Planning Umrah from the UK in 2026? One of the most important apps to have on your phone is Nusuk. For British Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia, Nusuk is much more than a travel app. It is an official digital platform used for pilgrimage-related services, including Umrah permits and visits to the Rawdah Sharifah in Madinah. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s current guidance confirms that pilgrims coming from outside Saudi Arabia can register through Nusuk and request the required permits.
If you are travelling for Umrah for the first time, the process can initially seem confusing. What does Nusuk do? Do you need an Umrah slot? How do you book Rawdah? When should you register? What happens if no appointment is showing?
At Package Umrah LTD, our UK-based travel consultants walk hundreds of British pilgrims through this exact process every month. When you book an all-inclusive package with us, our specialists handle the complex setup, visa processing, and timeline management for you, ensuring a seamless, worry-free pilgrimage.
This guide explains the process step by step for UK Umrah pilgrims in 2026, including practical tips for avoiding common mistakes.
What is the Nusuk App and Why Is It Mandatory in 2026?
The Nusuk App is the official gateway established by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It regulates crowd control, safety, and prayer slot allocations at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
Key Uses of Nusuk:
- Umrah Slot Booking: Select specific dates and entry times to perform Tawaaf and Sa’i smoothly.
- Rawdah Permit Allocation: Book a dedicated time slot to pray in the Noble Rawdah (Riaz-ul-Jannah) in Madinah for both men and women.
- Crowd Density Monitoring: View color-coded calendar indicators reflecting peak and low-capacity hours.
Crucial Difference: Your Saudi Tourist eVisa or Umrah Visa grants you entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while your Nusuk Permit grants you entry into the specific sacred zones (such as the Rawdah and Tawaf areas) at appointed times. You must have both.
Step 1: Downloading & Account Setup for UK Pilgrims
Before downloading the app, ensure your visa has been fully issued. When you travel with Package Umrah LTD, our team takes the stress out of this stage by handling your Saudi e-Visa processing directly through the official portals, making sure all details align perfectly with your UK passport.
Account Creation Process:
- Download the App: Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store under “Nusuk”.
- Select “Visitor”: On the home screen, select Visitor (Do not choose Citizen/Resident unless you hold a Saudi Iqama).
- Fill in Your Personal Details:
- Visa Number: Found on your issued e-Visa PDF document (Top left/top right section).
- Passport Number: Must match your UK Passport exactly.
- Nationality: United Kingdom.
- Date of Birth & Passport Expiry Date.
- Mobile Number: Select the UK code (+44) and enter your active UK mobile number.
- Email Address & Password: Ensure you have access to this email on your phone.
- Verification (OTP): A 4-digit One-Time Password will be sent to your registered email or phone number. Enter it to activate your profile.
Step 2: How to Book Your Umrah Slot on Nusuk
Booking your Umrah permit takes less than two minutes once your profile is verified.
Direct Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Select the Umrah Service: Open the app dashboard and tap on the Umrah tile under the ‘Services’ menu. If traveling with family, ensure you select your name along with any registered companions linked to your visa.
- Choose Date & Time Window: Select your target date in Makkah. The calendar displays availability using visual indicators:
- Green: Light crowd / High availability
- Orange / Red: Heavy crowd / Limited availability
- Grey: Fully booked or unavailable
- Accept Terms & Confirm: Check the box agreeing to crowd protocols and tap Confirm Booking.
- Save Your QR Ticket: A digital permit containing a unique QR code and permit number will generate. Take a screenshot immediately and save it to your phone’s photos. Internet signals around the Haram gates can experience temporary drops due to high network density.
Step 3: Booking Your Permit for the Noble Rawdah (Madinah)
Praying two Raka’at in Riaz-ul-Jannah—the area between the Sacred Chamber (Hujrah) and the Minbar of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)—is a highlight of Madinah visits. Due to high demand, Rawdah permits are strictly limited to one permit per pilgrim every 365 days.
Rawdah Booking Guidelines:
| Feature | Men’s Rawdah Access | Women’s Rawdah Access |
| Service Category | Prophet’s Mosque Services ➔ Praying in the Noble Rawdah (Men) | Prophet’s Mosque Services ➔ Praying in the Noble Rawdah (Women) |
| Common Slot Times | Frequently available late night, post-Isha, and early morning. | Dedicated slots typically during Morning (after Fajr) & Late Evening. |
| Entry Point | Al-Baqi Gate / Dedicated South-Eastern Courtyards. | Courtyard Gates (usually Gate 24 / 37 areas). |
| Strictness | High — Scanned at outer courtyard checkpoints. | High — Scanned at designated waiting halls. |
Expert Advice from Our UK Travel Consultants:
- Check Slots Early: New Rawdah slots release in rolling batches. Start checking the Nusuk app 7 to 10 days before your planned arrival in Madinah.
- Refresh During Off-Peak Hours: Slot cancellations occur frequently. Refreshing the Nusuk app around 12:00 AM or 3:00 AM Saudi Time often reveals open green slots.
- Punctuality Matters: Arrive at the designated waiting area 20–30 minutes before your time slot starts. Security personnel will scan your QR code prior to entry.
