The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched Nusuk Wallet, described as the first international digital wallet of its kind built specifically for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Developed in partnership with Saudi National Bank, known as SNB AlAhli, the wallet lets pilgrims manage their money throughout their journey from a single application.
According to the Saudi Press Agency and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the wallet combines a digital account with an international bank card. It is aimed at simplifying how visitors pay for services once they arrive in the Kingdom, and it forms part of the wider Nusuk ecosystem that already handles visas, permits and service packages.
What the wallet does
Nusuk Wallet is designed to cover a pilgrim's financial needs during their stay. According to the Ministry, it can be used to purchase service packages, arrange transport, and pay for amenities and everyday spending. Pilgrims top up the wallet and then spend from it, either digitally or through the accompanying card.
Setting up the wallet is done online. Pilgrims create an account on the official Nusuk website, upload verified identity documents, and complete the application. Once approved, they can add funds and begin using the wallet. The Ministry describes it as the first open-loop digital wallet embedded within an application anywhere in the world, meaning the card works across standard payment networks rather than only within a closed system.
Security and technology
The Ministry says the wallet is built on advanced technology including artificial intelligence, encryption, biometric identity verification, and integration tools for connecting other services. Biometric checks are intended to protect accounts against fraud and unauthorised access.
Nusuk Wallet operates in line with the instructions of the Saudi Central Bank, known as SAMA, which regulates financial services in the Kingdom. The involvement of Saudi National Bank places the product within the formal banking system rather than as a standalone app, giving pilgrims the backing of a licensed institution.
The launch addresses a longstanding difficulty for visitors. Many pilgrims arrive carrying large amounts of cash or rely on foreign cards that attract high fees and can be declined. A dedicated wallet allows them to load funds in advance and spend locally without those problems, while reducing the risks of losing cash in crowded conditions.
Part of a wider digital push
Nusuk Wallet extends the Kingdom's strategy of routing pilgrim services through a single digital platform. The Nusuk system already manages Umrah and Hajj visas, permits, and accredited service providers. Payments through the wallet connect directly into that structure, so a pilgrim can book a package and settle the cost within the same environment.
The move also aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals and the Pilgrim Experience Program, which seek to raise the number of pilgrims served each year while improving the quality and ease of their journey. For the 2027 Hajj season, Saudi authorities have indicated that service contracts and payments will increasingly run through Nusuk e-wallet systems.
Practical tips for pilgrims
Pilgrims considering the wallet should set it up before travelling, since account creation requires uploading and verifying documents that take time to process. Loading funds in advance means the wallet is ready to use on arrival.
Travellers should still carry a modest amount of cash as a backup for small purchases or vendors outside the Nusuk network. As with any financial account, pilgrims should keep their login details private, enable the biometric protections offered, and only use the official Nusuk website to register in order to avoid fraudulent copies.
It is also worth checking the wallet's exchange rate and any top-up fees before loading large sums, and comparing them with the pilgrim's existing bank. Keeping a record of the card details in a safe place makes it easier to freeze the account quickly if a phone is lost. With a little preparation, the wallet can remove much of the friction of handling money abroad and let pilgrims focus on their worship.