Saudi Arabia has announced a new policy requiring digital food vouchers for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Egypt. The new system will take effect from 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal and aims to improve services for pilgrims during their stay.
Under the new policy, the cost of the digital food vouchers will be included in the overall Umrah visa fee. Officials said each pilgrim will receive food vouchers worth around 20 Saudi riyals per day through the Nusuk platform.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia‘s broader efforts to modernize Umrah services using digital technology. Authorities have integrated several essential services into one platform to make the pilgrimage process more efficient.
Through the updated Nusuk system, hotel reservations, transportation, meals, and other Umrah-related services will now be managed digitally. Officials believe the integrated platform will provide a smoother experience for pilgrims from arrival to departure.
As part of the project, around 10,000 restaurants in Makkah and Madinah have been connected to the Nusuk application. Pilgrims will be able to use their food vouchers at these participating restaurants during their stay.
Each pilgrim will receive a unique digital code linked directly to their Umrah visa. The code can be used to redeem meals at approved restaurants without requiring separate payment for eligible food services.
According to reports, the new policy is designed to standardize food services for Umrah pilgrims. Authorities also hope it will reduce the use of unregistered service providers and improve the overall quality of arrangements.
Officials believe the digital system will strengthen monitoring of services provided to pilgrims. It will also help ensure that meals are delivered through authorized restaurants operating within the official network.
Travel operators in Pakistan and other affected countries are expected to revise their Umrah packages following the announcement. Since the voucher cost will be included in visa charges, the overall cost of Umrah packages is likely to increase.
Industry representatives are reviewing the updated requirements and preparing revised package prices for future pilgrims. Tour operators will also need to adjust their booking procedures to comply with the new digital system.
Saudi Arabia has continued introducing technology-based services to improve the pilgrimage experience in recent years. The latest food voucher initiative reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to simplify Umrah arrangements while enhancing convenience and transparency for visitors.
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The new policy will apply to pilgrims from the four specified countries starting from 1 Rabi-ul-Awwal. Further details regarding implementation are expected as travel operators begin updating their Umrah packages in line with the revised requirements.
