How to get an Umrah visa is a very common question for Muslims living in the US who want to travel to Mecca. For American citizens, there are three main ways. First, you can go through a licensed travel agent and get a traditional Umrah visa. Second, you can apply directly Umrah visa online at the official Saudi e-Visa website. Third, in some cases, you can even get a visa on arrival when you land at one of the major airports in Saudi Arabia.
Whether you choose a dedicated Umrah visa or travel with a tourist and eVisa. And it’s important to understand the latest Saudi visa rules, which document requirements, as with a U.S. passport valid for at least six months, hotel and transportation reservations (made on the Nusuk platform), a return flight ticket, and health insurance. The article will help to explain how US citizens can apply for an Umrah visa step by step, covering eligibility, fees, and processing time for a smooth journey.
What Is an Umrah Visa?
A visa is a permit issued by Saudi Arabia that allows Muslims to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, except for Hajj. Citizens of the country can use an Umrah visa or a tourist e-visa (if permitted) in accordance with current regulations.
Eligibility for American Muslims
For American Muslims who want to go on Umrah, the rules are not too complicated. You also need a US passport with at least six months left before it expires. And very importantly, you must have a return ticket or onward travel plans.
Documents Required for Umrah (for American Muslims)
Before you apply, you should have a few documents ready. Think of it like a travel bag of your documents – without them, your visa may be delayed or even denied. These documents include the following:
- Passport – Your US passport must be at least six months valid before your departure date. If it is less, the airline and Saudi immigration will not accept it.
- Photo – A recent passport photo, color, white background. Straight face, no shadows, no large glasses covering the eyes. Otherwise, they reject many photos.
- Hotel and transport booking – Starting in 2025, Saudi Arabia wants pilgrims to book hotels and ground transport before the visa. This is done through the Nusuk platform or a travel agent. One of the most common reasons for delays is missing this step.
- Return flight ticket – You will need to show the ticket back, so they know you will leave before the visa expires.
- Vaccination papers – Sometimes they ask for vaccines like polio, meningitis, or flu. Always check the health update laws of Saudi Arabia before traveling.
- Insurance – Travel or medical insurance is now a must. It covers you in case of an emergency.
Quick tip: In 2024, Saudi said that 1 of 4 Umrah visas were denied because the hotel booking was incorrect or missing. So it’s best to double-check your hotel confirmation before submitting your application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Check eligibility – Verify your credentials: religion, passport validity, and citizenship/residency.
Gather your documents – Photo, proof of vaccinations, return flight, hotel and transport bookings (through NUSUK or a trusted travel agent).
Choose how to apply – Use the official VisitSaudi eVisa portal, licensed agency, or embassy-based process where you feel comfortable.
Fill out the form – Write your name, passport and other information very carefully, no mistakes.
Submit documents and make payment – After uploading everything, pay your fees through the official method.
Wait for approval – eVisa usually arrives in 1–3 days, sometimes a little longer if not online.
Get your visa – it comes digitally or as a paper sticker. Always keep a copy printed and in your phone too.
Quick tip: If you are applying online, try to use a PC as you may make mistakes on your phone, especially if you are doing it for the first time.
Processing Time, Fees & Validity
Speed: eVisa is fast, usually 1–3 days, faster than renewing a US passport.
Cost: Approximately $100–150 USD, may vary slightly.
Stay: Typically up to 90 days, depending on whether the visa is single-entry or multiple.
Best Time to Apply
2-3 weeks before travel is best. This gives you time to correct errors, confirm hotels, and prepare for new Saudi health regulations.
Common Issues and Rejections
Visas are sometimes delayed or even rejected for many Americans. The most common reasons are as follows:
- Incorrect or missing hotel or transportation reservations (Saudis now want everything booked before you leave).
- Passport names or details are not the same, a small spelling mistake can cause a big problem.
- Incorrect or missing vaccination documents
- The photo isn’t of good quality or does not follow the rules.
- Applying too late, too close to the day of travel.
How to fix it
Don’t panic when you get rejected. Read the notice, see what paperwork is missing or incorrect. Resubmit, correct, and resubmit. Many times if you go with a proper travel agent, they already know the system and you can avoid the mistake.
Tourist Visa on Arrival (VOA) for US Citizens
Saudi Arabia has made it possible for people coming from the US. You can get a tourist visa on arrival (VOA), or you can also apply online with an eVisa.
You get a visa on arrival at major airports: Riyadh (King Khalid), Jeddah (King Abdulaziz), Dammam (King Fahd), Medina (Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz).
You need a passport with 6 months of validity from the USA. They don’t always ask for hotel or transport reservations when you apply, but it’s a good idea to at least have the hotel address on hand. The same goes for a return ticket — the Saudi newspaper says it’s not necessary, but immigration is usually much easier if you have one.
The cost of a VOA is around 440-500 SAR, including medical insurance and fees. You pay by card, sometimes cash at the counter doesn’t work.
This tourist visa is usually a multiple-entry visa, valid for one year, but each visit is limited to a maximum of 90 days.
Most importantly, remember, Saudi regulations can change suddenly without notice. It is best to always check the official e-visa website, or ask the airline before flying.
Conclusion
Performing Umrah is a great blessing, it fills the heart. The first step for brothers and sisters coming from America is the visa. If you bring the right documents, follow the rules, apply through the VisitSaudi website or a trusted agent, things become easier. It is better to book a hotel and transport through NUSUK, and have your vaccination papers ready. Try not to wait until the last minute, hurry up so as not to get stressed. Then your whole mind and heart can be focused on the real goal, which is the spiritual journey to Mecca.
FAQs
Can you use a tourist visa for the US Umrah?
Yes, many times it is possible. With a Saudi Tourist e-Visa you can do Umrah, but only outside the Hajj season.
How quickly does an Umrah visa come?
This is usually a very fast process, with you getting your e-visa in one to three days if all your documents are complete and without any mistakes, but if you go to the embassy or consulate, it may take longer.
Do children or the elderly need special papers?
Yes, for children you need a birth certificate and a letter from a guardian. For elderly or frail people, it is better to plan additional support and also good insurance.
Is health insurance required?
Yes, or strongly recommended. Sometimes already included in the cost of the visa, sometimes separately. Insurance helps in case of hospitalization or emergency, so do not skip it.
