Nusuk Guide: Step-by-Step Process for Booking Rawdah Permits in Madinah
By Khadia Muhammad Umar
Muslim pilgrims visiting Madinah for Hajj or Umrah must secure a permit through Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk application before entering Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, the revered section inside the Prophet’s Mosque where Muslims seek to offer prayers.
The Rawdah, also known as Riyazul Jannah, is located between the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) house and his pulpit in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
Although pilgrims can enter the Prophet’s Mosque for prayers without a special appointment, those wishing to pray inside the Rawdah must obtain an approved visitation permit through the designated booking system.
The Saudi authorities have made Nusuk the official digital platform for managing individual Rawdah visitation appointments, allowing pilgrims to select available dates and times according to their eligibility.
For Nigerian pilgrims preparing for the 2027 Hajj and Umrah seasons, understanding the booking process ahead of arrival in Madinah can help prevent difficulties in securing access.
Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining the permit.
Step 1: Download the Nusuk application
Pilgrims should first download the official Nusuk application from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple App Store for iPhones.
After installation, open the application and select a preferred language, such as English or Arabic.
Pilgrims should ensure they download the official application rather than an unofficial version.
Step 2: Register or log into your account
First-time users should select the appropriate registration category.
International visitors travelling from outside Saudi Arabia should select the visitor option, while Saudi citizens and residents should use their respective registration categories.
Nusuk Guide: Step-by-Step Process for Booking Rawdah Permits in Madinah
Visitors may be required to provide personal information, including their passport details, visa information, date of birth, nationality and other requested credentials.
The application may also require verification through a one-time password (OTP) sent to the registered email address or mobile number.
Pilgrims who already have active accounts can simply log in using their existing credentials.
Step 3: Locate the Rawdah visitation service
After successfully logging in, navigate to the services section on the application’s dashboard.
Look for the service labelled “Praying in the Noble Rawdah”.
The application provides separate booking options for men and women. Pilgrims should select the appropriate category before proceeding.
Step 4: Select your preferred date and time
After selecting the appropriate service, check the available appointment calendar.
Choose an available date and time that fits your schedule in Madinah.
The availability of appointments depends on the booking calendar, and pilgrims should understand that their preferred dates may already be fully booked.
Those travelling with family members may also use the companion booking facility, where eligible, to add companions to their visitation arrangements.
Companions may need to accept invitations through their respective Nusuk accounts.
Step 5: Confirm your appointment and obtain the permit
After selecting an available appointment, review the booking details and accept the applicable terms and conditions.
Proceed to confirm the reservation.
Once the booking is successfully completed, the application will provide a digital permit containing a QR code for access verification.
Pilgrims should keep the permit accessible on their mobile devices and ensure they can present it when requested by mosque officials.
Important Rules Pilgrims Should Know
- Booking frequency
The standard advance-booking service generally allows one Rawdah visit per year. However, the Instant Access service may provide another opportunity where available.
- Appointment confirmation
Pilgrims should check their active permit and complete the required attendance confirmation within the period specified by Nusuk.
The confirmation window opens 48 hours before the appointment and closes two hours before the scheduled visit.
Failure to comply with the confirmation requirement may result in cancellation.
- Arrival time
Pilgrims are advised to arrive at the designated gathering point approximately 30 minutes before their appointment to allow time for verification and movement into the Rawdah.
- Visit duration
The approved visitation period is generally 20 minutes. Pilgrims should comply with instructions from mosque officials and avoid actions that may disrupt other worshippers.
- Entry arrangements
Men and women have separate visitation arrangements and designated access routes. Pilgrims should follow the instructions displayed on their permits and directions provided by mosque personnel rather than rely on outdated gate information.
- Free booking service
The official Nusuk Rawdah permit service is free. Pilgrims should be cautious of individuals or unofficial agents demanding payment to secure appointments through the platform.
When Can Men and Women Visit the Rawdah?
Saudi Arabia’s official announcement of October 20, 2026, outlined the designated daily visiting periods for men and women.
Under the announced schedule:
Men:
– Weekdays: 2:00 a.m. until Fajr and 11:20 a.m. until Isha.
– Fridays: 2:00 a.m. until Fajr and 9:00 a.m. until Isha.
Women:
– Weekdays: After Fajr until 11:00 a.m. and after Isha until 2:00 a.m.
– Fridays: After Fajr until 9:00 a.m. and after Isha until 2:00 a.m.
These are designated visiting periods, not guarantees of appointment availability. Pilgrims must still secure an appointment through Nusuk.
Advice to Nigerian Pilgrims
Pilgrims preparing for Hajj or Umrah should familiarise themselves with the Nusuk application before travelling to Saudi Arabia.
They should also ensure that their passport and visa information are accurate, their accounts are accessible and their mobile devices are functional.
Those travelling through licensed tour operators should seek guidance on the process while retaining access to their personal Nusuk accounts.
Most importantly, pilgrims should avoid relying on unofficial booking agents or paying individuals who claim they can guarantee access to the Rawdah.
With proper preparation and compliance with Saudi visitation procedures, pilgrims can better organise their opportunity to pray in one of the most revered sections of the Prophet’s Mosque.
