Nusuk Card: Streamlining Pilgrim Movement During Hajj

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Updated May 2024

Committed to advancing procedures, regulations, and technological infrastructure to facilitate the sacred journey, enabling a greater number of Muslims to travel to the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has now announced the launch of a Nusuk Card which will be mandatory for the forthcoming annual pilgrimage of Hajj 2024.

Keep reading on Wego to discover all you need to know about the newly launched Nusuk Card aimed at facilitating the movement of pilgrims during Hajj.

Nusuk Card latest news

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially rolled out the Nusuk Card, a novel identification system for Hajj pilgrims. Initial batches of these cards have been allocated to a contingent of Indonesian pilgrims, marking the commencement of preparations for the forthcoming 1445 H Hajj season.

Functioning as a crucial identification document for Hajj pilgrims, the Nusuk Card is anticipated to significantly enhance the management of large religious congregations, thereby bolstering security and logistical efficiency for all participants.

What is a Nusuk Card?

The Nusuk Card, available in digital and physical forms, is a mandatory document for pilgrims required for accessing, moving and navigating within the holy sites (Mashaer). The card allows authorities to easily identify and verify pilgrims, thereby preventing unauthorized entry to holy sites.

The Nusuk Card contains comprehensive pilgrim details and can be accessed digitally via the Nusuk or Tawakkalna app.

How to obtain a Nusuk Card?

The process for obtaining the physical Nusuk Card varies for international and domestic pilgrims, and there’s also a digital version available. Here’s how to acquire each:

• international pilgrims: obtainable from Hajj offices after receiving the visa.
• domestic pilgrims: issued by service providers upon obtaining a permit.
• digital version accessible via Nusuk (Android, iOS) and Tawakkalna (Android, iOS)

Pilgrims can select their Hajj package through the Nusuk app, which exclusively lists official travel agencies providing Hajj packages. Please note that unofficial Hajj packages are prohibited by the Saudi government.

Furthermore, pilgrims who are not citizens of GCC countries and plan to go to Saudi Arabia for Hajj must acquire a specific Hajj visa. Only holders of this visa are allowed to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage.

Nusuk Card features

According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Nusuk Card offers a wide array of services for pilgrims, with its primary function being the authentication of pilgrim identity to relevant authorities, facilitating verification of their data to ensure the provision of optimal services.

Additionally, the card will also provide essential information including the pilgrim’s personal details, address, and medical records, accessible through the Nusuk or Tawakkalna applications.

Moreover, it is mandatory for both international and domestic pilgrims to carry the card throughout their journey and movements during the Hajj period, from arrival to departure. This requirement is essential for access and travel within the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as for movement between the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah

The card further includes details regarding the pilgrim’s respective Hajj mission and contact information, along with schedules for pilgrim grouping and residential addresses. Pilgrims can also receive special alerts through the card and provide feedback on the services received, as well as submit observations and complaints digitally.

The Nusuk Card also includes certification for pilgrims upon completing Hajj, which they can download as evidence of their pilgrimage.