umrah. A calendar showing available dates will appear. Dates with available slots are shown in green or with a booking indicator; fully booked dates are marked differently.
- Select your preferred time slot. Permits are time-slotted — typically in windows of a few hours. You must perform your Tawaf within your booked window. Common time slots include early morning (post-Fajr), midday, afternoon, evening (post-Maghrib), and night (post-Isha).
- Confirm your booking. Review the date, time, and your personal details. Confirm and submit.
- Receive your permit confirmation. A permit with a QR code will be issued. Save this to your phone and also screenshot or print it — you will need to show it at the Haram entrance.
Which Time Slot Should You Choose?
The time slot you choose affects how crowded your Tawaf experience will be and how it fits with the rest of your day. Practical guidance:
| Time Slot | Crowd Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning (post-Fajr, approx. 5–8am) | Low to moderate | One of the quietest periods. The Haram is spiritually charged after Fajr. Recommended for first-timers and those who want a calmer Tawaf experience. Requires early rising. |
| Morning (8am–12pm) | Moderate | Manageable crowds in most seasons. Good balance of light and accessibility. |
| Midday (12pm–3pm) | Low to moderate | Quieter in many seasons as pilgrims rest during the hottest part of the day. Can be very hot in summer months. |
| Afternoon / pre-Asr (3pm–5pm) | Moderate to high | Crowds build as the day progresses toward Maghrib. |
| Evening (post-Maghrib, 7–9pm) | High | Very popular slot — the Haram is at its most atmospheric in the evening but also most crowded outside of Ramadan peak times. |
| Night (post-Isha, 9pm–12am) | High to very high | During Ramadan and peak seasons, the busiest period of the day. In standard season, night Tawaf is popular and meaningful but manageable. |
For first-time pilgrims, the early morning post-Fajr slot is strongly recommended. The crowd is at its lightest, the spiritual atmosphere after Fajr in the Haram is profound, and performing Tawaf when you are mentally and physically fresh leads to a more focused, meaningful experience.
Does Your UAE Travel Agency Handle Nusuk for You?
This question has become more significant as Nusuk has become mandatory. The answer varies by agency and package tier:
- Premium and mid-range packages: Many UAE agencies include Nusuk registration and permit booking as part of the service. The agency creates your Nusuk profile using your documents and books your permit for an agreed date and time. Confirm this explicitly when booking — do not assume.
- Economy packages: Many economy packages leave Nusuk registration and permit booking to the pilgrim. The agency may provide guidance but does not complete the process on your behalf.
- Independent bookings: You must complete Nusuk registration and permit booking yourself.
Regardless of whether your agency handles Nusuk or not, we recommend that every pilgrim creates their own Nusuk account. Even if your agency books the permit on your behalf, having your own account gives you access to your permit QR code directly, allows you to book additional permits for voluntary Tawaf, and provides access to the app’s guidance features during your trip.
What Happens at the Haram Entrance: Using Your Permit
When you arrive at Masjid al-Haram to perform Umrah within your booked time slot:
- Open your Nusuk permit on your phone — it contains a QR code that security personnel will scan at the entrance.
- Present your permit QR code at the designated Umrah entry points. The Haram has specific entry gates for pilgrims with Umrah permits — your agency guide or hotel concierge can point you to the correct gate for your arrival direction.
- Your QR code is scanned and your permit verified electronically. If the permit is valid and within the time window, you will be permitted to proceed.
- If your phone battery is low or you are concerned about connectivity, take a screenshot of the QR code beforehand so it is accessible offline. The screenshot is equally valid for scanning.
Keep your phone charged and the Nusuk app accessible throughout your time in Makkah. A low-battery phone at the Haram entrance is a preventable problem — carry a power bank.
Can You Book Additional Umrah Permits on Nusuk?
Yes — pilgrims who wish to perform additional Umrahs (nafl Umrah) during the same trip can book additional permits through Nusuk after completing the first. The process is the same as the initial permit booking. Each Umrah requires a new Ihram state — you will need to go to the Miqat (most pilgrims use Masjid Aisha / Masjid Taneem, just outside the Haram boundary) to enter Ihram before each additional Umrah.
