How to Apply for a Rawdah Permit on the Nusuk App (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

Ever wished to step into the holy Rawdah and feel its peace? The blessed area inside Masjid al-Nabawi that the Prophet ﷺ described as a “garden from the gardens of Paradise”? For every pilgrim, entering this sacred space is a once-in-a-lifetime honor. But because of its limited size and high demand, entry is only possible through a special permit. Today, the process has become much simpler with the Nusuk app, the official platform introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to apply for your Rawdah permit, so you can focus fully on your spiritual journey.

Why Every Pilgrim Must Use the Nusuk App for a Rawdah Permit

The Rawdah, located inside Masjid al-Nabawi, is one of the most spiritually significant places for Muslims around the world. Because of its small size and immense demand, unrestricted entry in the past often led to overcrowding, long waits, and difficulty for worshippers to fully experience the peace of this sacred space.

To solve this, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched the Nusuk app, the official platform for managing pilgrim services. Through Nusuk, pilgrims can now request a Rawdah entry permit, which ensures:

• Fair and equal access for all visitors.
• Organized crowd management to avoid unsafe overcrowding.
• A calmer, more spiritual experience inside the Rawdah.

Without this digital permit, pilgrims are not allowed to enter the Rawdah. This makes the Nusuk app the only official way to secure your chance to pray in one of the most blessed places on earth.

Features of the Nusuk App

The Nusuk app isn’t just a Rawdah permit app; it’s a complete digital platform for pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia. Some of its key features include:

• Booking Rawdah permits (Riyad ul Jannah access).
• Applying for Umrah and Tawaf permits.
• Integration with your Umrah/Hajj visa for authentication.
• Easy access to appointment times and QR-code-based entry permits.
• Notifications about updated guidelines from Saudi authorities.

For USA travelers, downloading the Nusuk Umrah app before your trip is essential.

Step 1: Downloading the Nusuk App

The very first step in the Rawdah permit process is downloading the official Nusuk app.

• Availability: The app is available for both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play Store).
• Search Terms: Look specifically for “Nusuk” or “Nusuk Umrah App” to ensure you’re downloading the legitimate version.
• Avoid unofficial sources: Never download APK files or third-party versions of the app, as these may be unsafe.

Pro Tip for USA travelers: Always update your Nusuk app download before traveling, since Saudi authorities frequently upgrade the app for better security and smoother booking.

Step 2: Creating an Account

Once the app is installed, you’ll need to register in the Nusuk app with your personal details.

1. Open the app and tap on New Registration.
2. Provide your passport number, Umrah/Hajj visa details, or Iqama (if you’re a resident in KSA).
   
   Before booking, make sure you have all required paperwork by reading What Documents Do You Need for Umrah from the USA?.
3. Link your visa to confirm eligibility for booking.
4. Create your username, password, and verify your mobile number/email.

Without linking your valid visa, you cannot proceed with a Nusuk Rawdah permit appointment.

Step 3: Logging In and Navigating the Dashboard

After registering, log in with your credentials. The Nusuk dashboard is simple and easy to use.

• Find the Permits section on the home screen.
• Select the Rawdah permit from the options.
• You may also see other permits, like Umrah Tawaf permits, depending on your journey.

If you see the message “Nusuk Rawdah permit not available”, don’t panic — it just means slots are full. Keep checking back, as new slots open daily.

Step 4: Choosing the Rawdah Visit Option

Inside the app, you’ll find separate booking categories for men and women:

• Men: Slots usually open in early mornings and late evenings.
• Women: Appointments are often available after Fajr and Isha prayers.
• Tip for USA pilgrims: Check availability in Saudi local time. Many report higher success when booking during Saudi nighttime hours.

When you’re traveling in a party, get connected to next to each other time periods to make sure family members can get in somewhat soon.

Step 5: Booking Your Appointment

Here’s how to book Rawdah in the Nusuk app:

1. Choose your preferred date and time slot.
2. Confirm your booking details carefully.
3. Receive your digital Rawdah permit inside the app.

Your permit will include a QR code that mosque security will scan at the entrance.

Always take a screenshot or PDF download of your permit. This serves as your official Nusuk Rawdah permit online proof of entry.

Step 6: Preparing for Your Visit

Preparation is key for a peaceful Rawdah experience:

• Carry your digital or printed permit.
• Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early.
• Dress modestly and respectfully (men in simple attire, women in abaya and hijab).
• Follow mosque staff instructions as groups are guided inside.
• Avoid rushing, pushing, or taking excessive selfies — focus on prayer.

Another advantage enjoyed by the many USA-based pilgrims is the fact that many of them have access to a local SIM card in Madinah, so they can access the internet.

Step 7: What Happens at the Mosque Entrance

On the day of your Rawdah visit:

• Security will first scan your QR code permit.
• Groups are divided based on gender and guided inside.
• You’ll be allowed a set amount of time to pray in the Rawdah area.
• Once your session ends, the staff will kindly guide you out for the next group.

This orderly process ensures fairness and enhances everyone’s spiritual experience.

Step 8: Common Issues and Troubleshooting

It’s normal to face small hiccups when applying. Here are common problems:

Nusuk Rawdah Permit Not Available

• Slots fill quickly. Keep refreshing, especially during late-night Saudi time.

Nusuk App Rawdah Not Available Error

• Check if your app is outdated. If yes, reinstall or update.

Unable to Register

• Double-check visa validity. Without a linked Umrah visa, you won’t be able to proceed.

Missed Appointment

• Permits cannot be reused. You must reapply.

Step 9: Tips for Pilgrims Traveling from the USA

Traveling long distances adds unique challenges. Here are helpful tips:

• Time Zone Awareness: Since slots refresh in Saudi time (GMT+3), book accordingly.
• Connectivity: Get a Saudi SIM or portable Wi-Fi for seamless app use.
• Elderly/Disabled Travelers: Rawdah entry allows wheelchairs, but book early for smoother access.
• Group Bookings: Add dependents under one account for easier scheduling.
• Book Early: Ideally, secure your permit within 24–48 hours of arriving in Madinah.

Spiritual Etiquettes of Visiting the Rawdah

While the app and permits handle logistics, remember the deeper purpose:

• Focus on dua and humility, not rushing.
• Offer two rak’ahs of prayer with sincerity.
• Respect fellow pilgrims; everyone longs for the same blessing.
• Remember, visiting the Rawdah is a gift, not a guarantee — cherish the moment.

 Conclusion

It is a simple but inevitable procedure when travelling to Madinah to apply for the Rawdah permit through the Nusuk app. By planning carefully (genuinely downloading the app, registering, booking ahead, and preparing properly), you can be confident that you have a hassle-free and spiritually beneficial experience. Patience is one critical component to follow, however, since slots fill up fast. But with persistence, your opportunity will come.

Majmua also offers reliable pilgrim travel information to pilgrims in the United States so that they can have an organized, stress-free, and fulfilling journey. Always have your Rawdah permit ready, remember the restrictions, and take the opportunity to enter one of the most sacred sites on the planet.

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