Nusuk App Complete Guide 2026 — How to Book Your Rawdah Permit, Umrah Permit & Tawaf Slot

Everything pilgrims need to know before they land in Saudi Arabia

The Nusuk app is now one of the most important things you’ll download before your Umrah. Without it, you cannot enter the Rawdah in Madinah, and in many cases you cannot perform Tawaf at Masjid al-Haram. Saudi Arabia has made this app mandatory for all pilgrims — and most guides online either don’t explain it properly or are already outdated.

This guide covers everything: how to set it up, how to book your Rawdah permit, how to get your Umrah permit, and what to do when the app shows “no slots available.”

What is the Nusuk app?

Nusuk is the official digital platform launched by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It’s a smartphone app (iOS and Android) that manages all pilgrimage-related bookings and permits in one place.

What you can do with Nusuk:

• Book your Rawdah (Riyad ul-Jannah) appointment at Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah
• Book your Umrah permit for Masjid al-Haram in Makkah
• Reserve your Tawaf time slot
• Access prayer times and mosque services
• Manage your Umrah itinerary (accommodation and transport)
• View your visa status and information

In short: The visa gets you into Saudi Arabia. Nusuk gets you into the holy sites.

Step 1: Download and install

• iOS: Search “Nusuk” in the App Store
• Android: Search “Nusuk” in the Google Play Store

Important: Only download from official stores. Never download APK files or third-party versions — these may be unsafe or fraudulent.

When to download: Do this as soon as your visa is issued. Wait 24–48 hours after visa issuance before registering, as your visa details need time to sync in the Saudi government system.

Step 2: Create your account

1. Open the app and tap “Create Account”
2. Select account type: choose “International Visitor” (not Saudi citizen/resident or GCC)
3. Enter your passport number exactly as it appears in your passport
4. Enter your Umrah visa number (from your e-visa document)
5. Enter your email address and create a password
6. Verify your email via the OTP code sent to your inbox
7. Complete your profile with personal details

Common issue: If registration fails, wait another 24 hours after visa issuance. The system takes time to sync new visas. If it still fails after 48 hours, contact the Nusuk help desk at nusuk.sa or visit the help desk at the airport on arrival.

For Indian passport holders: Your visa is processed by your agent through the Saudi Ministry portal. Once issued, your visa number will be on the e-visa document — use that number to register.

For US passport holders: If you’re using the Saudi tourist e-visa, use the e-visa number shown in your approval email from visa.visitsaudi.com.

Step 3: Book your Rawdah permit (Madinah)

The Rawdah (Riyad ul-Jannah) is the blessed area between the Prophet’s ﷺ tomb and his pulpit inside Masjid an-Nabawi. The Prophet ﷺ described it as “a garden from the gardens of Paradise.” Entry requires a permit booked through Nusuk.

How to book:

1. Open the Nusuk app
2. Scroll to “Holy Mosque Services” on the home screen
3. Tap “Booking of Permit for Noble Rawdah (Men)” or “(Women)” — men and women have completely different visiting times
4. Select your preferred date and time slot
5. Check the box next to your name (and any companions linked to your visa)
6. Confirm the booking
7. Screenshot or save your QR code — this is your entry permit

Men’s slots: Typically early mornings and late evenings Women’s slots: Typically available after Fajr and after Isha prayers

Important rules:

• You can only book Rawdah once per 30 days (some reports say once per year — verify in the current app)
• Each person needs their own permit under their own name
• Children require their own permit if over a certain age (varies — check the current app requirements)
• Your permit is valid only for the specific date and time you booked
• Arrive 30 minutes early — the queue is long
• No large bags allowed in the Rawdah queue
• You have approximately 10–15 minutes inside before guards ask you to move

When slots show “no available dates”:

This is the most frustrating experience for pilgrims. New slots open daily — often late at night Saudi time. Check the app multiple times per day, particularly around midnight Saudi Arabia time. Many pilgrims from other countries report higher success rates when checking during Saudi nighttime hours (which may be early morning in India or mid-afternoon in the US).

