Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa from USA Requirements
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa allows Muslims to enter Saudi Arabia to complete the pilgrimage to Mecca, which can be completed at any time of the year except during the Hajj season.
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is completely voluntary but allows Muslims to embark on a spiritual journey of devotion and worship, welcoming both men and women of the Muslim faith from all around the world.
The Saudi Arabian government launched the electronic Visa in 2019 to help streamline the process for travelers arriving in the country. The Umrah visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance. It is important to note the Umrah visa expires automatically on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah, regardless of the 90-day period. This means that if 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah occurs before the end of the 90-day validity, the visa will expire on that date. It’s essential for pilgrims to plan their travel accordingly to ensure their pilgrimage is completed within the valid visa period.
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Umrah Visa Options for USA Citizens
Citizens from the United States of the Muslim faith are eligible to apply for a Saudi Arabia Umrah visa, or Tourist eVisa, which allows them to perform Umrah alongside other activities during their stay.
The Tourist eVisa allows visitors to engage in activities such as tourism and conducting business, alongside permitting travelers to perform Umrah.
In contrast, the Umrah visa from the USA is issued exclusively to Muslims for the sole purpose of performing Umrah. However, like the Tourist eVisa, it does not permit employment, long-term residency, or Hajj.
In addition to these visas, holders of other Saudi visa types including a Work visa, Visit visa or Transit visa are eligible to perform Umrah. When performing Umrah under these visa types, travelers will not incur any extra costs.
In the sections below, we will explain which documents travelers require when applying for an Umrah visa from the USA or a Tourist eVisa, each type’s application process, and the fees involved.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa vs. Umrah Visa: Key Differences
While both the Umrah Visa and Tourist eVisa grant access to Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimage, the eVisa is ultimately considered a better option due to its straightforward process.
Without the need for extensive paperwork, the Tourist eVisa application can be easily completed online. Once the online form has been filled out, applicants typically receive approvals very quickly – sometimes within just a few hours. Additionally, the eVisa allows multiple entries which are valid for one year, allowing travelers to engage in additional activities outside Umrah.
The Umrah visa, on the other hand, is a single-entry 90-day stay visa. While Umrah visa holders can visit historical and cultural sites, their activities can be more limited than those on an eVisa. In addition, the application process is generally more complex as travelers are required to apply through authorized travel agents and supply extra documentation.
Due to these factors, the Saudi eVisa is considered to be a convenient choice for those combining Umrah with tourism.
Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application
US citizens applying for a Saudi Tourist eVisa must provide the following:
Passport
Applicant must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entering Saudi Arabia unless you are a citizen of the USA. U.S. citizens can enter as long as their passport is valid, regardless of its remaining validity period.
Personal photo
Applicants must submit one recent color photo with a white background, and a neutral facial expression, without eyeglasses or headwear (except for religious reasons).
Application
Apply for your Saudi Arabia tourist e-Visa by filling out an online Saudi visa application form, complete with your personal data, passport details, and other requested information.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa
Submit visa application
Fill out the online e-Visa application form, complete with personal data and requested information
Pay Visa fees
Pay the Saudi e-Visa fees securely online with a valid credit or debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
Receive approved visa
If approved, your Saudi e-Visa will be sent to the email you provided. Before submitting your application, ensure all visa details match your passport to avoid delays.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees for US Citizens
The Saudi tourist eVisa is processed quickly and efficiently, with approval usually granted within 24 hours. During the application, you will be required to pay the $199 fee which covers governmental fees and our professional services fees. This fee grants you a multiple-entry visa valid for one year making it a great value-for-money option.
Umrah Visa for USA Citizens
Despite the Tourist eVisa being the most convenient option for travelers looking to perform religious pilgrimage, the Umrah visa is still a valid choice. As mentioned, the single-entry visa allows travelers to stay in Saudi Arabia for a period of up to 90 days and is subject to seasonal availability. Since the government updated its regulations in 2022, the Umrah visa is now valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Umrah Visa Requirements
When applying for an Umrah visa for US citizens, travelers must meet the following requirements:
Faith
Applicant must be of the Muslim faith to be able to apply for the Umrah visa.
Application
Applicants should complete a visa application form and apply through travel agents authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.
Passport
Applicant must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entering Saudi Arabia unless you are a citizen of the USA. U.S. citizens can enter as long as their passport is valid, regardless of its remaining validity period.
Personal photo
Applicants must submit one recent color photo with a white background, and a neutral facial expression, without eyeglasses or headwear (except for religious reasons).
Vaccination certificate
A vaccine certification against Meningococcal Meningitis issued at least 10 days before and less than 3 years from entry into Saudi Arabia. Additional vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever, Polio, and Influenza, may be required based on nationality, age, and health condition.
Ticket
Applicants must have a confirmed return or onward airline ticket.
Please note that when traveling in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, you will need an Umrah permit to visit the holy sites and perform the pilgrimage activities.
Alternatively, travelers can issue their own permits when booking flights if they are flying to Jeddah or Taif noting that some airlines allow Umrah permit issuance during flight booking. However, this may not apply to all airlines.
Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees
For US citizens, the Umrah visa is typically processed within five business days. However, to avoid potential delays or unforeseen issues, it is advisable to begin the application process well in advance.
The Umrah visa fee from the USA typically varies depending on many factors like services included and the individual provider. However, it is estimated that the typical Umrah visa costs between $150-$300.
Umrah Visa for US Green Card Holders
Depending on their nationality, US green card holders may be eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa, which can be used to perform Umrah. As mentioned above, the most convenient visa to apply for is the Tourist eVisa.
Before following the application process, the Umrah visa for green card holders is applicable to those with proof of legal residency in the USA (such as a green card), a valid passport, health insurance, and travel insurance.
Green card holders may still need a separate visa depending on their passport nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the age limit for performing Umrah?
There is no age limit or requirement to perform Umrah
Can I perform Hajj under an Umrah visa and vice versa?
No, you cannot perform Hajj under an Umrah visa and vice versa, as both are separate religious pilgrimages that need to be properly processed and monitored by Saudi Arabia’s government. For more information about the requirements for a Hajj visa from the USA, visit our page here: https://saudivisa.com/saudi-hajj-visa/
Can I enter Saudi Arabia through land borders, apart from airports and seaports?
- Yes, besides designated airports and seaports, you can enter Saudi Arabia with an eVisa at the following land borders:
- Saudi-Jordan Border
- Saudi-Iraq Border
- Saudi-Kuwait Border
- Saudi-UAE Border
- To ensure a seamless crossing, make sure to check the restrictions and border control procedures before traveling.
Can my Umrah visa be extended?
Saudi visas issued for Umrah travel cannot be extended, and travelers should depart from Saudi Arabia before their visa expires. You are advised to check your visa information carefully to avoid overstays and penalties.
Can green card holders apply for an eVisa?
Green Card holders may be eligible for a Saudi Arabia eVisa, depending on their nationality and additional factors such as valid and active residency, health insurance, and passport validity. Additionally, certain nationalities, including Chad, Ethiopia, Iran, Libya, Palestine, and Syria are excluded from the eligibility criteria.