Saudi Arabia has decided to introduce mandatory Nusuk food vouchers for Umrah pilgrims arriving from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Egypt. According to a report published on August 5, 2026, the rule will take effect from the first day of Rabi al-Awwal. The cost of the food voucher, valued at about 20 Saudi riyals per day, will be directly included in the total Umrah visa fee.

Under the new system, hotel bookings, transport, food and other services for Umrah pilgrims will be managed through an integrated digital platform. Around 10,000 restaurants in Mecca and Medina have been linked to the Nusuk app as part of the initiative. Each pilgrim will receive a unique code linked to their visa, allowing them to collect meals from approved restaurants covered by the app.

The initiative is intended to ensure quality and orderly food services for pilgrims, discourage unauthorized providers and improve overall management. However, the policy is expected to raise the overall cost of Umrah packages to some extent. Travel agencies in Pakistan and other affected countries have already begun reviewing their Umrah packages and pricing in response to the planned change.