If you’re a United States citizen planning to visit Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa. Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage that can be done at any time of the year and is a way to show devotion, seek forgiveness, and fulfill religious duties. However, note that Umrah visa holders can only visit Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina. To get the Umrah visa, you must:
- Profess the Muslim faith.
- You must be at least 18 years old (minors under 18 must apply with a parent or legal guardian).
- Possess a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining from entry to Saudi Arabia.
- Hold a confirmed return flight ticket.
- Provide proof of meningitis vaccination (administered at least ten (10) days before travel).
- Adhere to a modest dress code (men: long trousers and shirt; women: loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs).
- Show a vaccination certificate for meningitis (and yellow fever if needed).
- Prove you have enough money (some nationalities may need this).
If you intend to undertake Umrah in Saudi Arabia, Visas for Future suggests opting for a Tourist e-visa over an Umrah visa. The Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa offers a fast and efficient entry into the country, allowing you to perform the Umrah pilgrimage while enjoying tourism activities such as attending events, visiting family and relatives, and leisure pursuits.1 Begin your application now by clicking the button below. Our experienced team will guide you through the application process and manage the review and submission of your application on your behalf.
What We’re Offering
If you’re a United States citizen intending to travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you may opt for a Saudi Arabia Tourist e-visa. Our visa processing service guarantees a quick process, and you will receive your visa and mandatory health insurance in your mailbox within three days.
- 90 days duration.1
- Multiple entries.1
- The fee of $214.82 covers both the government fee and the compulsory health insurance.
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What is the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, undertaken by Muslims any time of the year outside the specific dates of Hajj. It’s a deeply spiritual journey focused on worshipping Allah and seeking his forgiveness.
Here’s an important aspect of Umrah:
Preparation:
- Intention (Niyyah): Before embarking, one must declare their intention to perform Umrah.
- State of Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of Ihram, signifying their dedication to the pilgrimage. Specific restrictions apply during Ihram, such as abstaining from certain acts like marital relations or harming oneself.
- Purification: Pilgrims perform a full ablution (wudu) before entering Ihram.
Rites of Umrah:
- Tawaf: Circumambulating the Kaaba, the cubical structure considered the holiest place in Islam, seven times counter-clockwise while reciting prayers and supplications.
- Sa’i: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating the desperate search for water by Hagar, wife of Prophet Abraham, for her son Ishmael.
- Standing at Arafah (Optional): Though not part of Umrah, some choose to stand at Arafah, a plain near Mecca, for supplication and reflection, replicating a key aspect of Hajj.
- Shaving or Shortening Hair: Men shave their heads or shorten their hair, while women trim a small amount of hair.
- Tawaf al-Widaa: Performing a final circumambulation of the Kaaba, bidding farewell to the holy site.
Completion:
- Exiting Ihram: After completing the rituals, pilgrims exit the state of Ihram, allowing them to resume normal activities.
Additional Points:
- Dress Code: Pilgrims wear simple white garments during Ihram, signifying humility and equality before God.
- Physical Requirements: Umrah requires physical exertion. It’s essential to be in good health to undertake the pilgrimage.
- Guidance: First-time pilgrims may benefit from guidance from a knowledgeable scholar or experienced Umrah guide.
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Validity
The validity of a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is one month.
What are the Required Documents for Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa
The required documents for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa typically include:2
- Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months and have two empty visa pages adjacent.
- Passport Photo: Submit one recent passport-size color photograph with a white background showing a full-face view directly facing the camera.
- Completed Application Form: Please fill out the application form in black ink or print it out. It must be signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency.
- Mahram Information: If traveling with a Mahram, provide their complete information and copies of marriage or birth certificates. Documents issued outside the US should be translated and notarized.
- Women’s Travel Requirements: Women must travel for Umrah with a Mahram. Proof of kinship is required. Women over 45 may travel without a Mahram with a notarized no-objection letter from a husband, son, or brother.
- Roundtrip Ticket: Have a non-refundable roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations.
- Vaccination Proof: Submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and other required vaccines, including flu vaccines for certain age groups.
- Minors’ Travel: Minors under 18 must travel with family and submit a notarized authorization letter if traveling with one parent.
- Conversion to Islam: Those who converted to Islam should provide a notarized Islamic certificate from an Islamic Center.
Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa Fee
The cost of applying for an Umrah visa ranges from $380 to $490.
What is Saudi Arabia’s E-Visa?
The Saudi Arabia e-visa is an electronic visa system allowing eligible travelers to apply online for tourism. This visa permits multiple entries throughout a validity period of one year, allowing travelers to plan multiple trips within that time frame. Each visit allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Here’s what the e-visa covers:
- Sightseeing and Events: Explore historical sites, vibrant cities, and exciting events.
