Nusuk Umrah Visa & Saudi 96-Hour Stopover Transit Visa Guide (2026): Booking, Rawdah Permits & Rules
The Modernized Umrah Journey: Digital Nusuk Platform & Transit Stopovers
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has transformed the pilgrimage experience through the unified Nusuk Platform (nusuk.sa). Pilgrims worldwide can now secure electronic Umrah visas, schedule Rawdah Al-Sharifa prayer permits in Medina, and customize transportation and hotel accommodations directly.
Furthermore, travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia can take advantage of the Free 96-Hour Saudi Stopover Transit Visa, allowing international passengers on Saudia and Flynas flights to perform Umrah, visit the Prophet's Mosque, and explore Saudi heritage cities with zero visa fees.
1. How to Book Rawdah Al-Sharifa Permit on Nusuk App
Visiting the Rawdah Al-Sharifa (Noble Garden) inside the Prophet's Mosque in Medina requires mandatory electronic permit reservation due to crowd management protocols:
- Download the Nusuk App (iOS & Android) and create an account using your Visa Number and Passport Number (for tourists/pilgrims) or Iqama Number (for residents).
- Select 'Praying in the Noble Rawdah' and choose between 'Men' or 'Women'.
- Browse available dates and green time slots. The Ministry releases new slots weekly on Fridays.
- Confirm your booking. The app generates an active QR code permit that must be presented at the mosque entrance checkpoints.
- Note: Each pilgrim is permitted one Rawdah visit per 365-day cycle.
2. Saudi 96-Hour Stopover Transit Visa vs Standard Umrah Visa
| Feature | 96-Hour Stopover Transit Visa | Electronic Tourist / Umrah eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost & Fees | Free (Zero Visa Fee + Nominal Insurance) | SAR 300 Visa Fee + Insurance (~SAR 535 total) |
| Permitted Stay | Up to 96 Hours (4 Days) | Up to 90 Days (1 Year Multiple Entry) |
| Booking Channel | Integrated booking on Saudia.com or flynas.com | Apply on KSA Visa Portal or Nusuk |
| Umrah Permission | Allowed throughout the year (except during Hajj season) | Allowed throughout the year (except during Hajj season) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi EOSB Calculator
Calculate exact End of Service Benefits (EOSB) gratuity under Saudi Labor Law Article 84 and Article 85. Free online calculation tool for KSA employees.
Saudi GOSI Salary Calculator
Calculate net take-home pay, GOSI social security deductions (9.75%), basic pay, and housing allowance splits under KSA labor guidelines.
Gold, Silver & Forex Rates Hub
Real-time live gold and silver rates in Saudi Arabia (SAR), UAE (AED), Qatar (QAR), Kuwait (KWD), Bahrain (BHD), Oman (OMR). Live 24K, 22K, 21K, 18K prices per gram, tola, ounce, pure silver, and remittance forex rates.