Important Update for All Travel Agencies and Umrah Operators
If you run a travel or Umrah agency, there is a new rule you need to know:
As of June 2025, you cannot book hotels in Saudi Arabia unless your agency is registered on the official Nusuk platform
This update affects all travel agencies that want to offer Umrah or tourism services in Saudi Arabia.
If your agency is not registered on Nusuk, your clients may not receive their visas, and your hotel bookings may be rejected.
This change is part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to improve services for pilgrims and tourists under its Vision 2030 strategy
What Is the Nusuk Platform?
Nusuk is the official platform provided by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Saudi Tourism Authority.
It is used to:
- Help pilgrims and tourists plan their trips
- Apply for visas
- Book approved hotels and services
- Ensure compliance with Saudi laws and standards
The goal of Nusuk is to make travel in Saudi Arabia easier, safer, and more organized.
What Has Changed?
Under the new rule:
- Travel agencies must book hotels through Nusuk Masar, the hotel booking section of Nusuk.
- Only licensed hotels connected to Nusuk can be used.
- Travel companies must be legally registered in Saudi Arabia to access the platform.
If you try to upload hotel bookings from third-party sources, they will be rejected. This will delay or block visa approvals for your customers.
Why Company Formation in Saudi Arabia Is Now Essential for Travel Agencies
The new rule was introduced to:
- Prevent fake or unreliable hotel bookings
- Protect pilgrims and tourists
- Improve the quality of services
- Ensure fair pricing and licensed accommodations
This change supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes major plans to grow the tourism and pilgrimage sectors.
Who Must Follow This Rule?
This rule applies to any business that:
- Offers Umrah or Hajj packages
- Books hotel rooms in Makkah, Madinah, or other Saudi cities
- Sells religious or tourism travel packages
- Works with international clients visiting Saudi Arabia
Even if your agency is based in Pakistan, UAE, India, Turkey, UK, or another country, you must have a registered company in Saudi Arabia to comply with this rule.
Al Raee Group Makes Company Formation in Saudi Arabia Easy
Al Raee Group makes it simple for international agencies to follow the rules and grow their business in Saudi Arabia.
1. Company Formation in Saudi Arabia
We help you:
- Register your business with the Ministry of Investment (MISA)
- Get your commercial registration (CR)
- Join the Chamber of Commerce
- Complete tax and labor account setup
You can start your company with 100% foreign ownership, with no local sponsor required.
2. Nusuk Masar Registration Support
Once your company is registered, we help you:
- Register on the Nusuk platform
- Upload approved hotel contracts
- Stay fully compliant with Saudi visa rules
This means your agency can offer legal and reliable Umrah packages.
3. Full Business Setup Support
We also assist with:
- Opening your business bank account in Saudi Arabia
- Visa and Iqama services for your staff
- Setting up an office address
- PRO (public relations officer) and document processing
We provide end-to-end support to ensure your business is ready to operate and grow in Saudi Arabia.
| Benefit | Description |
| Stay compliant | Avoid delays, rejections, or penalties |
| Increase trust | Clients prefer licensed and legal agencies |
| Beat competition | Many agencies are not ready for this change |
| Align with Vision 2030 | Be part of Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector |
Who Can We Help?
We work with travel companies from:
- Pakistan
- UAE and GCC
- Turkey
- India
- United Kingdom and Europe
Whether you are launching a new company or expanding into Saudi Arabia, we help you get started the right way.
More know about travel and tourism opportunities
Start Your Business in Saudi Arabia Today
FAQ(Frequently Asked Question)
Why do travel agencies need to register on the Nusuk platform?
The Saudi government now requires all hotel bookings for Umrah or tourism to be made through the Nusuk platform. Only licensed companies registered in Saudi Arabia can use this system. Without registration, you cannot book hotels or submit visa applications.
Can a travel agency outside Saudi Arabia use Nusuk?
No. Only travel companies that are legally registered in Saudi Arabia with a Commercial Registration (CR) and other necessary licenses can access the Nusuk system.
What is required to set up a travel agency in Saudi Arabia?
You need:
A MISA license (Ministry of Investment)
Commercial Registration (CR)
Chamber of Commerce membership
ZATCA (tax) registration
Office address and local bank account
Can foreign investors fully own their travel agency in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Saudi Arabia allows 100% foreign ownership for many business activities, including travel and tourism services. No Saudi sponsor is required if your paperwork is complete.
How long does it take to register a company and get access to Nusuk?
On average, the full process takes 3–4 weeks, depending on your documents and business activity. Al Raee Group can speed up this process with professional support.
What happens if my agency does not register on Nusuk?
You will not be able to:
Book hotels in Makkah or Madinah
Apply for Umrah visas
Legally operate in the Saudi market
This may lead to customer cancellations or legal penalties.
