Dreaming of Umrah but worried about visas and documents? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of Muslims in the United States feel spiritually drawn toward the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah. But for many, the logistics of travel, visa paperwork, and changing Saudi entry requirements create more anxiety than excitement. The good news? Performing Umrah has never been more accessible. As of June 10, 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially resumed its e-Visa services following Hajj, offering pilgrims a renewed opportunity to visit Makkah and Madinah with fewer administrative hurdles. Whether you’re applying through a tourist visa, a digital Umrah visa registration, or a visa on arrival, understanding the required documents is critical.
This is a detailed blog that includes all the Umrah documents checklist you might need, starting with your passport to perform Umrah and ending with your vaccination passes, and going down to subtler details, such as mahram consent letters. In this post, U.S. citizens or permanent residents can enjoy all the information needed to have their pilgrimage to the Holy land spiritually enriching and comfortable.
Planning to go with family or as a couple? Explore Umrah Packages That Are Family-Friendly: Things Parents Should Know and Traveling for Umrah as a Couple: What to Expect.
Which Visa Is Right for You? Tourist Visa vs. Umrah Visa
Before collecting your Umrah documents, the first step is choosing the correct visa type. Travelers to Saudi Arabia for Umrah have two main options:
Tourist e-Visa
The Saudi Tourist e-Visa has become a preferred choice for many modern-day pilgrims. It’s quick to apply for online and comes with significant flexibility:
- Validity: 1 year from the date of issue
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per entry
- Entries: Multiple
- Perks: You can visit other Saudi cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla in the same trip
- Eligible Citizens: U.S., Canada, EU, UK, Australia, GCC countries, etc.
- Purpose: General tourism, family visits, and Umrah (outside Hajj season)
While it’s not a religious visa per se, Saudi authorities allow Umrah rituals under this visa type, just not the Hajj.
Umrah Visa (Classic Pilgrimage Visa)
This is a dedicated religious visa solely for the purpose of performing Umrah.
- Validity: Single-entry; expires after use or upon leaving the country
- Stay Duration: Usually 30 days or less
- Includes: Zamzam water collection permit, more direct pilgrim access
- More Requirements: Proof of hotel bookings, group arrangements, and stricter documentation
- Not Valid for: Tourism or travel outside Makkah/Madinah
Your Visa eligibility for Umrah
The two types of visa are open to citizens of the U.S., holders of green cards, and most Western nationalities. Women who are not over 45 years have to come along with a mahram or bring official, notarized mahram permission. Moreover, the new converts to the Islamic faith are supposed to present proven religious documents.
Selecting a good visa alludes to your traveling interests. The tourist e-visa is a good option in case you desire easiness and flexibility. The Umrah visa application form may be more suitable to you when you are part of a group package or want to have a traditional experience of Umrah.
A Complete Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Having decided which type of visa you need, now you should fill in your application form for the Umrah visa. The overwhelming majority of the pilgrims are going to fill in the application form of the Umrah visa via the official governmental portal or via the travel agency of choice. Here’s how the process generally works:
Step 1: Create Your Application Profile
Visit the Saudi eVisa Portal or work through an approved U.S.-based Umrah facilitator.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Input your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. You’ll need to upload a recent passport-size photograph (white background) and your travel details.
Step 3: Upload Documents
You’ll be asked to upload all documents for the Umrah visa, including passport scans, hotel booking, airline tickets, insurance, and vaccine certificates (details below).
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Fees vary based on the visa type, country, and agency:
- Tourist Visa: ~$155
- Umrah Visa: $200–$400 (depending on package and service)
- Some agencies bundle fees with hotel or group rates
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Applications may take as little as 10 minutes, depending on the US citizens. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to make a reservation of at least 24 4 weeks before the busy months, such as Ramadan or winter. As soon as it is approved, you will receive a PDF visa that is to be downloaded, printed, and shown at the check-in.
Don’t Forget These Must-Have Documents Required for Umrah
A proper knowledge is required about documents for online visa approval for Umrah. The Saudi immigration practices have been made narrower in order to ensure that all the needed documents are genuine and current.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the Umrah visa documents required for U.S. citizens and residents:
1. Valid Passport
- Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Saudi Arabia
- Should have two blank pages for visa and entry/exit stamps
- This is your most critical passport for Umrah
2. Passport-Style Photograph
- White background
- No headgear unless worn for religious reasons
- No smiling or filters
3. Round-Trip Airline Tickets
Saudi authorities require confirmed round-trip bookings to prevent visa overstays.
