If you are a US-based Muslim planning Umrah, the visa is the first step. You can travel on the Saudi tourist eVisa or a dedicated Umrah eVisa, and either way you register on the Nusuk platform for your permit.
Which Visa Do US Citizens Need for Umrah?
American citizens have two main options for performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia. The right choice depends on how you prefer to plan your trip.
Saudi Tourist eVisa
The tourist eVisa is the most flexible option. It’s a multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. You can apply directly through visa.visitsaudi.com, with no travel agent required.
The fee includes mandatory health insurance, and you can also get the visa on arrival at Saudi airports. Both fees are in the table below.
Dedicated Umrah eVisa via Nusuk
If you prefer a structured package, you can apply for a dedicated Umrah eVisa through the Nusuk platform or an authorized Umrah travel agency. This visa is also valid for up to 90 days and is issued against a Nusuk-approved booking.
The visa fee is normally bundled into a package, which typically covers your hotel stay and may include ground transport and ziyarat tours. Our guide to Umrah packages from the USA compares what the tiers include.
Key Difference
- Tourist eVisa: book your own flights, hotels, and transport independently. More flexibility, but you handle all logistics.
- Umrah eVisa via Nusuk/agent: your accommodation, and usually transport, is pre-arranged as part of the package. Less flexibility, but more guidance, which suits first-time pilgrims.
Regardless of which visa you choose, you must register on the Nusuk app to obtain an Umrah permit before entering Makkah. The visa allows entry into Saudi Arabia; the Nusuk permit allows you to perform Umrah.
Requirements
The documents below are needed for your Umrah trip regardless of visa type. Note that the tourist eVisa application itself requires only your passport, photo, and fee; the remaining items are checked at arrival or needed for your Nusuk registration.
Mandatory Documents
- US passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, with blank pages for stamps
- Recent passport-sized photograph with a white or light background
- Proof of meningitis (ACWY) vaccination, required by both the CDC and Saudi authorities, administered at least 10 days before arrival
- Confirmed return flight booking
- Hotel reservation in Makkah or Madinah (or both)
Health Requirements
The quadrivalent ACWY meningococcal vaccine is non-negotiable. Saudi Arabia will not issue a visa without proof of vaccination. For more information on health requirements for Umrah Visa, check out our dedicated guide on Umrah Vaccine 2026.
For full details on Hajj and Umrah rules, including dress codes and prohibited items, see our dedicated guide.
How to Apply: Step by Step
The application process takes as little as 24 hours for the tourist eVisa route.
Booking online: Wego is an official partner of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, with ministry-approved hotels and the eVisa in partnership with Nusuk, so the booking and the visa application move together.
Packages are supplied by licensed Umrah operators and tiers differ on what is included, so check the transport line before you pay. Our walkthrough of booking Umrah on your phone shows the whole flow.
Tourist eVisa Route
- Go to visa.visitsaudi.com and select “Apply Now.”
- Fill in your personal details, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the SAR 535 fee.
- Approval typically arrives within 12–24 hours by email.
- Once approved, download the Nusuk app, create an account, and book your Umrah permit.
Umrah Visa via Agent or Nusuk
- Choose an authorized Umrah travel agency or browse packages directly on the Nusuk platform.
- Submit your passport, photo, vaccination certificate, and select your package (accommodation, usually with transport).
- The agency or Nusuk processes the visa. This typically takes 1–3 business days for an eVisa and 5–10 business days for group applications.
- Your Umrah permit is included with the package.
Costs, Flights and Timing
Planning your budget and travel dates early makes a significant difference, especially during peak Umrah months.
Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (online) | SAR 535 (~$143) | 1 year, multiple entry, 90 days per stay |
| Visa on arrival | SAR 480 (~$128) | 1 year, multiple entry, 90 days per stay |
| Umrah eVisa (via Nusuk/agent) | ~SAR 300 (~$80) + package | Up to 90 days |
Flights From the US
Most US pilgrims fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, the closest major airport to Makkah, about 80 km away.
Saudia operates direct flights from Washington, D.C. (IAD) and New York (JFK) to Jeddah. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer one-stop connections through their respective hubs.
When to Go & When to Avoid
Umrah can be performed year-round except during the official Hajj season. The 1448 AH season is open now. Umrah visas stop being issued on 9 March 2027, the last date to enter Saudi Arabia is 23 March 2027 and all pilgrims must depart by 7 April 2027.
Every year, Makkah closes to holders of visit and tourist visas from 1 Dhul-Qa’dah to 14 Dhul-Hijjah, when only Hajj visa holders may enter. Violators face fines of up to SAR 20,000 (~$5,333) and deportation, and expatriates can be barred from re-entry for 10 years.
Peak Umrah months (Ramadan and the weeks just after Hajj) mean higher prices and larger crowds. If flexibility allows, traveling in the off-peak months of July through November typically offers lower package costs and less congestion. For the latest on current conditions, check our Umrah travel update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. US citizens can perform Umrah on the tourist eVisa, provided they register on the Nusuk platform for an Umrah permit and travel outside the official Hajj season.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Saudi Arabia?
Overstaying can result in heavy fines (potentially thousands of dollars), detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry to Saudi Arabia. Always track your permitted stay dates carefully.
Can a woman perform Umrah from the USA without a mahram?
Yes. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirms that a woman may perform Umrah without a mahram. See our guide to Umrah without a mahram.
Sources
- Visit Saudi: Official Saudi eVisa Portal
- Nusuk: Official Umrah Platform (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah)
- Visit Saudi: Visa Regulations
- US State Department: Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Travelers
- CDC Yellow Book: Saudi Arabia, Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages
- US Embassy Saudi Arabia: Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimage Travelers
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah: FAQ
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
