Umrah Visa from the USA: Requirements, eVisa and Travel Guide (2026)
Quick answer
US citizens can usually perform Umrah on the Saudi tourist eVisa, applied for online at visa.visitsaudi.com, outside the Hajj season. Green card holders with non-US passports have been eligible for the eVisa or visa on arrival — confirm on the official portal. Once your visa is issued, book your Umrah permit free in the Nusuk app.
American pilgrims benefit from eVisa eligibility, so the main planning challenges are long-haul flights, permit timing and travelling during peak seasons.
Which visa should a US traveller use?
- US citizens: the Saudi tourist eVisa permits Umrah outside the Hajj season.
- US permanent residents (green card) and valid US visa holders: have been eligible for the eVisa or visa on arrival — check your passport qualifies.
- Anyone not eligible: a dedicated Umrah visa through an authorised provider.
Documents US pilgrims need
- Passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages
- Recent passport-style photograph on a white background
- Confirmed return or onward flight booking
- Accommodation booking for your stay in Makkah and Madinah
- Health insurance covering your stay in Saudi Arabia (often included in the visa fee)
- Vaccinations required by Saudi health authorities for the season — commonly meningitis (ACYW135); check current requirements
Travel guidance from the USA
- Direct flights to Jeddah or Riyadh operate from several US hubs, including New York, Washington DC and others; many pilgrims connect via Europe or the Gulf.
- Allow a day to recover from jet lag before performing Umrah.
- Check the US State Department travel advisory for Saudi Arabia before you go.
- Flying via Saudi Arabia? Saudi carriers have offered a short stopover visa that can allow Umrah during a transit — check current terms with the airline.
- Green card holders: carry a physical card that is still valid; an expired card with an extension notice may not be accepted.
- Arrange a working phone number (roaming or eSIM) — Nusuk sends one-time codes by SMS.
Confirm the current rules before you book
Saudi Arabia updates visa eligibility, fees and seasonal restrictions (especially around Hajj) with little notice. Before paying for flights or hotels, check the official sources: the Saudi visa platform (visa.visitsaudi.com / ksavisa.sa), the Nusuk platform (umrah.nusuk.sa) and the Saudi embassy or consulate in your country.
Umrah is generally not possible on tourist or visit visas during the Hajj season, when Makkah access is restricted to Hajj permit holders. Plan Umrah dates outside that window.
Frequently asked
Questions pilgrims ask about this
Short, direct answers to the questions we hear most often from Indian pilgrims.
Can American citizens do Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season US citizens can perform Umrah on the Saudi tourist eVisa after booking a Nusuk permit.
Can green card holders get the Saudi eVisa?
Holders of a valid US permanent residence card have been eligible for the eVisa or visa on arrival, subject to Saudi conditions. Confirm on visa.visitsaudi.com.
When is the best time to go from the USA?
Winter months offer cooler weather in Makkah. Ramadan and school holidays are busiest and most expensive.
Can I book my Umrah permit (time slot) myself if I travel from the USA?
Yes. Once you hold a valid visa, Umrah and Rawdah visit permits are booked through the Nusuk app. Permits are free but slots can sell out in busy periods, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Do women need a mahram for Umrah?
Saudi Arabia has relaxed the mahram requirement for women aged 18 and above travelling on eligible visas, typically with a group or organised arrangement. Rules for younger travellers and specific visa types differ, so confirm your own case before applying.
Can Marhaba Haji help with my application?
Our core service is for pilgrims from India, but our specialists can review your documents and explain which pathway fits you. Contact us before booking and we will tell you honestly whether we can help or whether you should apply directly.
Still have a question? Ask our visa assistant in your own words — answers link back to our guides.
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