Updated 2026/27. Praying in the Rawdah, This "Garden of Paradise" between the Prophet's ﷺ house and his minbar is one of the most anticipated moments of any stay in Medina. But in 2026, one rule is indisputable: Entry will be refused without a digital permit reserved in advance on the Nusuk app. — The agents scan your QR code at the gate. This is the number one mistake French-speaking visitors make: they plan the entire trip… except for the time slot. Here's how to do it, step by step, in sha Allah.
Key takeaway (30 seconds)
- The Rawdah permit is mandatory AND free, only via Nusuk. No QR code, no entry.
- Book BEFORE arriving in Medina : the slots are gone in a few seconds.
- New opportunities are opening up often on Friday afternoon (Saudi time), plus small batches all day long.
- Men and women : opening hours and doors separated.
- In general, a permit every ~365 days.
- Arrive 30 minutes early your chosen time slot; pray 2 rak'ahs, make du'as, avoid the photos.
- Be wary of any intermediary who "guarantees" access in exchange for payment: It's a scam, The permit is free.
What is Rawdah, and why is a permit required?
There Rawdah (also called Riad ul-Jannah, (…), «the garden of Paradise») is the space located between the Prophet's ﷺ former residence — which adjoins his noble chamber (Hujrah) — and his minbar. It is recognized today by its green carpet, separate from the rest of the Prophet's Mosque. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, in a hadith narrated by al-Bukhari, that the space between his dwelling and his minbar is one of the gardens of Paradise. This explains the immense crowds who come to pray there.
Because this space is little and that of millions Since many believers visit Medina each year, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has established a simple rule: Do not enter without a permit, issued via the Nusuk app. Security checks the QR code at the entrance. No one can let you in "without a permit" — don't think otherwise.
How to book, step by step
Allow approximately 5 minutes once your account is ready. Do it from home, before you leave.
- Download the Nusuk app (the official app of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah) Android (Google Play) · iPhone (App Store) · official website nusuk.sa. Beware of imitations: the publisher must be "Ministry of Hajj and Umrah".
- Create your account as soon as your Umrah visa is issued, with your passport number and your visa number. (Tip: Don't delay, do it the same day.)
- On the homepage, open the section «"Services of the Prophet's Mosque"» (Prophet's Mosque Services).
- Choose «"Rawdah Permit - Men"» Or «"Rawdah Permit - Women"» depending on your gender. Important: the men's and women's sessions are at completely different times, and a permit obtained under the wrong option can be invalidated. will not work at the door.
- Check your name ; if relatives are linked to your account as companions, check them as well, then continue.
- THE calendar appears: choose one green date (available) and a 30-minute slot.
- Accepts the conditions (box «instructions»), then generates and captures a photo of the QR code.
- D-Day, present your QR at the indicated door, during your allotted time.
The rules that really matter
Book before you arrive — really. The slots are filling up. in a few seconds. New lots are opening up usually on Friday afternoon (Saudi time) for the coming week, and of small batches every 30 minutes during the day. The best strategy: open the app several times a day, especially on Friday PM. If you wait until you've landed, the dates will already be "red".
Men and women: separate entrances and gates. THE men usually enter from end of night into the early morning (often by the door 37, (or Bab as-Salam). The women have two windows, early in the morning and late at night (often door 25, (Bab Uthman ibn Affan). The exact times change : it's always the time written on your Nusuk license which is authoritative.
Children. THE Babies and very young children are not allowed. in the Rawdah. Starting from 5 years, The child needs his own license, to be booked as for an adult.
Frequency. As a general rule, one can obtain a permit every 365 days. A Limited instant access can sometimes appear when one is physically near the mosque, but don't bet on it.
On site. Arrive 30 minutes early Your time slot. Once inside: pray 2 rak'ah of supererogation if space permits, multiplies the du'as and the Peace be upon the Prophet ﷺ, remains within the adab, and avoid taking photos — a lot of people are waiting, this is a moment of reflection, not a backdrop.
Common problems & solutions
- «No slots available» (everything is red). Normal during peak hours. Refresh the app often, aims at Friday afternoon (Saudi time) And every 30 minutes.
- «"The new permit must be 45 days old from the previous one" / refusal related to a recent permit. That's the rule of’spacing between two visits. If your last visit was a while ago and the error persists, it's a known limitation of the app : be patient and try again.
- Refused entry at the gate even though I have a permit. Check that you have booked under the good kind (man/woman) and that you introduce yourself during your time slot, to the good door.
- The confirmation email comes from ’Eatmarna«. That's the old name of the platform: it's normal, it's not fraud.
- I am being offered a paid "guaranteed access". Refused: the permit is free and nominative. No intermediary can circumvent the system.
Bonus 2026: What's new at the Prophet's Mosque
Medina has strengthened its digital services, making your visit easier. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA, June 5, 2026), a real-time monitoring of prayer areas now allows choose the best time and the right location to pray, with interactive smart maps to find your way around inside, and the simultaneous translation of sermons Available in several languages. Useful for organizing your time slots around prayer times.
Regarding transportation, the Medina development authority arranged new [services] in June. pedestrian walkways in the central area, as well as a pedestrian walkway towards the Quba mosque. The opportunity for a good spiritual plan: according to a reported hadith (Ibn Mâja, an-Nasâ'î), Praying two rak'ahs in Quba is equivalent to the reward of an Umrah.. To learn more, see also our New regulations for Hajj and Umrah 2026 and our guide to Umrah visas 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a fee for the Rawdah permit? No. He is free and is only available through the application Nusuk. Any payment demanded to "guarantee" access is a scam.
- When do the slots open up? Most often the Friday afternoon (Saudi time) for the following week, with small batches every 30 minutes During the day. Check the app frequently.
- Can I book from my country before I leave? Yes, and that's highly recommended, especially in peak season: slots are snapped up in seconds.
- How many times can I enter the Rawdah? In general once a year (approximately every 365 days).
- And what about the children? Babies are not allowed. From 5 years, The child needs his own license.
- What should I do if the app displays "full"? Refresh regularly, targeting the Friday afternoon and the openings of small lots throughout the day.
Verified sources (dated)
- Nusuk App / Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — official permit booking platform (nusuk.sa).
- Sahih al-Bukhari — hadith on the Rawdah («one of the gardens of Paradise»); Sunan Ibn Majah / an-Nasa'i — merit of prayer at Quba.
Warning : the schedules, doors and rules of the Rawdah evolve. It's always your Nusuk license which is authoritative. For all up-to-date information, refer to the official application. Nusuk.
Are you preparing for your Umrah? Join our WhatsApp group ✅, our Telegram channel ☑️ or our Telegram group ✅ for the latest news from Medina. May Allah accept your prayers in the Rawdah and facilitate your visit. Amen.
