Complete Guide to Saudi Umrah Visa for US Citizens

Updated on May 26, 2025 | Saudi e-Visa

A sacred journey beyond ritual, discover the essence of Umrah. With the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Walk where Prophets walked, let Umrah renew your spirit. This special permit allows Muslims to perform the Umrah pilgrimage during the rest of the year, except during Hajj season.

While Hajj is a required act of worship and limited to specific dates, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage, non-obligatory and may be carried out at any time of the year. Know how it feels to seek nearness to Allah and visit the land of the divine almighty.

Key Summary

  • Visa Type: Electronic (eVisa)
  • Validity: Usable within 90 days of issuance
  • Visa Entry Type: Single entry
  • Stay allowed: Permitted duration is up to 90 days
  • Processing time: Quick 14-minute application, processing typically takes up to 48 hours
  • Visas processed: Join the list of satisfied applicants who’ve completed the process with ease.

Do U.S. citizens need an Umrah Visa?

Yes, US citizens must complete the Umrah Visa Application before they begin their journey to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. All U.S. citizens granted an Umrah Visa for entry into the Kingdom must carry travel insurance to ensure coverage for any medical emergencies, this is mandatory.

What is the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?

The Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia is a dedicated travel permit that allows international travelers to enter the country specifically for the purpose of performing the Umrah pilgrimage, a spiritual journey to get closer to the almighty. While Hajj happens only during set dates, following specific Islamic lunar dates, Umrah offers flexibility, permitted year-round, Apart from the days reserved for Hajj.

Usually issued as a single-entry visa with a 90-day validity period, the Umrah Visa for Saudi Arabia is solely meant for religious travel. This gives pilgrims a peaceful window to fulfill their sacred rites and experience the Kingdom's rich traditions. Please be aware that this visa is strictly for religious travel and does not authorize working or prolonged stays.

What are the Umrah Visa Rules that you are required to follow?

The Umrah Visa is a special visa for foreigners, granted by Saudi Arabia, welcoming pilgrims from around the world, but for that you need to follow the Umrah Visa rules:

General Rules

  • Purpose: Solely meant for Umrah pilgrimage (does not authorize working or prolonged stays).
  • Validity: Usable within 90 days of issuance
  • Visa Cost: Umrah Visa itself is free, but you will have to pay the service/processing fees that may apply.
  • Entry Deadline: Should be able to enter before the cutoff date

Eligibility Rules

  • Women (who are 18-65 years) are allowed to travel for Umrah without a Mahram if they are traveling in a women’s group and have a no objection letter or written permission from their male guardian.
  • Under 18 years are considered minors, they are required to travel under the supervision or guidance of a parent or legal guardian.
  • The visa is available exclusively to Muslims demonstrating a clear intention to carry out the Umrah pilgrimage.

Application Rules

  • Applications are accepted through authorized travel agents or you are permitted to apply through the official Nusuk platform.
  • Confirmed round-trip tickets and booked lodging in Makkah or Madinah are essential.
  • Must hold a valid passport with at least 6+ months remaining, after your planned entry.

Vaccination Requirements & Travel Health Insurance

  • Pilgrims must have vaccinations for Meningococcal meningitis (which is mandatory), Polio or yellow fever (only if traveling from risk areas), and Seasonal influenza.
  • Travel health insurance is mandatory to be prepared for unwanted medical issues.

Restrictions and Penalties

  • Extended or long prolonged stays lead to fines of up to SAR 100,000 (which is USD 26,600).
  • At the time of the holy month of Hajj, some countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh face temporary visa suspensions.

Differences between the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa and the Umrah Visa

Thinking why the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa is different from the Umrah Visa, here is how you can differentiate:

Eligibility

  • Umrah Visa: Solely available for Muslim pilgrims
  • Tourist Visa: Open to both Muslims and non-Muslims travelers, applicable from designated eligible countries only.

Purpose

  • Umrah Visa: Solely for the Muslims to perform the Umrah pilgrimage.
  • Tourist Visa: Can be used for tourism, family visits, leisure travel, and permitted to perform Umrah (but not during the designated Hajj season).

Application Process

  • Umrah Visa: Required to submit the application for Umrah Visa through licensed travel agencies or through the official Nusuk platform.
  • Tourist Visa: Hassle free application online (eVisa), or visa on arrival for some nationalities.

Travel Restrictions

  • Umrah Visa: Restricts visit to other places, can limit their entry to Makkah, Madinah, and possibly Jeddah only.
  • Tourist Visa: Hassle-free movement throughout Saudi Arabia (except Makkah and Madinah for non-Muslim travelers).

Validity and Duration

  • Umrah Visa: Usable within 90 days of issuance, grants single entry.
  • Tourist Visa: Usable within one year of issuance, grants multiple entry, and each stay limited to 90 days.

Accommodation and Insurance

  • Umrah Visa: Confirmed lodging arrangements made prior to travel and possess mandatory health insurance coverage.
  • Tourist Visa: Evidence of pre-booked accommodation, along with mandatory health insurance.