For voluntary Tawaf (nafl Tawaf performed outside of a full Umrah, without Ihram), a separate permit arrangement may apply. Check the current Nusuk policy on voluntary Tawaf access at the time of your travel — the rules around this have varied and may differ from the Umrah permit process.
Other Features of Nusuk UAE Pilgrims Find Useful
Hotel Booking Through Nusuk
Nusuk offers a hotel booking function for accommodation in Makkah and Madinah. Properties listed are in proximity to the Harams and are categorised by distance and star rating. This is a useful option for pilgrims booking independently, as the hotels listed are verified and proximity information is standardised. However, prices on Nusuk may not always be competitive with agency packages or direct hotel booking — compare before committing.
Haramain Train Booking
The Nusuk platform includes integration with the Haramain High-Speed Railway, allowing pilgrims to book train tickets between Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah directly. This is convenient for pilgrims managing their own logistics. Prices and schedules can be found on the platform. The train journey from Makkah to Madinah takes approximately 2 hours — one of the most comfortable and efficient ways to travel between the two cities.
Ritual Guidance
The Nusuk app includes guidance on performing Umrah — the steps, the duas, and practical information about each location. This is particularly useful as a reference during the Tawaf and Sa’i, when you want to access information quickly without carrying a physical booklet. The guidance is available in multiple languages including Arabic and English. For the full step-by-step ritual walkthrough, see our dedicated guide on how to perform Umrah step by step.
Madinah Mosque Visit Scheduling
Nusuk also manages timed visit scheduling for the Rawdah — the area of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah between the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) grave and his minbar, described as “a garden from the gardens of Paradise” (Sahih Bukhari). Access to the Rawdah is highly sought after and capacity-controlled. Through Nusuk, pilgrims can book a timed visit window. This is particularly important for women, as women’s access to the Rawdah is managed in specific time windows. Book your Rawdah visit through Nusuk as early as possible after arrival in Madinah — slots fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Common Nusuk Problems and How to Solve Them
Registration Verification Taking Too Long
Nusuk identity verification usually completes within a few hours but can take up to 24 hours during peak periods. If your verification has not completed after 48 hours, try logging out and back in. If it remains stuck, contact Nusuk support through the app or email. Do not submit multiple accounts — this creates complications. Register one account and allow the verification process to complete.
Preferred Time Slot Fully Booked
Popular slots — particularly post-Fajr and evening slots, and any slot during Ramadan — can fill quickly. If your preferred slot is fully booked on your intended date, check adjacent dates (a day earlier or later may have availability) or different time slots on the same date. If no slots are available at all on a specific date, this typically indicates either very high demand (Ramadan peak, public holidays) or a temporary system issue. Try again after a few hours or the following day.
QR Code Not Scanning at the Haram Entrance
If your QR code is not scanning cleanly, increase your phone screen brightness to maximum. Ensure the full QR code is visible on screen without cutting off edges. If the QR code still does not scan, show your permit confirmation number to the security officer — they can verify manually. This is rare when the QR code is properly displayed.
Permit Booked for Wrong Date
If you have booked a permit for the wrong date, log in to your Nusuk account and check whether a cancellation or amendment option is available for your booking. The platform has evolved its amendment functionality over time — check the current options within the app. If amendment is not possible and you arrive on a date other than your booked permit date, contact Nusuk support or consult your travel agency for guidance on rebooking.
Nusuk and Your UAE Travel Agency: What to Confirm Before Departure
Before leaving the UAE, confirm the following with your travel agency or verify independently on Nusuk:
- Is your Nusuk account created and verified?
- Is your Umrah permit booked for a specific date and time slot?
- Do you have the permit QR code saved and accessible on your phone?
- Is a Rawdah visit slot booked for your Madinah stay (if applicable)?
- If your agency handled Nusuk on your behalf, have they shared the permit details with you?
Going through this checklist 3–5 days before departure — not on the day of travel — gives you time to resolve any issues before you leave the UAE.