4. Hotel Booking Confirmation
- A confirmed stay at an approved hotel in Makkah and/or Madinah
- Must match the travel dates mentioned on the application
- Some visa portals reject applications without a hotel confirmation
5. Vaccination Certificates
- Meningitis (ACYW): Required for all pilgrims
- Seasonal Flu Shot: Strongly recommended
- COVID-19 Certificate: May be needed depending on current health guidelines
6. Travel Insurance
- Must cover health, emergency evacuation, and repatriation
- Some visa packages include this automatically
7. Supporting Documents for Special Cases
- Green Card: Required if you are a U.S. permanent resident
- Notarized Mahram Consent Letter: For women under 45 traveling without a mahram
- Conversion Certificate: If applicable, it should be translated into Arabic and notarized
Organizing your Umrah documents required in advance is the key to smooth visa approval.
Essential Tips & Lesser-Known Rules
While most blogs cover the basics, experienced travelers know that a few insider tips can save time, money, and stress.
Visa-On-Arrival for U.S. Visa Holders
If you’re not a U.S. citizen but have a valid U.S., U.K., or Schengen visa, you may qualify for a visa on arrival at Saudi airports. This only applies to those entering for tourism and must still comply with Nusuk booking policies.
Umrah App Booking is Mandatory
Even if you hold a valid visa, you cannot perform Umrah rituals without reserving your pilgrimage time via the Umrah apps. Time slots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Hotel Reservation is Now Non-Negotiable
No hotel booking = No visa. Ensure that your accommodations are prepaid and match your arrival/departure dates. LSI terms like “eVisa booking integration,” “Saudi hotel confirmation,” and “travel itinerary proof” all align here.
How to Apply Early
The best time to apply for an Umrah visa is 30–45 days before departure. This allows time to fix any errors or upload missing documents.
Checklist: 7 Days Before Departure
As the departure day approaches, don’t let minor mistakes become major obstacles. Use this saudia arabia travel checklist to ensure peace of mind:
- Passport and Visa documentation verification Copies
- Printed Visa (PDF format)
- Confirmed Round-Trip Tickets
- Hotel Booking Confirmation
- Vaccination Card and Saudi entry permit
- Emergency Contact Sheet
- Ihram Garments (2 sets)
- Cash or Debit/Credit Card
- Installed Nusuk App with Time Slot Booked
- Zamzam Bottle Permission (if required)
Wondering when to go? Check out When Is the Best Time to Perform Umrah? A Month-by-Month Breakdown (2025 Edition)
Why Book Your Umrah with Majmua
Planning Umrah shouldn’t feel like filing taxes. That’s where we come in. Our expert team provides end-to-end support to pilgrims across the USA and worldwide, from filling your Umrah visa form to managing bookings and reminders:
- Visa Application Review – We ensure all Umrah visa-required documents are uploaded accurately.
- Hotel & Transport Booking – Certified accommodations aligned with your visa needs.
- Nusuk Support – We help you register and secure a valid Umrah slot in real-time.
- Fast Approvals – Most travelers get visa confirmation within 24 hours.
- Round-the-Clock Help – Our 24/7 team handles questions, emergencies, and updates.
“We streamline travel so you can focus on your spiritual journey.”
Conclusion: Prepare with Peace, Travel with Purpose
Umrah is a holy, life-altering experience, but it all begins with preparation. The root of the smooth spiritual journey, to the pilgrims of the USA and other countries, is collecting the required Visa Umrah documents. With the knowledge of visa opportunities, filling in the appropriate papers, and getting all the documents ready before time, the travelers will not have to experience any stress in the last minute and can fully concentrate on the relationship with the divine. Mind that your path starts with clarity and calmness, since a well-prepared pilgrim is a present pilgrim. Do not leave the preparations of Umrah to the last moment. Register now through our secure website online portal and upload your documents, check your eligibility and chat with a travel expert.
