Umrah visa for US passport holders — exact process

This article is correct as of 2026-06-16.

If you hold a US passport and you’re planning Umrah on your own, the visa part is simpler than most people expect. No embassy visits, no sponsor letters, no travel-agent packages. Just an online form, a few documents, and a flat fee [claim 7] [7]. This guide walks you through exactly what you need, step by step, so you don’t pay for things you don’t need or miss a rule that could block you at the airport.

Table of contents

• Who’s eligible [1]
• What the tourist eVisa gives you: validity, entries, 90-day stay [2]
• Step-by-step: how to apply online [5]
• Documents you’ll need [6]
• What it costs [7]
• Hajj season blackout: the dates you can’t enter Makkah [8]
• Visa on Arrival: the backup option [13]
• Nusuk and Umrah permits [14]
• Common mistakes
• FAQ
• Next steps

Who’s eligible

The Saudi tourist eVisa is open to nationals of 66 countries, including the United States [claim 1] [1]. Saudia Airlines lists the count at 60+ eligible countries, with the US included [claim 12] [12]. If you hold a valid US passport, you’re in. No additional nationality requirements, no prior Saudi travel history needed.

The eligibility criteria are straightforward: you need a US passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended entry date [claim 6] [6]. That’s the main hard requirement. If your passport expires sooner than that, renew it first. The application system won’t let you through with a short-validity passport.

What the tourist eVisa gives you

The Saudi tourist eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry visa [claim 2] [2]. Here’s what that means in practice:

• Validity: 1 year from the date of issuance [claim 2] [2]. You can enter Saudi Arabia multiple times during that year.
• Maximum stay: Up to 90 days per visit [claim 2] [2]. Each entry gets you up to 90 days inside the country.
• Permitted activities: Tourism, events, family and relative visits, leisure, and Umrah. But Hajj is explicitly excluded [claim 3] [3]. Studying and other non-tourism activities are also not allowed [claim 11] [11].
• Multiple entry: Come and go as you like within the 1-year validity window [claim 2] [2]. Useful if you want to visit Madinah, leave for a side trip, then return.

This is confirmed by both the official VisitSaudi portal [claim 2] [2] and Saudia Airlines’ visa guide [claim 11] [11], as well as third-party visa service Sherpa [claim 16] [16]. The consistency across sources is solid. You won’t find conflicting rules on the basics.

The key takeaway: one visa covers your Umrah trip and any additional visits within the year. If you’re planning a shorter trip followed by another visit 6 months later, you don’t need a second visa.

Step-by-step: how to apply online

The entire application happens on visa.visitsaudi.com, the official Saudi eVisa portal [claim 4] [4]. No embassy appointments, no paper forms, no mailing passports anywhere. Here’s the process:

1. Fill the application form. It takes under 5 minutes [claim 5] [5]. You’ll enter your personal details, passport information, and travel purpose. Select “Tourism” as your purpose. Umrah is covered under the tourist category [claim 3] [3].
2. Upload your documents. You need a clear photograph of your US passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo [claim 5] [5]. More on document requirements below.
3. Pay the fee. Secure online payment via credit or debit card [claim 5] [5]. The total is $249 through the primary US-facing service portal, which bundles everything including mandatory health insurance [claim 7] [7].
4. Receive your eVisa by email. Processing is fast. Most applicants receive their approved eVisa within 24 hours, and sometimes as quickly as 12 hours [claim 5] [5].

Apply at least 3 to 7 days before your travel date to give yourself a buffer [claim 10] [10]. While 99% of eVisas are delivered within 24 hours [claim 10] [10], there’s no reason to cut it close. Most applications are approved within 2 business days according to Sherpa’s tracking [claim 16] [16].

Documents you’ll need

Gather these before you start the application. The form is short enough that you don’t want to pause it mid-way to find a file:

• US passport bio page: A clear digital photograph or scan of the page with your photo, name, and passport number. The passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity beyond your planned entry date into Saudi Arabia [claim 6] [6].
• Passport-style photo: A recent digital photograph meeting standard passport-photo requirements. Plain background, facing forward, no glasses with glare [claim 5] [5].
• Proof of accommodation: You may be asked for this upon arrival in Saudi Arabia [claim 9] [9]. Book your hotel or accommodation before you travel and keep the confirmation handy. A printout or a PDF on your phone works.
• Return or onward ticket: Also something you may need to show at immigration upon arrival [claim 9] [9]. Have a confirmed booking for your departure from Saudi Arabia.

The accommodation and return-ticket requirements are arrival-side checks, not uploads during the eVisa application. But sorting them out before you apply means you’re covered from start to finish.

What it costs

The flat fee through the US-facing service portal is $249, which includes three components bundled together [claim 7] [7]:

• Professional processing and application review [claim 7] [7]
• Government application fees for the eVisa itself [claim 7] [7]
• Mandatory Saudi health insurance [claim 7] [7]

This is what you pay. There are no surprise add-ons at checkout. The health insurance is not optional, and the flat fee covers it [claim 7] [7]. If you apply directly through the official visa.visitsaudi.com portal rather than through a service intermediary, the government fee component may differ, but the source packet does not break out the individual line items. The $249 figure is the all-in number from the most prominent US-facing service [claim 7] [7].