Book your Rawdah permit before you arrive in Madinah. Do not wait until you’re at the hotel. Slots fill within seconds of opening.

Step 4: Book your Umrah permit (Makkah)

To perform Tawaf at Masjid al-Haram, you need an Umrah permit booked through Nusuk.

How to book:

1. In the Nusuk app, go to “Permits”
2. Select “Umrah Permit”
3. Choose your preferred date and time window (morning or evening)
4. Green dots = less crowded, yellow = moderate, red = very crowded
5. Select your slot and confirm
6. Add companions if traveling with family (they can be added under your account if linked to your visa)
7. Save the QR code permit

Notes:

• You can only have one active Umrah permit at a time — after completing one, you can book another
• If you’re performing multiple Umrahs during your trip, you’ll need to re-enter Ihram from outside the Haram boundary (typically from Masjid Aisha / Tan’im Mosque) — you cannot re-enter Ihram from inside Makkah
• The permit is valid for the specified date and time only

If you’re self-booking (not through an agency): Many self-bookers report that individual entry to the Haram without a permit is also possible at certain times, particularly during quieter periods. However, having the permit avoids any uncertainty — book it.

Step 5: Rawdah tips and what to expect on the day

Before you go:

• Make wudhu at your hotel (the queues at the mosque can be long)
• Wear comfortable shoes you can remove quickly
• Leave your main bag at the hotel — no large bags in the Rawdah area
• Bring your phone with the QR code (screenshot works offline too)
• Arrive at the designated gate 30 minutes before your slot

At the gate:

• Show your QR code to the guard — they’ll scan it
• Join the queue and move calmly
• Gates: typically Gate 37 area for men, Gate 24 area for women — check your permit for the exact gate

Inside the Rawdah:

• The guards will move you along after 10–15 minutes — this is normal and necessary to allow other pilgrims entry
• Make your prayers and duas with full focus — the time is short but the reward is immense
• Sending Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ is especially recommended here
• Behave with utmost respect and calm — this is one of the holiest places on Earth

Other useful Nusuk features

Prayer times: The app shows accurate prayer times for wherever you are in Saudi Arabia.

Mosque services: Information about entrances, services, and facilities at both Masjid an-Nabawi and Masjid al-Haram.

Umrah itinerary management: If you booked accommodation through Nusuk (as now required for Indian pilgrims), you can view your full itinerary here.

Languages: Nusuk is available in English, Arabic, Urdu, Turkish, French, and other languages. Set your language preference in the Settings.

Common Nusuk problems and solutions

Nusuk help desk: Available at Madinah and Makkah airports on arrival. There are also help desks in the courtyard of Masjid an-Nabawi for urgent Rawdah permit issues.

Key reminders

For Madinah (Rawdah):

• Book before you land — slots go fast
• Each person needs their own permit
• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Men and women have different time slots — do not confuse them

For Makkah (Umrah/Tawaf):

• Book your Umrah permit in advance
• For additional Umrahs, re-enter Ihram from outside the Haram boundary
• Keep the app updated — Nusuk releases updates frequently

General:

• Download the app and register as soon as your visa is issued
• Screenshot all permits — do not rely on internet connectivity inside the mosque
• The app is smartphone only — it does not work on computers

May Allah grant you the opportunity to visit the Rawdah and may your prayers be answered. Ameen.

Related articles:

• → How I Self-Booked Umrah for My Family — Complete Guide
• → How to Perform Umrah Step by Step — Complete Ritual Guide
• → How to Get an Umrah Visa — India & USA Guide
• → Umrah Packing List — Complete Checklist 2026

Disclaimer: Nusuk app features and rules change frequently. Always check the latest requirements at nusuk.sa before your trip. This guide reflects the app as of early 2026. This is a personal travel blog, not affiliated with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.