Hajj 2025: What to do if you lose your Nusuk card in Saudi Arabia
Kingdom outlines essential steps for pilgrims
DUBAI: As millions of Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has emphasised the necessity of keeping the Nusuk Card secure at all times.
The smart card plays a vital role during the pilgrimage, serving as an official Hajj permit, identity verification document, and access pass to critical services across Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Madinah.
The card includes the pilgrim’s personal details, medical information, accommodation locations, assigned tents, and service provider contacts. It is mandatory for all pilgrims – international and domestic – to carry it throughout the pilgrimage period. In case the card is lost, Saudi authorities have detailed a strict protocol to follow to ensure uninterrupted movement and safety.
Report immediately
Pilgrims must first notify their group leader as soon as they realise the card is missing. Group organisers are authorised to record and escalate such cases to relevant support teams. The group leader can also provide immediate guidance and facilitate contact with nearby security officials.
Simultaneously, pilgrims are urged to approach the nearest security officer to report the loss formally. This step prevents unauthorised use of the card and enables the authorities to issue assistance or a replacement, depending on the situation.
The ministry has highlighted that failing to report the missing card may result in restricted access to key locations, including entry checkpoints, tents in Mina, and health services in Arafat.
Use digital version
Pilgrims who lose their physical card can temporarily rely on the digital version of the Nusuk Card via the official Nusuk mobile application. This digital copy includes all the essential information and is accepted at most checkpoints.
Authorities recommend that all pilgrims activate and familiarise themselves with the Nusuk app before arrival in Saudi Arabia. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android and also offers location tracking, emergency alerts, and multilingual support.
Saudi officials have confirmed that the digital card holds the same verification power as the physical one, provided it is synced with the registered Hajj profile.
Seek official help
In cases of card loss, pilgrims can call the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah support hotline 1966, which operates around the clock. The Guest Enayah Centre (also known as the “Guests of God Care Centre”) offers assistance in multiple languages and can help guide pilgrims to the nearest Nusuk Enayah support branch. These centres are strategically located near Al-Haram and other key Hajj sites.
Over 2 million pilgrims are expected to participate in Hajj 2025, with more than 110,000 arriving from Pakistan alone. Saudi Arabia has deployed thousands of staff members and volunteers across the holy sites to assist in emergencies. These support teams are trained to deal with issues like lost identification, disorientation, and heat exhaustion.
Special arrangements have also been made this year in light of extreme temperatures, including the deployment of mobile medical units and cooling stations.
The Nusuk Card is printed using advanced security features that prevent counterfeiting. Domestic pilgrims receive their cards through licensed Hajj companies prior to the journey, while international pilgrims are issued their cards upon arrival at the Hajj terminals.
Strict penalties in place
Saudi Arabia has also warned of strict penalties for individuals found inside holy sites without a valid Nusuk Card or official permit. Pilgrims entering Makkah or the sacred sites without authorisation face fines of up to SR20,000. Those assisting such violations – whether by arranging transport or accommodation – risk penalties as high as SR100,000, vehicle confiscation, and deportation in the case of expatriates.
These measures remain in effect from Dhul Qaida 1 (April 29) to Dhul Hijjah 14 (June 10), covering the entire Hajj season.