The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that a full year must pass before a pilgrim can obtain a new permit to visit the Noble Rawdah in the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. According to the ministry, the renewed permit becomes available only after 365 days from the date of the previous visit, a measure aimed at giving more visitors a fair opportunity to reach one of Islam's most sought-after sites.

The ministry set out the rule in a statement on its official account on X on October 10, 2026, and directed pilgrims to the Nusuk app to check their eligibility and available appointment times.

What the New Rule Says

Under the clarified policy, a pilgrim who has already visited the Noble Rawdah must wait the specified period before the system will issue a fresh permit. According to the ministry, that period runs for 365 days from the last permit.

The rule does not change how visits are booked. It sets the interval at which a repeat visit can be scheduled. The ministry framed the measure as part of its ongoing effort to organize access and manage the heavy demand that the Rawdah attracts throughout the year, particularly during peak Umrah periods.

Pilgrims can confirm whether they are currently eligible, and when their next opportunity falls, directly within the Nusuk app before making travel plans to Madinah.

Booking Through Nusuk and the Instant Path

According to the ministry, the Nusuk app handles both visit scheduling and permit issuance for the Noble Rawdah. Applicants select an available time slot, and the app confirms the permit based on eligibility and capacity.

The ministry also pointed to the Al-Masar Al-Fawri, or Instant Path, service for those who are already near the Prophet's Mosque. This option allows a visitor to book a visit on the spot, subject to the same conditions, eligibility rules, and available slots shown in the app. The service is intended to make use of unfilled capacity while keeping the booking process orderly.

Why the Rawdah Draws Such Demand

The Noble Rawdah, also known as Riyad ul-Jannah, is the area between the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) pulpit and his former residence inside the Prophet's Mosque. According to a well-known narration recorded by Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the space between his house and his pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.

Because of this status, visiting and praying in the Rawdah is a deeply cherished goal for pilgrims traveling to Madinah, whether as part of an Umrah journey or a separate visit. The volume of visitors far exceeds the physical space available, which is why the authorities introduced a permit system managed through Nusuk. The one-year interval between permits is designed to widen access so that more of the millions who come each year can experience the Rawdah at least once.

Practical Tips for Pilgrims

For those planning a visit to Madinah, a few steps can help avoid disappointment:

  • Check eligibility first. Open the Nusuk app and confirm whether you are currently eligible before booking flights or hotels around a Rawdah visit.
  • Count the 365 days. If you visited the Rawdah within the past year, plan your next attempt for after the one-year mark from your previous permit.
  • Book your slot in advance. Reserve an available time through Nusuk rather than relying on walk-in access.
  • Use the Instant Path when nearby. If you are already at the Prophet's Mosque, the Al-Masar Al-Fawri service may offer a slot, subject to availability.
  • Respect your assigned time. Permits are tied to specific windows, and men and women are allocated separate visiting times, so arrive punctually and follow the guidance of mosque staff.

According to the ministry, organizing access in this way is intended to protect the experience of every visitor. Pilgrims are encouraged to rely on the official Nusuk app for the most accurate and up-to-date information on their eligibility and available slots.