Where Nusuk Fits in Your Overall Umrah Planning
Nusuk is one piece of the planning picture. For the full planning framework — from choosing your package to performing the rituals — see our complete Umrah guide for UAE residents. For visa and documentation requirements including what you need to submit to your agency, see our Umrah visa guide for UAE residents. For the step-by-step ritual walkthrough you will need once you are in Makkah, see our guide on how to perform Umrah step by step.
FAQs
Is Nusuk registration mandatory for Umrah?
Yes. Registration on the Nusuk platform and obtaining a valid Umrah permit through it is mandatory for all pilgrims wishing to perform Umrah inside Masjid al-Haram. Without a valid Nusuk permit, you will not be permitted to enter the Haram for Tawaf. This applies to all pilgrims regardless of nationality, age, or how they booked their trip. Some UAE travel agencies complete Nusuk registration and permit booking on behalf of their customers as part of the package service — confirm whether yours does. If not, you must register and book your permit yourself at nusuk.sa or through the Nusuk mobile app.
How do I download the Nusuk app?
The Nusuk app is available for both iOS and Android devices. On an iPhone, open the Apple App Store and search for "Nusuk." On an Android phone, open the Google Play Store and search for "Nusuk." The official app is published by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Download it before travelling to Saudi Arabia — do not rely on downloading it after arrival as internet connections in busy areas around the Haram can be slow. Register and verify your account before departure so you arrive with a working account and permit already booked.
Can I book Nusuk permits for my whole family at once?
Each family member must have their own individual Nusuk account and their own individual Umrah permit — you cannot book a single permit covering multiple people. However, if you are registering on behalf of a family member who is not comfortable using the app themselves (such as an elderly parent), you can help them create their individual account using their own passport details and email address. Each permit is linked to one specific individual's identity. For young children, check the current Nusuk guidance on whether children below a certain age require separate permits, as this may differ from adult requirements.
How far in advance should I book my Nusuk Umrah permit?
For standard season Umrah travel, booking your Nusuk permit 1 to 2 weeks before your intended Umrah date is generally sufficient, though earlier is always better for preferred time slots. During Ramadan — especially the last 10 nights — permit slots for popular times can fill up days or even weeks in advance. If you are travelling during Ramadan, book your permit as soon as the dates become available on the platform, which is typically a few weeks before the start of Ramadan. Do not leave permit booking until you arrive in Makkah during any peak period.
What is the Nusuk permit for the Rawdah in Madinah?
The Rawdah is the area of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah between the Prophet's (peace be upon him) grave and his minbar, described in an authentic hadith as a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Access to the Rawdah is highly sought and capacity-controlled. Through the Nusuk app, pilgrims can book a timed visit window to the Rawdah. This is a separate booking from the Umrah permit and should be done as soon as possible after your arrival in Madinah — slots fill quickly during busy periods. Women's access to the Rawdah is managed in specific time windows distinct from men's access times.
What if I arrive in Makkah without a Nusuk permit?
Arriving in Makkah without a Nusuk permit means you will not be able to perform Tawaf inside Masjid al-Haram until you have one. In this situation, immediately open the Nusuk app and book the earliest available permit slot. During off-peak periods, same-day or next-day slots may be available. During Ramadan or peak seasons, there may be a wait of several days for available slots. This is why registering and booking your permit before departure from the UAE is strongly recommended — arriving without one creates unnecessary stress and may delay or disrupt your Umrah plans.
Does Nusuk work in English for UAE pilgrims?
Yes. The Nusuk platform and mobile app are available in both Arabic and English. When you first access the platform, you can select your preferred language. The English interface covers all core functions including registration, permit booking, hotel booking, and the Haramain train booking system. The ritual guidance content is also available in English. For UAE expats who are not Arabic speakers, the English version is fully functional for completing all necessary steps before and during your Umrah trip.
Disclaimer: The Nusuk platform is maintained by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and is updated regularly. Features, processes, and permit system rules described in this post reflect the platform as of the publication date. The interface, booking process, and availability rules may change. Always refer to the official Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) or the Nusuk app for the most current information. Information in this post was accurate at the time of publication.