For a straightforward point of comparison: the tourist eVisa for US citizens is substantially cheaper and faster than the old Umrah-visa-through-a-travel-agent route, which required package bookings and involved more paperwork.

Hajj season blackout: the dates you can’t enter Makkah

This is the rule that catches people out every year. During Hajj season, tourist visa holders who hold a valid eVisa with Umrah permissions are blocked from entering Makkah [claim 8] [8].

For 2026, the Hajj season restriction runs from April 18, 2026 to May 31, 2026 [claim 8] [8]. During this window, you cannot enter Makkah on a tourist eVisa, even though your visa itself remains valid for other parts of Saudi Arabia. This restriction is directly tied to Hajj crowd management. The city of Makkah operates under special entry controls during the pilgrimage period.

The pattern is not new. In 2025, Saudi Arabia imposed strict entry restrictions into Makkah ahead of Hajj, with Umrah permit issuance on the Nusuk platform suspended and Umrah visa holders required to depart by April 29, 2025 [claim 14] [14]. April 13, 2025 was the last day for entry into Saudi Arabia on an Umrah visa that year, and those measures stayed in effect until June 10, 2025 [claim 14] [14].

Practical rule: If your trip dates fall between mid-April and early June, check the current year’s Hajj season blackout window before booking anything. The 2026 window (April 18 to May 31) [claim 8] [8] is the hard cutoff for Makkah access on a tourist visa.

Note: Hajj itself requires a separate Hajj visa, obtained through the Nusuk platform [claim 15] [15]. The tourist eVisa does not and cannot cover Hajj pilgrimage [claim 3] [3].

Visa on Arrival: the backup option

If you didn’t apply for an eVisa ahead of time, US citizens also have the option of getting a Visa on Arrival at Saudi entry points [claim 13] [13]. This is available to citizens of 60+ countries, including the United States [claim 12] [12].

That said, the eVisa route is almost always better for a planned Umrah trip. You know your visa is approved before you book flights, and you avoid the uncertainty of an immigration-desk application after a long journey. But the Visa on Arrival option is worth knowing about. It covers edge cases like last-minute travel or a forgotten eVisa renewal.

Eligibility conditions apply at the port of entry, so check the latest rules on the Saudia Airlines visa page or the VisitSaudi portal before relying on this option [claim 13] [13].

Nusuk and Umrah permits

The Nusuk platform is Saudi Arabia’s official app for managing Umrah permits [claim 14] [14] and Rawdah (the area around the Prophet’s tomb in Madinah) visit bookings. You’ll hear about it constantly in Umrah planning circles.

Here’s what the sources show about Nusuk’s role for US eVisa holders [claim 14] [14]:

• During Hajj season, Umrah permit issuance on the Nusuk platform is suspended [claim 14] [14]. This aligns with the broader Makkah access blackout during Hajj.
• The Nusuk platform is also the channel for obtaining a Hajj visa, a separate process from the tourist eVisa [claim 15] [15].
• Outside of Hajj season, Nusuk may be required or recommended for booking Umrah time slots inside Masjid al-Haram [claim 14] [14]. The exact requirements can shift by season, so check the app closer to your travel date.

For a US passport holder traveling on a tourist eVisa outside of Hajj season, the practical move is to install the Nusuk app on your phone before departure and keep an eye on permit requirements [claim 14] [14] as your trip approaches. Saudi authorities have used the app to manage crowd flow during peak periods, and being caught without a required permit means denied entry to the mataf area.

Common mistakes

• Booking flights that land during the Hajj blackout. Your eVisa may be valid, but you won’t reach Makkah if your travel window overlaps with April 18 to May 31, 2026 [claim 8] [8]. Double-check the blackout dates for your travel year before locking in flights.
• Letting your passport dip below 6 months validity. The system enforces this strictly [claim 6] [6]. If your passport expires in 7 months and your trip is in 2 months, you’re fine for this trip but cut it close for a later visit within the same 1-year visa validity window [claim 2] [2].
• Assuming the eVisa covers Hajj. It doesn’t. Hajj requires a separate Hajj visa through the Nusuk platform [claim 15] [15]. The tourist eVisa permits Umrah but explicitly excludes Hajj [claim 3] [3].
• Applying the day before travel. Processing is fast. 24 hours is typical [claim 5] [5]. But there’s no upside to cutting it close. Apply at least 3 to 7 days ahead [claim 10] [10].
• Forgetting your arrival documents. You may be asked for proof of accommodation and a return ticket at the Saudi border [claim 9] [9]. Have those ready on your phone or as printed copies.
• Relying on Visa on Arrival without checking conditions. It’s available for US citizens [claim 13] [13], but eligibility conditions change. If your trip is planned, apply for the eVisa instead. It’s more predictable.

