Semak Umrah

Umrah without an agency? Nusuk Umrah and agents: what the Saudi ministry says

A long walkway and moving travelator at KLIA with passengers waiting beside their luggage
Photo: Ahmed, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)

Booking directly

  • The Saudi ministry says the Nusuk Umrah service lets pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia apply directly for an Umrah visa and book their trip services without an intermediary.
  • The haj.gov.sa FAQ lists two ways to get the visa: designing the Umrah program through an approved electronic platform (the FAQ names Nusk), or contacting the external agent.
  • Elsewhere in the same FAQ, the ministry says pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia are linked to operating contracts with Umrah offices in their country accredited by the ministry.
  • The two statements do not read the same. Before you buy, check on the Nusuk platform itself what applies to pilgrims from Malaysia.

If you use an agent

  • The Masar service “Inquiry About Qualified External Agents” lets you search for qualified external agents authorised to provide Umrah services, with their contact details. Open the Masar service page
  • In Malaysia, the Tourism Industry Act says a travel agency or tour operating business may only be run by a company that holds a valid licence.
  • Check the agency's licence number in MOTAC's table first (see Check a licence).

Fee, stay and permit

  • The ministry states the Umrah visa issuing fee is estimated at 300 Saudi riyals.
  • The duration of stay for arrivals with Umrah visas is 90 days.
  • Permits are displayed and verified on arrival through the Tawakkalna and Nusk apps.

Questions for yourself

  • Am I comfortable arranging flights, hotels, transport and guidance myself, or do I want one party responsible if something goes wrong?
  • If you pay directly, keep every receipt and booking confirmation, and share copies with your family.
  • Compare the final total with an agency's quote using the Compare quotes tool and your own checklist.

Sources

A white minaret of Quba Mosque in Madinah at dusk
Photo: Saudi Press Agency (SPA), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)