Do USA passport holders need visas for Umrah?

Just like any other foreign trip, travelling with the Last 10 days Ramadan Umrah packages or any other time of the year requires pilgrims to obtain a valid visa for it. There are different types of visas that you can apply for the Umrah journey depending on your nationality and travel region. Namely;

1. Umrah visa.
2. Umrah permit on work, visit or family visa to Saudia Arabia.

A valid visa for Umrah rituals allows entry for the pilgrims in order to offer the holy rituals with ease. Here’s what you need to know about the technicalities associated with it, especially for USA passport holders.

Who Needs an Umrah Visa?

All foreign pilgrims, arriving in Saudia Arabia for holy rituals of Umrah require a valid visa for it i.e. a specific Umrah visa. However, the only exceptions are for the citizens of the countries like;

1. Bahrain.
2. Kuwait.
3. Oman.
4. Qatar.

On the other hand, Schengen visa holders as well as citizens of, the US or UK can easily perform Umrah on their visit visa to the kingdom as well i.e. the need for a separate Umrah visa no longer exists for them.

Umrah Visa Opening:

Umrah visa applications are accepted throughout the year except for the days of Hajj i.e. 8^th of Dhul Hijjah to the 12^th of Dhul Hijjah. Therefore, you can apply for an Umrah visa and obtain it at a time that best suits your preferences and budget.

Getting an Umrah Visa:

1. Find an approved travel agency in the USA or apply for it on your own through e-services (visit visa only).
2. Prepare required documents. Such as;
   1. Recent passport-sized photographs.
   1. 6-month valid passport at least.
   1. Non-refundable flight tickets.
   1. Travel itinerary.
   1. Prebooked hotel accommodation.
   1. Health insurance.
   1. Vaccination proof.
3. Register on Umrah apps: Tawakk:lna and Etmarna.

Umrah Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for an Umrah visa can take up to ten days i.e. depending on your nationality, travel region and other factors. However, if you want expedited delivery of the visa, an additional fee has to be paid.  

Umrah Visa Fee:

Umrah visa fees for the pilgrims range from $380 to $490.

Umrah Visa Validity:

Umrah visa is only valid for a maximum time of two weeks i.e. you have to depart from the kingdom on the 15^th day from your arrival date. However, if you are travelling during Ramadan, pilgrims must offer their holy rituals and leave the kingdom before Eid whether or not they have visa validity for more stay period.

Umrah e-Visa:

Citizens from specific countries can apply for an Umrah e-Visa, issued within 24 hours. USA citizens are also eligible for it.

Umrah Visa From USA:

If you are getting a specific Umrah visa, it is advisable to do so through the channel of a licensed agent because only they are eligible to apply for an Umrah visa on a pilgrim’s behalf.

• Pilgrims can pre-book Umrah permits either through the Etmarna app or the Tawakkalna app.
• Registration on the Muqeem app after arrival is no longer mandatory.

Performing Umrah With a Tourist Visa:

USA passport holders can easily offer the Umrah rituals on their tourist visa to Saudia Arabia. A Tourist visa has the benefit of offering extended stays as compared to an Umrah visa i.e. 90 days and is a multiple entry visa. It is available through both e-services and visa-on-arrival facilities.

Where You Can Go With an Umrah Visa?

USA passport holders on an Umrah visa can only visit;

1. Jeddah.
2. Makkah.
3. Medina.

Traveling to any other city or region of the kingdom is not allowed and doing so would result in deportation or penalties.

Hence whether you are arriving with a low-cost Umrah package or an expensive ones, getting a visa for Umrah is necessary for USA passport holders. If you are getting an Umrah visa, it is advised to do so through the channel of a Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s certified travel agent in your locality to avoid any hassles or visa refusals later. On the other hand, if you are opting for Umrah performance on your visit, work or family visa to the kingdom; it is available in the form of e-visa and visa on arrival services.