- Family & Friends: Visit loved ones residing in Saudi Arabia.
- Leisure Activities: Relax and unwind on the beaches or delve into the rich culture.
- Umrah Pilgrimage (except Hajj): Undertake the holy pilgrimage outside of the Hajj season.
Important Note: Studying or work activities are not permitted with this visa.
What is the Difference between a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa and a Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa?
| Features | Umrah Visa | Tourist E-Visa |
| Activities | Undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage. | Exploring sights, shopping, dining, cultural events, visiting family and relatives, engaging in leisure activities, and participating in Umrah. |
| Eligibility | Exclusive to Muslims | Non-Muslims |
| Duration | 30 days | 90 days |
| Number of Entries | Single entry | Multiple entries |
| Application | You can apply through an agent or embassy. | You can apply online. |
Advantages of Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa over the Umrah Visa
Advantages of the Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visa over the Umrah Visa include:
- Flexibility: The Tourist E-Visa allows visitors to engage in various tourism activities beyond Umrah, such as sightseeing, exploring cultural sites, and attending events.
- Convenience: The application process for the Tourist E-Visa is typically faster and more straightforward than the Umrah Visa, as it can be completed online without the need for additional documentation related to religious pilgrimage.
- Extended Stay: Tourist E-Visas often offer longer validity periods and allow for extended stays in the country, providing visitors with more time to explore and experience different attractions.
- No Religious Restrictions: Unlike the Umrah Visa, specifically for religious pilgrimage, the Tourist E-Visa does not impose any religious restrictions, making it suitable for travelers of all faiths.
- Accessibility: The Tourist E-Visa may be more accessible to individuals who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria or requirements associated with the Umrah Visa, allowing a broader range of travelers to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes.
How to apply for a Saudi Arabia Tourist EVisa for United States Citizens Online?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your Saudi Arabia EVisa online through Visas for Future:
Step 1: Click the “Get Saudi Arabia EVisa Now” button.
Step 2: Complete the order form.
- Fill out the order form by providing this information:
- Name
- Phone number
- Country
- Nationality
- City and country of birth
- Profession
- Expected arrival and departure dates
- Billing Information:
- Billing address
- City
- Country
- State/province
- ZIP code
Step 3: Make the visa payment using a debit or credit card.
- Review your application details and proceed to payment.
Step 4: Fill in the intake forms accurately.
- Personal information
- Full name
- Gender
- Marital Status
- Date of birth
- Country/City of Birth
- Profession
- Passport Information
- Passport Type
- Passport Number
- Passport Country of Issuance
- Passport Issue Date
- Passport Expiry Date
- Additional travel information
- Purpose of Visit
- Current Residences Address
- Country of Residence
- City
- Zip code
- Address
- Residence Address in Saudi Arabia
- Where are you going to stay in Saudi Arabia?
- Primary Contact Number
Step 5: Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport biographical page (in JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP format).
Step 6: Submit your application.
- Carefully review your application once more before submission.
Step 7: Receive your e-visa.
- If approved, your e-visa will be sent to you via email within three days.
- Print the e-visa and ensure you carry it with you during your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to enter Umrah in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, US citizens usually require a visa to undertake Umrah in Saudi Arabia. However, they can obtain a Saudi Arabia Tourist e-visa online, which serves both tourism and Umrah purposes (except during Hajj).
Is Saudi Arabia visa-free for US citizens?
No, US citizens are not visa-free in Saudi Arabia. They need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, Umrah, or the Hajj.
Can US citizens get Saudi visas on arrival?
Holders of tourist or business visas from the USA, UK, or Schengen countries are eligible for a Saudi tourist visa.
Can I get a Saudi visa if I have a US visa?
Yes, if you possess a valid US visa, you can either apply for a Saudi tourist visa via the e-Visa system before your journey or acquire a visa upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Can I get a hajj visa without an agent?
Yes, it’s possible to get a Hajj visa for Saudi Arabia without an agent, but it can be complex.
- The Official Website for Tourist Visa to Saudi Arabia. (2024). Saudi EVisa. Visitsaudi.com. Retrieved March 26, 2024. <https://visa.visitsaudi.com/> [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2019). Umrah Visa. Mofa.gov.sa. Retrieved March 26, 2024. <https://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/usa/EN/CONSULARANDTRAVELSERVICES/VISAAPPLICATION/Pages/Umrah-Visa.aspx> [↩]
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Written by
Rosalie Santos 
Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for United States Citizens." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-umrah-visa-for-united-states-citizens/. Accessed on 26 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for United States Citizens." Visas For Future. March 26, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/saudi-arabia-umrah-visa-for-united-states-citizens/.