Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for U.S. citizens: Requirements to apply online

Is your heart yearning to perform Umrah? Let’s unpack the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa requirements for U.S. citizens.

Keep reading to learn about the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for U.S. citizens and how we can help you process your online visa application.

Do U.S. citizens need an Umrah Visa?

As stated above, most foreign pilgrims, including citizens of the United States, must complete an Umrah or Tourist Visa application before they begin their journey.

Any U.S. citizen approved for an Umrah Visa must also have mandatory travel insurance to cover any emergency medical costs that could arise during their stay in the Kingdom.

What is the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?

The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is a specialized travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia to perform the Islamic pilgrimage known as Umrah. Unlike the Hajj pilgrimage, which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year except during the Hajj season.

The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa typically comes as a single-entry visa with a validity of 90 days, giving you ample time to complete your spiritual rites and explore the rich culture of Saudi Arabia. Note that this visa is solely for religious purposes and doesn't permit you to engage in any form of employment or extended residency in the country.

Learn more about the Saudi Umrah Visa for US citizens.

Tip: Always ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your entry into Saudi Arabia to avoid any travel issues.

Please note: You cannot use this visa to perform Hajj. Umrah visas are not issued during the Hajj period, and you must apply for a special Hajj Visa through an authorized travel agency.

Difficulty Rating: 15/100

The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa application process is straightforward, with a difficulty rating of 15/100. The application includes 9 questions, requires 2 documents (an applicant's photo and passport page), and typically takes about 14 minutes to complete. There are no in-person procedures required, and the government fee is 155 USD.

Our approval rate for the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is over 99%, reflecting our commitment to helping U.S. citizens complete their pilgrimage smoothly.

Umrah Visa rules

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has significantly updated the Umrah Visa rules. Umrah Visas now remain valid for 90 days from the issue date. Previously, the validity of the visa began once you arrived in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Umrah Visas for pilgrims coming from outside the country will now expire on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah. This change allows Saudi authorities more time to prepare for the Hajj season, aiming to improve the experience for both Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

All international pilgrims must leave the country by the new expiry date. There are penalties for overstaying an Umrah Visa, which will be levied on the pilgrims and the companies that arranged their visas.

Differences between the Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa and the Umrah Visa

It's important to note that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers an Umrah Visa and a Tourist Visa. The Umrah visa provides Umrah pilgrims with certain perks you won't get with a Tourist Visa. For instance, those with an Umrah Visa may leave the country with ZamZam, while those on a tourist visa may not.

Other differences include that the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is a multiple-entry visa that anyone can apply for. In contrast, the electronic Umrah Visa is a single-entry visa only issued to Muslims for the sole purpose of performing Umrah.

Certain limitations apply to the Tourist Visa, too, such as the inability to bring home ZamZam water (holy water). So, consider your options and needs before choosing the visa category.

Can I enter Saudi Arabia through land borders, apart from airports?

If you apply for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa, you can enter Saudi Arabia via the land borders of Dubai or Bahrain.

The Saudi Arabia Umrah application process

Follow these simplified steps designed for U.S. citizens, aimed at making your Umrah journey seamless and spiritually fulfilling:

Step 1: Fill in your details: Kickstart the process by completing our streamlined online or mobile app form. Fill in your personal details and double-check them for accuracy—this is the cornerstone of your pilgrimage.

Step 2: Finalize your application and pay the Umrah Visa fees: Conveniently pay using your credit/debit card or opt for PayPal to ensure a secure transaction.

Step 3: Gather your required documents: Upload the necessary documents through our user-friendly interface. Hit the "Submit" button and consider your Umrah ambitions almost fulfilled. We'll take it from here and reach out only if we need additional details.

Step 4: Register on the Umrah apps: Once you enter the country, you need to download two obligatory apps on your phone: the Tawakkalna app (which works only in Saudi Arabia and will contain all your vaccination records, which you need to display when you enter hotels, restaurants, and masjids) and the Etmarna app (which allows you to get prayer permits and have them linked to your Tawakkalna). Your spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia awaits!

Tip: Download the apps before you arrive to save time and ensure you're ready for your spiritual journey.

When should I apply for the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa?

Timing is crucial when planning a spiritual journey of this magnitude. Ideally, you should begin the Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa application process at least one month before your intended travel date. This will give you sufficient time to gather all the required documents, complete the online application, and allow for any unforeseen delays in the processing time.

Our years of experience have taught us that flexibility is key, especially when dealing with variables like visa processing times, which can range from a few days to several weeks. Starting early can help you sidestep any hurdles and keep your spiritual journey on track.

If you're a U.S. citizen looking to expedite the process, our user-friendly platform and mobile app make it a breeze. With an intuitive interface, around-the-clock support, and real-time updates, you can be confident that your application is in expert hands. That way, you can focus on preparing your soul for the experience that awaits.

"I found the iVisa process for my Umrah Visa incredibly smooth. Everything was handled professionally, and I felt supported every step of the way!" — Amina from Los Angeles.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about the Saudi visa options or application, our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to Saudi Arabia and the Umrah application. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.