Planning Umrah isn’t all about flights and reservations. It begins with the most crucial step of all, obtaining your Umrah Visa from USA. Your Umrah Visa is your official entry permit into Saudi Arabia to conduct the pilgrimage. But what papers do you need? This blog breaks it down step by step, in simple language, so you can be sure it’s easy to understand even if it’s your maiden time.
Saudi Arabia welcomes thousands of pilgrims from the US every year. In fact, over 25,000 pilgrims travel from America to perform Umrah each year, according to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. So if you’re planning this blessed journey, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place to get started.
Saudi Arabia welcomes thousands of pilgrims from the US every year. In fact, over 25,000 pilgrims travel from America to perform Umrah each year, according to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. So if you’re planning this blessed journey, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place to get started.
Your Passport Must Be Valid
To obtain your Umrah Visa from USA, your passport should have a validity period of at least six months from the date of application. In other words, if you are going to apply in January, your passport should not expire until July. The passport should also contain two blank pages where the visas will be stamped.
If your passport is worn out, torn, or has water marks, it could be rejected. Renew your passport early if you are not sure of its condition.
A Clear Passport-Sized Photo
You’ll need to submit one recent, color passport-sized photo. This must meet specific requirements. It should have a white background, show your full face, and you should not wear glasses or headgear (unless it’s for religious reasons).
Many applications get delayed just because the photo is not clear or doesn’t meet the requirements. So make sure you get this done at a professional photo studio.
Your Green Card or Valid US Visa
If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll need to show proof of your legal stay in the US. This means you’ll be asked to submit a copy of your Green Card, visa, or residency permit. Without this, your Umrah Visa from USA won’t be processed.
It’s also important that your US visa or residency is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
Proof of Vaccination (Including Meningitis)
This is a must. The Saudi government requires all Umrah pilgrims to be vaccinated. You’ll need to show proof of the meningitis vaccine. In most cases, this should be taken at least 10 days before your departure date.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends vaccinations like COVID-19 and seasonal flu before traveling to Saudi Arabia. A printed vaccine card or digital confirmation from a health portal is required during visa submission.
Confirmed Flight Itinerary
Although you don’t need to purchase the ticket before applying, most travel agents or online applications ask for a confirmed flight reservation. This is just a booking that shows your intended travel dates and return.
Your Umrah Visa from USA will usually cover a stay of 30 days, so make sure your return date falls within this period. This is also important to avoid issues at the Saudi airport.
Hotel Booking Proof
To get your visa approved, you need to show where you’ll stay. A confirmed hotel booking for your time in Makkah and Madinah is required. If you’ve booked an Umrah package, your travel agency will often provide this.
Without hotel details, the Saudi authorities may delay or reject your Umrah Visa from USA.
Completed Application Form
Every visa needs a form. You can either fill this online through an approved travel agency or complete it in person if you’re going through a physical office. The application form will ask for your:
- Full name (as in passport).
- Passport number.
- Nationality.
- Purpose of travel.
- Travel dates.
Make sure all details match your passport exactly. Even small spelling mistakes can cause issues.
Mahram Requirements for Women Under 45
If you’re a woman under 45 years old, Saudi laws require you to travel with a male guardian (called a mahram). You’ll need to submit proof of your relationship—like a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
If you are above 45, you can travel with a group without a mahram, but only with an official tour package.
Travel agencies like Alhadi Travels guide women through this process, ensuring documents are correctly submitted.
Minors Need Extra Documents
Children traveling for Umrah also need a Umrah Visa from USA. Parents must submit the child’s birth certificate and a notarized letter of consent if only one parent is accompanying them.
In many cases, both parents must sign the consent form. If the child is traveling with someone other than parents, further legal proof may be needed.
Travel Insurance is Mandatory
As of 2023, the Saudi government has made travel insurance a required document for all Umrah applicants. This covers emergency medical costs, accidents, and more while you are in Saudi Arabia.
This insurance is usually linked with your visa and handled by your travel agency. Just make sure it’s included in your application.
Use an Approved Umrah Travel Agency
One of the easiest ways to get your Umrah Visa from USA is through a licensed agency like Alhadi Travels. They handle your entire visa process, flight booking, hotel reservations, and even ground transport in Saudi Arabia.
Alhadi Travels is based in the USA and specializes in Umrah packages that include all necessary documents and travel arrangements. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, they make the process smooth and quick.
How Long Does the Visa Take?
Generally, the Umrah Visa from USA takes about 5 to 7 business days. During peak Umrah seasons (like Ramadan or December holidays), it can take longer. This is why many pilgrims apply at least a month before their travel date.
Delays usually happen when documents are missing or not properly scanned. Triple-check everything with your travel agent before submission.
Summary of Required Documents
Here’s a quick recap of what you need to apply for Umrah Visa from USA:
- Valid passport (6+ months).
- One recent passport photo.
- Green Card or valid US visa (if not a citizen).
- Proof of meningitis vaccine.
- Confirmed flight itinerary.
- Hotel reservation in Saudi Arabia.
- Completed visa application form.
- Mahram proof (for women under 45).
- Birth certificate & consent letter (for minors).
- Travel insurance.
All documents must be clear, readable, and up to date. Scanned PDFs or JPGs are often required if applying online.
Final Words
Applying for your Umrah Visa from USA doesn’t have to feel like a mountain to climb. With the right checklist and support from trusted agencies like Alhadi Travels, it’s simple, fast, and stress-free.
If you’re planning your journey this year, don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you gather your documents, the smoother the path to Makkah and Madinah will be.
Book your Umrah packages from USA today with Alhadi Travels – your trusted Umrah travel agency. Let the experts handle the paperwork so you can focus on your prayers.