Nusuk is the essential app for official permits, particularly the Rawdah. Beyond that, your itinerary determines what you need: offline maps, the app for your booked transport, a translation tool and access to your bank are often enough. Install them at home, sign in and download your documents before leaving Europe, the UK, Canada or the United States.

Nusuk is the essential app for official permits, particularly the Rawdah. Beyond that, your itinerary determines what you need: offline maps, the app for your booked transport, a translation tool and access to your bank are often enough. Install them at home, sign in and download your documents before leaving Europe, the UK, Canada or the United States.

1. Nusuk: official permits and services

Nusuk is published by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. It helps manage permits, including Rawdah permits, and display bookings. Check the publisher in your app store to avoid lookalike apps.

Create your account when your visa details are available. Our Nusuk 2026 account and Rawdah booking guide explains the process. Follow the official visitor route shown for your profile; do not confuse it with the separate Nusuk Hajj package platform.

2. Maps and translation: prepare for offline use

Choose a map app that can save the areas around Makkah (Mecca), Madinah (Medina) and Jeddah. Pin your hotel, the entrance you use, the railway station and a meeting point. Downloaded translation tools can help with simple directions, but they do not replace an interpreter in a complex medical emergency.

Save your hotel address in Arabic and English as text you can copy. A photograph of the entrance is useful when two properties have similar names.

3. Transport: install only what you need

Install the official Haramain train app if you have a train booking, your airline’s app for schedule changes, and your chosen ride-hailing app if you plan to use it. For city transport, check the operator’s current official channel before travelling: stops and services can change.

Compare taxis, buses and trains for your actual route before installing several apps that do the same job. Keep tickets and booking references accessible offline as well.

4. Healthcare and emergencies

The Saudi Ministry of Health provides Sehhaty as its official health platform and 937 for health enquiries and assistance. Only install a health app if the features you need are available to visitors; above all, save local emergency contacts and your insurer’s assistance details.

Keep an offline emergency contact sheet, including the embassy or consulate relevant to your nationality. Do not assume your familiar home-country emergency number or health app is the right route in Saudi Arabia.

5. Banking and connectivity

Your bank’s app can help you check a transaction, change a limit or freeze a card. Set up authentication before departure and make sure approval messages can reach you. Your local mobile operator’s or eSIM provider’s app helps you monitor data and expiry dates.

Never store PINs in an unprotected note. See our guide to phones, eSIMs and payments in Saudi Arabia.

Your offline travel kit

Save your passport and visa copies securely, together with Nusuk permits, reservations, insurance, prescriptions, addresses, contacts and your meeting-point plan. Also carry paper copies of essential details. Test everything in flight mode: this quickly reveals what still needs an internet connection.

What you can leave out

Avoid apps without an identifiable publisher, APK installation files shared in messaging groups, and third-party tools asking to read your SMS messages or access your Nusuk account. A useful app should solve a specific problem. Too many tools create extra notifications, drain your battery and increase confusion.

Related reading: Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah: taxi, bus or train in 2026?; Emergency numbers and consular help for Umrah pilgrims.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nusuk compulsory during Umrah?

Nusuk is the official channel for the relevant permits, particularly the Rawdah and, under the rules in force, Umrah permits. Keep the app updated and follow the current requirements for your visit.

Do I need a different app for every form of transport?

No. Install only the apps for services you will actually use, and save your tickets offline.

Can I manage everything without mobile data?

No. Some approvals and updates need an internet connection. Nevertheless, keep offline copies of all essential documents and addresses.

Sources

• Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — Umrah and Visit Guide — Visitor registration, permits and practical guidance.
• Google Play — Nusuk, Ministry of Hajj and Umra — Official app listing and publisher.
• Saudi Ministry of Health — Sehhaty — Official health platform.
• Saudi Ministry of Health — 937 services — Health enquiries and assistance.