Umrah Visa Requirements for US Passport Holders 2025

For Muslim Americans planning their spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah, obtaining a visa is a straightforward and highly efficient process. Saudi Arabia has modernized its entry systems, offering unprecedented flexibility for citizens of the United States.

If you hold a US passport, here are the complete Umrah visa requirements and options for 2025.

1. The Saudi Tourist eVisa

The quickest and most common method for American citizens to travel for Umrah is by securing a Saudi Tourist eVisa. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explicitly permits performing Umrah on a tourist visa.

Key Benefits:

• Multiple Entry: The eVisa is valid for one full year from the date of issuance.
• Duration of Stay: You are permitted to stay for up to 90 days per entry.
• Flexibility: You do not need to book through a travel agent. You can book your own flights, hotels, and transportation, acting as an independent "Umrah backpacker."

How to Apply:

You can apply online via the official Visit Saudi portal. You will need:

1. A US Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Saudi Arabia.
2. A Digital Photo: A standard passport-sized photo with a white background.
3. Payment Method: A credit or debit card to pay the visa fee (which automatically includes mandatory health insurance). The total cost is approximately $130 - $145 USD.

Approval is usually granted within minutes, delivered directly to your email.

2. Visa on Arrival for Americans

If you prefer not to apply online or are booking a last-minute trip, US passport holders are eligible for a Visa on Arrival.

• Upon landing at major international airports (such as King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah), simply proceed to the visa kiosks or immigration desks.
• The cost and validity are identical to the eVisa.
• Make sure to inform your bank you are traveling to Saudi Arabia so your credit card is not blocked when attempting to pay the kiosk fee.

Important Requirements and Rules

• Nusuk App: Once your visa is granted, you must download the official Saudi "Nusuk" application. While an Umrah permit is generally not strictly enforced for entering the Haram in Makkah, you must use the app to book a permit to pray in the Rawdah in Madinah.
• Hajj Season Restriction: You can use the tourist eVisa to perform Umrah at any time of the year except during the Hajj season. To perform Hajj, you must apply specifically through the Nusuk Hajj platform.
• Mahram Rule Abolished: Women traveling from the USA on a US passport can travel alone and perform Umrah without a Mahram (male guardian).

Non-US Citizens Living in the USA

If you live in the United States on a Green Card or a student/work visa, but hold a passport from a non-eligible country (e.g., Pakistan, India, Bangladesh), you are eligible for an eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival if you hold a valid US visitor or business visa that has been used at least once. Alternatively, permanent residents (Green Card holders) from certain nationalities can now apply for the eVisa online, bypassing traditional agency routes.