New Umrah Visa Rules 2025: Hotel & Transport BRNs Now Mandatory

From 2025, Saudi Arabia requires verified hotel and transport bookings before an Umrah visa can be approved. These bookings must generate Booking Reference Numbers (BRNs) via Nusuk or licensed agents. Here’s what that means for you, how to prepare, and what real pilgrims experienced.

What Changed in 2025?

• Hotel bookings must be confirmed via approved providers (Nusuk or licensed agents).

• All hotel and transport bookings must be verified through the official Nusuk platform or by licensed agents who are integrated with Nusuk.

• Transport bookings (airport transfers, intercity travel) are also mandatory.

• Each booking generates a BRN (Booking Reference Number), which is required for visa approval.

• Applications without valid BRNs will be rejected.

What is a BRN (Booking Reference Number)?

• A BRN is a unique number issued when you make a booking with an approved hotel or transport operator.

  • It verifies that your booking is genuine.

  • It is issued only when your booking is made via the Nusuk platform or a licensed operator registered with Nusuk.

  • It links directly to your Umrah visa application.

  • If your booking is canceled or expires, a new BRN must be generated before your visa can be processed.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Under the New Rules

Step 2: Book Verified Transport

Arrange airport pickup/drop-off and intercity transfers (Makkah–Madinah–Jeddah) via Nusuk or an accredited provider → Get BRN.

Step 3: Submit Your Visa Application

Attach both hotel + transport BRNs when applying through Nusuk or a licensed agent.

Step 1: Confirm Your Hotel Booking

Book an approved hotel in Makkah or Madinah through Nusuk or a licensed operator → Get BRN

Step 4: Receive Visa Approval

Once BRNs are validated, visa processing takes place. Many applicants get approval within 24–48 hours.

Essential Travel Tips for Pilgrims

✅ Plan your budget: Upfront booking costs are now unavoidable.
✅ Book early: Peak-season prices rise quickly.
✅ Travel off-peak: Save money and avoid large crowds.
✅ Check refund policies: Only use licensed operators with clear refund terms.
✅ Allow processing time: Especially during Ramadan, Rabi’ al-Awwal, or Hajj season.
✅ Always make sure your hotel and transport bookings are made through Nusuk or a licensed partner. Bookings made outside the platform will not generate valid BRNs and your visa may be rejected.

Real Pilgrim Experiences with the New Rules

While these rules may seem strict, many pilgrims have already completed their journey smoothly with proper guidance.

*“This is to thank Mr. Ehsan Gaffar from DIY Umrah for his valuable help in securing our Umrah Visa. My daughter in the USA booked tickets and hotels in Saudi Arabia and asked us to handle the visa from India. At ages 78 and 73, my wife and I were worried about how to proceed.

Just by chance, I found this gentleman through Google, and from our very first phone call, he gave us hope and trust. There was a problem with the Nusuk confirmation for our Makkah hotel booking, and Mr. Ehsan worked tirelessly to get it rectified.

We made the payment without ever meeting him in person, and to our surprise, within 48 hours we received our eVisa. I deeply appreciate his professional attitude and wish him all the best.”*
— Senior pilgrim couple

Visa Support for Senior Pilgrims

*“I connected with Ehsan bhai for my Umrah Visa. He guided me on how to secure hotel and flight bookings for visa processing. Once I provided the booking details, the process was super smooth — I secured my visa within 24 hours after Nusuk approval.

The challenge was getting the hotel to sign the Nusuk agreement within the 24-hour expiry window. In my case, the first attempt expired and I had to resubmit, which took 3 days for approval. But with his guidance, everything worked out smoothly.”*
— Pilgrim from Bangalore

Quick Visa After BRN Approval

★★★★★

★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a hotel booking before applying for an Umrah visa?

Yes. From 2025, hotel and transport BRNs are mandatory for approval.

Q: What if my booking gets canceled?

A new BRN must be generated, otherwise your visa will not be processed.

Q: How long does visa processing take once BRNs are confirmed?

In many cases, approval happens within 24–48 hours after Nusuk validation.

How DIY Umrah Helps

At DIY Umrah, we simplify the new visa process

• ✅ Verified hotel + transport bookings

• ✅ Correct BRNs for visa approval

• ✅ Fast visa turnaround (24–48 hrs after Nusuk approval)

• ✅ Support for families, groups, and elderly pilgrims

Start Your Umrah