Comparing Umrah vs. Rawdah Permits
Understanding the rules prevents common booking errors on the ground.
| Requirement / Rule | Umrah Permit (Makkah) | Rawdah Permit (Madinah) |
| Location | Masjid al-Haram, Makkah | Masjid an-Nabawi, Madinah |
| Frequency Limit | One active permit at a time (can rebook after completion) | Strictly 1 permit per 365 days per passport |
| Cost | 100% Free | 100% Free |
| Verification | Scanned by gate guards at Tawaf / Mataf entrance | Scanned at Rawdah waiting area gates |
| Cancellation Policy | Can cancel and rebook immediately if needed | Can cancel, but rebooking depends on slot availability |
Common Nusuk Mistakes UK Pilgrims Should Avoid
1. Downloading the wrong app
Check that the developer is the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
2. Entering incorrect passport details
Use your official documentation and check everything before submitting.
3. Leaving Nusuk until the last minute
Set up your account before travelling rather than trying to understand the app after landing in Saudi Arabia.
4. Assuming your travel agent handles every Nusuk action
Your Umrah travel agency may help you with your package, flights, hotels, visa assistance and travel arrangements, but you should understand which permits you personally need to manage through Nusuk.
5. Treating online advice as permanent
Nusuk is regularly updated. The current Android listing, for example, shows an update dated 1 September 2026.
A video explaining last year’s process may no longer match the current app.
6. Paying unofficial “permit agents”
Be extremely cautious if someone promises a guaranteed Rawdah slot in exchange for payment outside the official system.
Use official Saudi channels wherever possible.
How Package Umrah Can Help With Your UK Umrah Journey
Booking an Umrah package involves much more than finding a flight and hotel.
At Package Umrah, we help UK pilgrims arrange their journey with options covering flights, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, visa assistance, Saudi ground transport and UK-based customer support.
Our packages are designed for individuals, couples, families and groups travelling from major UK airports, with options across different hotel categories and budgets.
We can also help explain the practical side of your journey, so you know what is included in your package and what you may need to manage separately, including services accessed through Nusuk.
Speak to one of our dedicated UK travel consultants today and let us handle every detail of your 2026 Umrah journey.
- Website: packageumrah.co.uk
- Office Address: 48 Chester Street, Oldham, OL9 7BD, UK
- Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7311 13057
May Allah make your journey easy, accept your Umrah and grant you a safe and blessed return. Ameen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nusuk
Is Nusuk mandatory for Umrah in 2026?
Pilgrims should follow the current Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requirements. Current official guidance states that an Umrah permit is obtained through the Nusuk application before heading to Masjid al-Haram for Umrah.
Is the Nusuk app free?
The official Nusuk app is listed as free on the UK App Store.
Is Nusuk an official Saudi government app?
Yes. The app is published by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the official Nusuk Umrah platform operates under the Ministry’s supervision.
Can UK pilgrims register on Nusuk?
Yes. The current Nusuk registration process allows users to select their country of residence and nationality, and the platform serves Umrah pilgrims from eligible countries.
How do I book Rawdah in Nusuk?
Log in to the official Nusuk app, open the Rawdah-related service, select the eligible pilgrim and choose an available appointment when one is offered. Availability is controlled by the official system.
Do I need a Rawdah permit?
Yes. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah states that a prior permit is required to pray in the Rawdah Sharifah.
What should I do if Nusuk says there are no Rawdah slots?
Check again later, keep the app updated and maintain flexibility in your Madinah plans. Slot availability can change and should not be assumed from previous years’ booking patterns.
Can I book Rawdah for another family member?
Where Nusuk provides the relevant dependant or pilgrim-management option, follow the current instructions in the app. Do not assume that one person’s permit covers another person.
Can I book Rawdah for both men and women?
Rawdah arrangements include separate male and female capacity, so each pilgrim should check the booking options applicable to them.
Should I screenshot my Nusuk permit?
It is sensible to keep your booking information accessible, but you should also follow the current instructions within Nusuk, including any attendance confirmation requirement.
When should I confirm my Rawdah attendance?
Current Ministry guidance says pilgrims should confirm attendance through Nusuk at least two hours before the scheduled Rawdah visit.
Can I use Nusuk without an Umrah travel agency?
Nusuk itself provides access to Umrah services and authorised providers, but UK pilgrims may also choose to arrange their wider journey through a UK Umrah travel agency. The important point is to understand which parts of your trip are included in your package and which services you need to manage yourself.
Does my Umrah package automatically include a Rawdah appointment?
Not necessarily. Always check your package inclusions and the arrangements confirmed by your travel provider. A hotel, flight or visa arrangement should not automatically be treated as confirmation of a Rawdah appointment.
Can I perform Umrah without checking Nusuk?
You should follow the latest official Saudi requirements. Current Ministry guidance specifically directs pilgrims to obtain the Umrah permit through Nusuk.
Is Nusuk updated regularly?
Yes. The official app is actively updated. The current Google Play listing shows an update on 1 September 2026, while the UK App Store listing also shows recent version updates.
