How to Book Rawdah Permits on the Nusuk App

To book a Rawdah permit, download the Nusuk app, register as a 'Visitor' using your passport and visa details, and select 'Praying in the Noble Rawdah' to choose an available time slot. Ensure you have a stable internet connection upon arrival in Saudi Arabia to display your active permit at the gate, as the authorities often require the live app view rather than a simple screenshot.

Understanding the Nusuk App and the Rawdah

The Rawdah, or Riyadhul Jannah (Garden of Paradise), is a small, sacred area within the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah. For many pilgrims, praying in this space is a spiritual highlight of their Umrah or Hajj journey. To manage the high volume of visitors and ensure a peaceful experience, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requires all pilgrims to secure a permit through the Nusuk app.

Nusuk is the official planning, booking, and experience platform for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah. It has replaced previous systems like Eatmarna to provide a unified digital gateway for visa applications and permit management. Because the app is the only official way to access the Rawdah, having a functional smartphone and a reliable data connection is no longer optional—it is a logistical necessity.

Step-by-Step: Registering on the Nusuk App

Before you can book a slot, you must successfully register your profile. It is highly recommended to do this as soon as you receive your visa, though you can only finalize the registration once you are physically in Saudi Arabia or have a valid visa number in the system.

1. Download and Language Selection

Download the Nusuk app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Upon opening the app, you will be prompted to choose your preferred language. Select English or your native language to proceed.

2. Choose the 'Visitor' Tab

There are three categories: Citizen or Resident, Gulf (GCC) Citizen, and Visitor. Most international pilgrims from the UK, US, Canada, or Asia should select the 'Visitor' tab.

3. Enter Your Details

You will need to provide specific information exactly as it appears on your travel documents:

• Visa Number: Found on your electronic Umrah or Tourist visa.
• Passport Number: Your current valid passport.
• Nationality: As per your passport.
• Date of Birth: In the required format.
• Mobile Number: Use your home number or the number you will use in Saudi Arabia.
• Email Address: Ensure this is an address you can access immediately for verification codes.
• Password: Create a secure password.

4. Verification

The app will send a One-Time Password (OTP) to your registered email. Enter this code to activate your account. Once verified, you can log in to the main dashboard.

Booking Your Permit: Timing and Strategy

Once logged in, look for the icon labeled 'Praying in the Noble Rawdah.' There are separate icons for Men and Women, as the visiting hours and entrance gates differ by gender.

Navigating the Calendar

When you click on the permit section, you will see a calendar. The dates are color-coded based on crowd density:

• Green: Low crowding (usually late at night or mid-morning).
• Yellow: Moderate crowding.
• Red: High crowding.

Select your preferred date and then choose a specific time slot. Slots are typically 30 minutes long. Once you confirm your selection and agree to the terms and conditions, the app will generate a QR code. This is your official permit.

Pro-Tip for Availability

Rawdah slots are released in batches and can disappear within minutes. If you see no available dates, do not panic. Check the app frequently, especially at the start of every hour or during the last third of the night (Tahajjud time) in Saudi Arabia, as this is often when new slots are released or cancellations are processed.

Why Reliable Data is Essential for Nusuk

The Nusuk app requires a live data connection to refresh the permit and display the moving security elements that prove the permit is valid and not a static image. Many pilgrims rely on hotel Wi-Fi, but this can be risky. If the Wi-Fi fails as you are walking to the mosque, or if the connection is too weak at the crowded gates of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, you may be turned away by security.

Using a dedicated Saudi Arabia eSIM ensures you have 5G connectivity the moment you step off the plane. With UmrahRoam, you can see plans that allow you to activate your data immediately, bypassing the long queues for physical SIM cards at Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED) airports. This is particularly helpful for Nusuk, as you can check for last-minute slot openings while traveling from the airport to your hotel.

Connectivity: UmrahRoam vs. Local SIM Cards

Traditionally, pilgrims had to wait in line at airport kiosks, provide physical passport copies, and wait for a local technician to register their fingerprints. This process can take hours after a long flight.

Feature	UmrahRoam eSIM	Local Saudi SIM	Home Carrier Roaming
Registration	No passport/kiosk needed	Passport & Fingerprints	None (Automatic)
Network	STC (5G)	Varies (STC/Mobily/Zain)	Varies (often 3G/4G)
Activation	Instant via QR code	Physical swap required	Automatic
Cost Control	Fixed plans, no overages	Pay-as-you-go complexity	High daily roaming fees
Data Type	Data-only (WhatsApp calls)	Local number included	Home number

By choosing a data-only plan, you avoid the hassle of local registration while maintaining full access to the apps you need. Since apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Nusuk only require data, the lack of a local phone number is rarely an issue for modern pilgrims. Before you purchase, you should check your device compatibility to ensure your phone supports eSIM technology.

Installation and Setup for Your Journey

Setting up your connectivity before you leave home is one of the best Tech Essentials for Your Umrah Packing List. Once you purchase your plan, you will receive a QR code via email.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Scan the QR code provided by UmrahRoam.
3. Label the new line as 'Umrah' or 'Travel.'
4. Set your Primary line for Calls/SMS and the Travel line for Cellular Data.
5. Ensure 'Data Roaming' is turned ON for the travel eSIM.

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Select 'Add Mobile Plan' and scan the QR code.
3. Confirm the addition of the new profile.
4. In the settings, ensure the new eSIM is selected for mobile data.

For a more detailed walkthrough, visit our how to set up your eSIM guide.

Coverage Realities in Makkah and Madinah

In the central areas surrounding the Haram in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, the infrastructure is built to handle millions of users. UmrahRoam utilizes the STC network, which offers extensive 5G coverage in these urban centers. However, the thick marble walls of the mosques can sometimes interfere with signals. It is best to load your Nusuk permit while you are in the open courtyard (Sahan) before entering the internal gates of the Rawdah.

If you are traveling between the two holy cities via the Haramain High-Speed Railway, you will find that STC provides consistent coverage along the route, allowing you to stay in touch with family or manage your bookings. For those wondering about the best way to get around, we recommend reading about eSIM vs Local SIM: Which is Best for Umrah Pilgrims? to understand how data impacts your ability to use transport apps.

Transit Stops and Regional Coverage

Many pilgrims from the UK, US, and Canada have layovers in major hubs like Istanbul (dest:tr) or Dubai (dest:ae). If you are on a multi-country itinerary, UmrahRoam offers regional plans that cover these transit points. This means you can use your data to navigate the airport, call home via WhatsApp, or check your Nusuk app for Rawdah slots during your layover without needing to find local Wi-Fi or buy multiple SIM cards.

Data Needs for Your Pilgrimage

How much data do you actually need? For a standard 10-14 day Umrah, a 5GB or 10GB plan is usually sufficient for most pilgrims. This allows for:

• Frequent Nusuk app checks.
• Google Maps navigation.
• Regular WhatsApp voice and video calls to family.
• Uploading photos and videos of your journey.

If you find yourself running low, you can easily see plans for top-ups online. Unlike local SIM cards where you might need to find a physical grocery store to buy a top-up card, eSIM top-ups are handled digitally.

The bottom line

Booking a Rawdah permit on the Nusuk app is a mandatory step for any pilgrim wishing to visit the heart of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Success depends on early registration, frequent checking for slots, and a reliable data connection. By choosing an UmrahRoam eSIM, you ensure that you are connected from the moment you land, allowing you to focus on your Ibadah rather than technical hurdles. Ensure your device is ready, keep your Nusuk app updated, and may your visit to the Rawdah be accepted.