Health Requirements

  • Umrah Visa: Pilgrims must have mandatory vaccinations for Meningococcal meningitis, Polio or yellow fever (those coming from risk areas), and Seasonal influenza.
  • Tourist Visa: Overall fewer health restrictions.

Cost

  • Umrah Visa: No need for visa fee, but pilgrims will have to pay agency or processing charges.
  • Tourist Visa: Costs may vary, and must include travel insurance.

Note:

  • When to choose the Umrah Visa? If you're traveling only for Umrah pilgrimage.
  • When to opt for the Tourist Visa? For greater travel flexibility, or if you intend to visit multiple cities and aim to include Umrah (possible only for Muslim travelers) within a more comprehensive travel experience, a tourist visa fits you perfectly.

What are the lists of documents US citizens must possess to apply for an Umrah Visa?

In order to be eligible to apply for Umrah Visa, US citizens who are muslims, are generally required to furnish the following documents:

Completed Umrah Visa Application Form: Usually applications are accepted through authorized travel agents or you are permitted to apply through the official Nusuk platform.

Valid Passport: Must hold a valid passport with at least 6+ months remaining, after your planned entry.

Flight Itinerary details: Pre-booked confirmed round-trip tickets

Passport-Size Photographs: Need to provide one  recent color photo, clicked in a white background and the size should be typically 2x2 inches (standard U.S. passport photo).

Proof of Accommodation: booked lodging in Makkah or Madinah are essential, arranged through your Umrah package.

Travel Insurance: Travel health insurance (usually included in your package) is mandatory to be prepared for unwanted medical issues.

Vaccination Certificate: Pilgrims must have vaccination certificates for Meningococcal meningitis (which is mandatory), Polio or yellow fever (only if traveling from risk areas), and Seasonal influenza.

Visa Service Payment Receipt: No need for visa fee, but pilgrims will have to pay agency or processing charges, you will need to show proof of payment handled by the travel agency.

Nusuk Platform Registration (if required): Required to submit the application for Umrah Visa through licensed travel agencies and may also require completing part of the process on the official Nusuk platform.

Mahram Proof (for Women if Applicable): Women (18-65 years) are allowed to travel for Umrah without a Mahram if they are in a group and have a no objection letter or written permission from a male guardian.

Important Notes:

  • How to apply? Umrah Application cannot be directly applied through the Saudi embassy, the pilgrim must apply through licensed Umrah agents.
  • Processing time taken: It depends on the agency and the season of application, however, in general it takes 5–10 business days.

Application steps for US citizens for the Saudi Arabia Umrah application process

US passport holders who are muslims by religion and intends to undertake the Umrah pilgrimage, they can do so by applying for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa by following the step-by-step application steps:

Step 1: Apply for Saudi Umrah e-Visa

  • Since you are a resident of the US with a US passport, you are eligible for Umrah using a Saudi e-Visa

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

  • Completed Saudi Umrah Visa form
  • Valid U.S. passport ( at least 6+ months left before expiration)
  • One recent passport-size photo clicked, comprising of white background
  • Confirmed round-trip tickets and booked lodging in Makkah or Madinah are essential.
  • Travel health insurance (usually included in your package) is mandatory to be prepared for unwanted medical issues.
  • Proof of vaccination certificates (Meningitis, influenza, etc, if required)
  • Mahram relationship proof for women (18-65 years)

Step 3: Pay Service & Processing Fees

No need for visa fee, but pilgrims will have to pay agency or processing charges, you will need to show proof of payment handled by the travel agency.

  • Pay agency service fees/ processing charges
  • Insurance and logistics

Step 4: Register on the Nusuk Platform (Optional but Recommended)

  • Visit www.nusuk.sa which is the official site to register (it is optional but sometimes may be asked to register).
  • In some Umrah packages the registration is required or account creation is recommended to keep a track of the Umrah slots.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing

  • It depends on the agency and the season of application, however, in general it takes 5–10 business days.
  • The approved Umrah visa will be mailed by the agency.

Step 6: Prepare for Travel

  • Print all important documents: To avoid any hassle and keep proof of your documents (like visa, itinerary, vaccine proof, and hotel confirmations) handy it is recommended to print your documents.
  • Before heading to Saudi: Do review its customs and health rules.
  • Authorised entry point for Umrah pilgrimage: Ensure you arrive at an approved authorized entry airport like Jeddah or Madinah.

Travel to Saudi Arabia: What happens on Arrival?

  • When you land in an authorized entry airport like Jeddah or Madinah for your pilgrimage, present your documents to immigration.
  • You should perform your Umrah during your visa-valid stay (typically within 90 days)
  • To avoid unwanted fines or bans, make it obligatory to exit the country before the visa expires.

Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa at least 3 days in advance of your flight to KSA.

 
Apply for Saudi Umrah e-Visa