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.
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.
Umrah Visa Options for USA Residents
Nearly all nationalities can apply for an Umrah Visa, including most residents of the USA. To apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old and of the Muslim faith.
Depending on their nationality, USA residents might also be eligible to apply for a Saudi electronic visa (Saudi eVisa). This is also known as the Saudi Tourist eVisa and allows holders to perform Umrah as well. The eVisa is available to citizens of 68 countries including:
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan.
Other types of Saudi visas also permit residents of the USA to perform Umrah. This includes the Saudi tourist and transit visas.
Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa vs. Umrah Visa: Key Differences
There There are key differences between the Saudi Arabia eVisa and the Umrah Visa for USA residents. For example, the Saudi eVisa is easier to apply for and obtain. The Saudi eVisa application can be completed entirely online in less than an hour. The Umrah visa requires applicants to apply through an authorized agency.
The The Saudi eVisa for USA residents also has more validity options. Applicants will either be issued a multiple-entry visa that is valid for one year and allows for stays of up to 90 days at a time, or a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, allowing for stays of up to 30 days. The Umrah Visa is only valid for 90 days.
In general, the Saudi eVisa is a better option for travelers who can obtain it. It’s more flexible and allows holders to engage in activities outside of Umrah. The Umrah visa has a more intensive application process and limits the holder’s movement more once they arrive to Saudi. Of course, for those who are traveling specifically for Umrah and not tourism, the Umrah Visa is a perfectly fine option.
Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for USA Residents
Residents of the USA might be eligible for a Saudi eVisa to perform Umrah, depending on their nationality. However, a few nationalities, including Chad, Ethiopia, Iran, Libya, Palestine, and Syria are excluded from the list of eligible nationalities, even if they have USA residency.
Holders of the Saudi eVisa are also permitted to engage in other activities including tourism and visiting family and friends. Tourism might include visiting some of the country’s world-famous historic sites and vibrant cities.
The electronic visa application is considered very quick and straightforward compared to other types of travel permits. It is a great option for USA residents who want to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in Umrah.
Saudi eVisa Validity
The Saudi eVisa has two validity options to suit the needs of applicants. Travelers can choose between a multiple-entry visa valid for 1 year that allows for stays of up to 90 days at a time, OR a single-entry visa that is valid for 90 days and allows for a 30-day stay. Pilgrims can choose the option that best suits their needs. The one-year visa is more flexible and allows them to leave and return as needed.
Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application
Applicants for the Saudi eVisa must submit some required documents during the application process. These documents include:
- A valid passport: Applicants must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- A valid USA residency permit: Applicants must have a valid USA residency permit attached to their passport. It should be active and valid for the duration of the Saudi eVisa.
- Personal photograph: Applicants should submit one recent photo in color. It should be taken against a white background and be 80% face. Applicants should remove their eyeglasses to avoid glare and any headwear unless it’s for religious reasons.
- A complete application: The online Saudi eVisa application form must be completed with the applicant’s biographic data and any other required personal information.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa
The application process for the eVisa can be completed online.
Here are the steps applicants can take to complete the application:
- Fill out the visa application: Applicants should complete the visa application form with their biographic data including personal and contact details. This should be completed with the most accurate, up-to-date information.
- Pay the visa fee: Applicants can pay the visa fee online using a valid form of payment. This must be done before the application is submitted. The Saudi multiple-entry visa fees for USA residents are slightly higher than the single-entry visa fees.
- Get your visa approved: Once the visa application is submitted, it will be processed by the Saudi Arabian immigration authorities. The processing times are very quick, usually taking just 24 hours. Once the eVisa is approved, holders will be able to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in Umrah in accordance with the visa they are issued (either multiple-entry or single-entry).
Saudi eVisa Processing time
The typical processing time for the Saudi tourist eVisa for USA residents is 24 to 72 hours. It’s considered one of the fastest processing times of any tourist visa.
Umrah Visa for USA Residents
The Umrah visa for USA residents is tailor-made for pilgrims coming to Saudi Arabia to attend the Umrah rituals. Applicants must be at least 18 and of the Muslim faith. The Umrah visa is valid for 90 days. The validity period was previously only 30 days, but it was extended to offer pilgrims more time to complete the holy rituals. It is a single-entry visa that allows for up to a 90-day stay.
Umrah Visa Requirements
USA residents applying for the Umrah Visa must submit some required documents in order
for their application to be processed.
The following are required for all applicants for the Umrah Visa:
- A complete application: The Umrah Visa application must be completed through a travel agent authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. Applicants must complete the biographic information and personal details thoroughly and ensure all information is up-to-date.
- A valid passport: Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country. It should be valid for 6 months from the application submission date.
- A personal photograph: Applicants must submit a recent color photograph. It should be taken against a white background. Applicants must remove their eyeglasses and any headwear unless it’s for religious reasons. The photograph should measure 2x2 inches and be 80% face.
- A vaccination certificate: Applicants must submit a vaccine certification for Meningococcal Meningitis that is valid for 3 years. It should be issued less than 3 days and at least 10 days before entry into Saudi Arabia. Other vaccine certificates may be required depending on the applicant’s nationality, age, and medical history. These might include yellow fever and polio.
- A valid ticket: Applicants must provide a valid ticket for a confirmed return or onward flight.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from the USA
USA residents who are not eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa must submit their Umrah Visa application through a travel agent authorized by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj & Umrah. The price of the visa will vary depending on the agent. They may provide different packages depending on the services they offer.
Saudi Umrah Visa applications cannot be completed at a Saudi embassy or consulate. They must be applied for through the appropriate travel agents.
Umrah Visa Processing Time and Fees
The Umrah Visa takes a bit longer than the Saudi eVisa. The processing time for the Saudi Umrah Visa is 5 to 10 working days.
Tips for Getting an Umrah Visa from the USA
Applying for an Umrah Visa is fairly straightforward, and most of the work will be done by the authorized travel agent. However, it’s advised that applicants do their research before committing to an agent. There are lots of agencies to choose from, and it’s important to select one that will provide the best service. The Umrah visa price from the USA will vary from one agency to another.
It is always a good idea to begin the application process in advance in case of unforeseen delays. If the application has any errors, the applicant will need to complete it again, which may take some time and interfere with travel plans.
The Umrah visa cannot be extended and travelers must be careful to depart before the visa expires. They should double-check the parameters of their visa to avoid any penalties for overstaying.
Saudi visa FAQ
frequently Ask Questions
Yes, it’s possible to obtain an Umrah visa from Dubai. There are several authorized travel agents in Dubai who can assist USA residents with their Umrah Visa applications.
No, applicants must submit their Umrah visa application through an authorized travel agent in the USA. This is usually done in person, not online.
The fees for a Saudi visa will vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. A multiple-entry visa will typically cost more than a single-entry visa.
No, USA residents must have a visa in order to perform Umrah. They must either possess a Saudi eVisa or a specific Umrah Visa. The Saudi eVisa is available to many nationalities, with a few exceptions. The Umrah Visa is available to all nationalities provided the applicant is over 18 and of the Muslim faith.
The Umrah visa fees for USA residents will vary depending on the authorized travel agency that the applicant works with. They will offer different service packages at varying price points. Applicants should choose the agency that is most affordable for them.