How to Get an Umrah Visa from the USA — Step-by-Step Guide
Since Saudi Arabia launched the Nusuk platform in 2022, the Umrah visa process for US-based pilgrims has changed significantly. This shift has changed the entire system digitally. Also, now applications can apply online without the detailed guidance of travel agents.
You citizens can easily apply through the Nusuk platform or approved Saudi visa channels to get an Umrah visa from the USA. You just have to find a suitable visa type (Umrah or tourist visa) and submit required documents such as a valid passport and photo. After this, the visa will be delivered to the applicant’s email address once approved.
This guide is for US passport holders, green card holders, and dual nationals who are planning their Umrah journey. It also explains Umrah visa requirements for US citizens in a simple and practical way.
Can US citizens apply for an Umrah visa?
Yes, US citizens can apply for an Umrah visa without difficulty. For those wondering how to apply for an Umrah visa from the USA, it can be done through the Nusuk platform or approved Saudi eVisa systems.
Most applicants prefer an Umrah visa from the USA online because it is fast and fully digital. You only need a valid passport and must apply outside the Hajj season.
Main eligibility for US passport holders
Category | Eligibility | Key Requirements |
US Citizens | Yes | Passport (6+ months), email, payment method, Muslim faith |
Green Card Holders | Yes | Valid green card + passport (6+ months), US residency proof |
Dual Nationals | Yes | Use qualifying passport (US or approved country) |
Always double-check these basics first for Umrah visa from USA,:
- Valid US passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Active email address for visa updates
- Debit or credit card for payment
- Must be Muslim intending to perform Umrah
- Travel should be outside Hajj season
- Children under 18 must travel with parents
These are simple requirements, but missing even one can delay approval. Also, you can select opt for Umrah packages from the USA to get full support for applying.
Can Green Card Holders Apply for Umrah Visa?
Yes, green card holders can also apply. You just need a valid passport and an active US green card. Most importantly, your passport should have at least 6 months validity. Sometimes, proof of US residency may also be required during application.
What about dual nationals?
Yes, dual nationals are also eligible. You can apply using either your US passport or another eligible passport. It is preferred to choose the passport that gives you the smoothest approval based on Saudi rules. This small step can avoid unnecessary delays.
Important notes
- Tourist eVisas now allow Umrah travel
- Women under 45 can travel independently on a tourist visa
- Always check document validity before applying
Umrah visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens do need a visa for Umrah. The process is simple because you can apply online through the Saudi eVisa system or Nusuk platform. Most requirements are document-based and easy to prepare. If you’re wondering do US citizens need a visa for umrah, the answer is always yes for travel to Saudi Arabia.
Here’s a simple checklist for umrah visa requirements for us citizens:
Required documents checklist
- Valid US Passport: At least 6 months validation is required. Renewal is recommended if close to expiry.
- Passport Photos: Use recent photos with white background. The size should be 35x45mm.
- Meningitis Vaccination Certificate: Entry requires Meningococcal (ACYW135) vaccination.
- Mahram Documentation (women under 45): Traveling alone is acceptable with some tourist visas. In most of the cases, a consent letter or mahram is a must.
- Proof of US Residency: Driver’s license or utility bill; mainly for residents and green card holders.
Additional requirements
Flight tickets, hotel bookings and a completed online form via the Saudi eVisa portal can be required for an Umrah visa from the USA. Make sure to have everything before applying.
How to apply for Umrah visa from USA — 5 steps
The process is fully online and simple to apply for an Umrah visa from the USA. US citizens can apply through the Nusuk platform or Saudi eVisa portal without visiting any office. In most cases, approval takes around 5–10 days, depending on document accuracy and season.
Here’s exactly how I guide umrah visa for us citizens step by step.
1. Create Your Nusuk Account
Start by visiting the Nusuk platform and registering with your email and phone number for SMS verification. This creates your pilgrim profile for all Umrah services.
This is a one-time process which takes 5 minutes. Keep your login details safe if required in future.
2. Fill Out the Application Form
Next, log in and select either the Tourist eVisa or Umrah option. Then enter:
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Travel dates
- Purpose of visit (Umrah)
This step usually takes 10–15 minutes if your details are ready.
3. Upload Your Documents
After that, upload all required documents:
- Passport scan
- Passport photo
- Meningitis vaccination certificate
- Mahram letter (if required)
It takes about 10 minutes. It is recommended keeping digital copies ready before starting.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
Now pay the visa fee online using a debit or credit card. The cost usually ranges from $18 to $100 USD, depending on visa type. Payment confirmation is instant and secure.
This step takes only 2–5 minutes.
5. Receive Your eVisa and Prepare to Travel
Finally, your eVisa is sent by email within 1 to 10 days. You should print it before traveling. At entry, you may be asked to show:
- eVisa copy
- Hotel booking
- Return ticket
You can also track your application status on the portal. This process to get Umrah visa for green card holders is also similar.
Umrah visa cost from USA
The Umrah visa cost from the USA typically ranges between $150–$300 per person. This is the main visa fee paid through the Saudi eVisa system. However, when you add other required or optional expenses, the total cost usually reaches $400–$900 per person. This does not include flights or hotel stays.