FAQ

Do US citizens need a visa for Umrah?

Yes, but the Saudi tourist eVisa covers Umrah [claim 3] [3]. You don’t need a separate “Umrah visa.” The tourist eVisa is the standard route for US passport holders performing Umrah independently.

How long does the eVisa take to process?

Most are approved and emailed within 24 hours [claim 5] [5], often in as little as 12 hours. Applying 3 to 7 days before travel is recommended [claim 10] [10]. Sherpa reports most applications are approved within 2 business days [claim 16] [16].

Can I enter Makkah anytime with the tourist eVisa?

No. During Hajj season, April 18 to May 31, 2026, tourist visa holders are not allowed to enter Makkah [claim 8] [8]. Outside that window, Umrah access is permitted [claim 3] [3].

What if my US passport expires soon?

Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended entry date into Saudi Arabia [claim 6] [6]. Renew it if it’s close to that threshold.

Is the $249 fee the government price or a service markup?

The $249 is a flat service fee that includes the government application fees, mandatory Saudi health insurance, and processing support [claim 7] [7]. The source data does not break out the individual components. Applying directly through visa.visitsaudi.com may yield a different total. The $249 figure comes from the primary US-facing service portal [claim 7] [7].

Do I need the Nusuk app for Umrah on a tourist eVisa?

Outside of Hajj season, Nusuk may be required for booking Umrah time slots [claim 14] [14]. The platform is also where Hajj visas are issued [claim 15] [15]. Install the app before your trip and check current permit requirements, as rules can shift between seasons.

Next steps

Once your eVisa is approved, the next practical items are booking your flights and accommodation. Both of which you may need to show upon arrival [claim 9] [9]. Install the Nusuk app and check whether Umrah permits are required for your travel dates, especially if you’re traveling in a busy period [claim 14] [14]. If your trip falls anywhere near the April-to-June window, confirm the current year’s Hajj season blackout dates against your itinerary [claim 8] [8]. And remember: your eVisa is valid for a full year with multiple entries and up to 90 days per visit [claim 2] [2]. So if you have the flexibility, you can plan a longer stay or a return trip within that window.

Notes

1. [1] Source: Saudi eVisa Official Portal (VisitSaudi), visa.visitsaudi.com. Accessed 2026-06-16. Lists 66 eligible countries including United States.
2. [2] Source: Saudi eVisa Official Portal (VisitSaudi), visa.visitsaudi.com. Key visa specifications: validity 1 year, multiple entry, maximum stay up to 90 days.
3. [3] Source: Saudi eVisa Official Portal (VisitSaudi), visa.visitsaudi.com. Permitted activities include Umrah (excluding Hajj).
4. [4] Source: Saudi eVisa Official Portal (VisitSaudi), visa.visitsaudi.com. Three-step fully online process: fill application, pay fee, get online visa.
5. [5] Source: SaudiVisa.us, saudivisa.us. Accessed 2026-06-16. Application takes under 5 minutes; documents: passport bio page + photo; eVisa emailed within 24 hours (sometimes 12 hours).
6. [6] Source: SaudiVisa.us, saudivisa.us. Eligibility: valid US passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended entry date.
7. [7] Source: SaudiVisa.us, saudivisa.us. Flat fee $249 includes government application fees, mandatory Saudi health insurance, and processing support.
8. [8] Source: SaudiVisa.us, saudivisa.us. Hajj season 2026 restriction: April 18, 2026 to May 31, 2026. Tourist visa holders not permitted to enter Mecca during this period.
9. [9] Source: SaudiVisa.us, saudivisa.us. Upon arrival, travelers may be asked for: proof of accommodation, return or onward ticket, sufficient funds.
10. [10] Source: SaudiVisa.us, saudivisa.us. Recommended to apply at least 3 to 7 days before travel; 99% of eVisas delivered within 24 hours.
11. [11] Source: Saudia Airlines Visa Guide, saudia.com. Tourist eVisa: one-year, multiple entry, up to 90 days stay, permits Umrah (excluding Hajj and studying).
12. [12] Source: Saudia Airlines Visa Guide, saudia.com. Eligible travelers from 60+ countries including USA.
13. [13] Source: Saudia Airlines Visa Guide, saudia.com. Visa on Arrival available for citizens of 60+ countries at Saudi entry points.
14. [14] Source: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Saudi Arabia, sa.usembassy.gov. Published 2025-04-22. Hajj 2025: Umrah permit issuance on Nusuk suspended; Umrah visa holders required to depart by April 29, 2025; measures in effect until June 10, 2025.
15. [15] Source: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Saudi Arabia, sa.usembassy.gov. US citizens performing Hajj must obtain a Hajj visa through the Nusuk platform.
16. [16] Source: Sherpa, apply.joinsherpa.com. Saudi eVisa Umrah: multiple entry, 90 days stay, valid 1 year; most applications approved within 2 business days.