Saudi Visa Fee (umrah visa fee from usa)
Cost range: $150–$300
Includes:
- Processing fee (~$80–$142)
- Insurance (~$25)
- Transaction fee (~$2)
This is the core cost every applicant must pay. However, price may vary depending on single or multiple entry visa type
Travel Agent Service Fee (Optional)
Cost: $100–$200
Covers:
- Application submission
- Booking assistance
Travel agent consultation is helpful if you prefer guided support instead of doing everything yourself
Meningitis Vaccine Cost in the US
- Cost: $170–$280 (without insurance)
- Vaccine: MenACWY
Always check insurance because it can reduce your cost significantly
Optional Travel Insurance
Cost: $50–$100
Covers:
- Medical emergencies
- Travel delays
- Trip protection
Sometimes it is included in Umrah packages
Total Estimated Cost
Overall, expect to spend around $400–$900 per person depending on your choices. The lower range applies if you apply directly, while the higher range includes agents and extra services.
You can also compare with full breakdowns in our guide on Umrah cost from the USA.
Umrah visa processing time from USA
The Umrah visa processing time in the USA is usually 24–72 hours when your application is complete and correct. This applies to most Umrah Visa from USA applications submitted through Nusuk or the Saudi eVisa system. In some cases, especially through agents, it can take 5–10 days depending on checks and workload.
Standard processing time
Most Umrah visa from usa applications are approved within 24–72 hours. The system is fully digital, so approvals are fast when documents are accurate.
Peak season delays
It may take several days to a week during peak seasons like Ramadan and Dhul Hijja. Extra checks can be required as demand can be very high during this duration.
Smart booking tips
- Apply 4–6 weeks early
- Use official portals like Nusuk
- Double-check documents before submitting
What to do if get rejected
Photo errors, passport issues or missing vaccination proof can become a reason for rejection. If it happens, fix errors and reapply quickly for Saudi Arabia Umrah visa from the USA.
Can I apply through a US travel agency instead?
Yes. you can consult with a licensed Umrah travel agency USA for applying. In fact, this can be the better option if you don’t know how to apply for an Umrah visa from the US. Agencies offer full support during your Umrah journey but can be a little costly compared to direct application.
Travel agent vs direct application
- Agency route: handles visa submission, documents, and often includes flights, hotels, and transport.
- Direct route: done via Nusuk or Visit Saudi, usually approved in 24–72 hours, but you manage everything.
Benefits of using an agent
- Document checking to reduce errors
- Full Umrah packages (visa + travel + stay)
- Helpful for first-time pilgrims and families
- 24/7 assistance during travel
When to choose an agent
Family, elders, or the first timers find agent consultation more helpful. However, you can go direct if you want lower cost and control.
Many packages already include visa processing, making it easier to apply for an Umrah visa from the USA through a trusted Umrah Travel Agency USA.
Next steps — book your Umrah package
Now it’s time to take the next step after understanding the full process of the Umrah visa from the USA. Booking a package makes everything easier because it brings your visa, travel, and stay together in one plan.
You can check our Umrah packages from the USA that include visa processing, hotels, and transport. See best Umrah deals from the USA for updated options.
Speak now with our agent for visa support, package selection, and planning. A simple contact form makes the process even easier.
Start planning today for a peaceful journey.
FAQs
Yes US citizens must have a Saudi Umrah visa to perform Umrah. They can apply through the Nusuk platform or a licensed US travel agent. The Umrah visa is required for all pilgrims outside Hajj season. A valid US passport with at least 6 months validity is also required.
For an online Umrah visa, apply through Nusuk. You can also talk to a licensed travel agent. For Nusuk, create an account, fill out the application form, upload documents and pay the fee. You will get eVisa by email once it is approved. It usually takes 24-72 hours for the process if everything goes correctly.
Yes, green card holders can get an Umrah visa or Saudi tourist eVisa. However their green cards must be valid, their passport validity should be for at least 6+ months and they need to show US residency proof. They can apply through Nusuk, portals or licensed US travel agents.
An Umrah visa from the USA costs about $150-$500. The cost of the Saudi eVisa is $150-$300 while the additional costs will include $100-$200 paid to the travel agent. In conclusion, everything will depend on the chosen visa, season and the service provider.
The application process through Nusuk with complete paperwork is expected to take 24-72 hours. However, during the busy period of Ramadan or Dhul Hijja, it may take about a week.
In some cases, it is possible for women to obtain an Umrah visa without a mahram because of Saudi Arabia’s new rule. However, there is an age requirement of 18 years for travel without supervision.
The only vaccine that is required is meningitis (ACWY). It is recommended that it be administered not less than 10 days prior to traveling and is valid for 3-5 years. Additionally, carrying your certificate is essential as Saudi authorities check it at entry points for confirmation.
Yes, you can perform Umrah on a tourist eVisa. It allows both tourism and pilgrimage since the 2019 update. The tourist visa is usually more flexible offering entries and longer validity compared to a dedicated Umrah visa.
A dedicated Umrah visa is usually valid for 30 days to enter with a stay of up to 90 days. A tourist eVisa is valid for 1 year with entries allowing 90 days per visit.
No, you do not need a travel agent to get an Umrah visa from the USA. You can apply directly through Nusuk. However agents can help with documents and packages which’s useful for first-time pilgrims or families looking for a smoother guided experience.
Yes, you can apply during Ramadan. However, you must have to apply 4–6 weeks early. It is one of the peak seasons so processing is slower and costs are higher.
An Umrah visa is strictly for pilgrimage, while a tourist visa allows both tourism and Umrah. The tourist visa offers more flexibility with multiple entries and longer validity. I usually suggest choosing based on travel style, budget, and how often you plan to visit Saudi Arabia.
