Planning your Umrah from the USA and wondering how much the visa will really cost? The short answer is: the Saudi government charges no direct fee for the Umrah visa itself — but between processing fees, travel agency charges, and timing, most pilgrims from the US end up paying $150 to $300 for visa-related costs alone.
In this updated 2026 guide, we break down every cost, explain which fees are unavoidable, and show you exactly what to watch out for so you’re not caught off guard.
Understanding the Umrah Visa
Muslim pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah need a special entrance permit known as the Umrah visa. Umrah can be done at any time of the year, in contrast to Hajj, which is done on certain dates every year. To get an Umrah visa, pilgrims from the United States must fulfill certain requirements and follow rules set by the Saudi government.
Cost of Umrah Visa
A typical Umrah visa costs between $150 and $300 USD as of 2026. This price mostly depends on the Umrah service provider and any extra processing or administrative costs that travel companies might charge. Following are the important facts to consider while applying for the Umrah visa from the USA.
- Saudi Arabia has implemented no direct fee for the Umrah visa itself. However, pilgrims must use licensed travel agents to apply for the visa.
- Prices may differ depending on the time of the year, such as during Ramadan or peak pilgrimage months like December.
- Fees for processing visas and associated services like accommodation, flights, and transfers are typically bundled in Umrah packages.
2026 Umrah Visa Cost at a Glance
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Validity | Entries | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umrah Visa (Single Entry) | $150 – $250 | 30–90 days | 1 | First-time pilgrims, one trip |
| Saudi Tourist Visa | $200 – $300 | 1 year | Multiple | Repeat pilgrims, combining Umrah + travel |
Note: Saudi Arabia charges $0 in government Umrah visa fees. The costs above reflect processing and service fees charged by licensed travel agencies — which are required by law to issue the visa.
Types of Umrah Visas Available for the US Citizens
There are mainly 2 types of Umrah visa available for US citizens.
1. Umrah Visa (Single Entry):
The standard Umrah visa is issued specifically for the purpose of performing Umrah. It is tied to your Umrah package and cannot be used for general tourism.
- Validity: 30–90 days
- Entries: Single entry only
- Cost: $150–$250 (processing/service fee)
- Who it’s for: Pilgrims making one dedicated Umrah trip
2. Saudi Tourist Visa (Multi-Entry)
Introduced under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the tourist visa allows US citizens to perform Umrah as part of a broader visit to Saudi Arabia.
- Validity: Up to 1 year, with stays of up to 90 days per visit
- Entries: Multiple
- Cost: $200–$300
- Who it’s for: Pilgrims who want flexibility, plan to visit Saudi Arabia more than once, or want to combine Umrah with tourism (Diriyah, AlUla, Red Sea, etc.)
Which is better? If this is your only trip and your only goal is Umrah, the single-entry visa is simpler and often cheaper. If you plan to return within the year or want flexibility, the tourist visa pays for itself quickly.
What’s Included in the Visa Fee and What Isn’t
The visa processing fee covers your application review and the entry permit into Saudi Arabia. It does not include:
- Flights to/from Saudi Arabia
- Hotel accommodations in Makkah and Madinah
- Transportation within Holy cities
- Meals, Ziyarah tours, or any additional services
These are all separate costs, most licensed travel agencies offer Umrah packages that combine visa fees, accommodations, flights, and transportation for convenience.
Why Do Prices Change for Umrah Visa?
The cost of Umrah visas and packages for US citizens is determined on a number of factors, like:
- Ramadan and other peak months have higher prices whereas, January and October are kind of off-peak months when prices are often lower
- The total cost goes up when you stay in five-star hotels near Haraam
- Luxury transportation options like the Haramain High-Speed Train also increase the expense of packages
- Group packages almost always offer better per-person pricing than individual bookings.
- Booking 3–6 months ahead typically saves 15–25% compared to last-minute arrangements.
Is the Umrah Visa Free?
This is one of the most-searched questions — and the answer is: technically yes, but practically no.
Saudi Arabia eliminated the government fee for Umrah visas in recent years. However, pilgrims cannot apply directly to the Saudi government. By law, all US pilgrims must go through a licensed Umrah operator, and those operators charge a service/processing fee, which is where the $150–$300 cost comes from.
So while there is no “government visa fee,” you will still pay a processing fee through your travel agency. This is unavoidable and normal.
How to Apply for the Umrah Visa in the USA
Step 1: Choose a Licensed Umrah Operator
Select an IATA-accredited, Ministry of Hajj-approved travel agency in the USA. Sara International Travel has been licensed since 1994 and has served 30,000+ pilgrims.
Step 2: Select Your Package
Choose a package that fits your dates, budget, and hotel preference. A good agency will show you options across price ranges — 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star — with itemized pricing.
Step3: Submit Your Documents
The agency will guide you through paperwork. Standard requirements:
- Confirmed flight and hotel details (provided by the agency)
- Valid US passport (must have at least 6 months validity remaining)
- Recent passport-sized photos (white background)
Step 4: Pay Deposit and Start Processing
An initial deposit confirms your booking. Your agency handles all visa submissions to the Saudi consulate on your behalf. Processing typically takes 5–15 business days, though this can vary during peak seasons.
Step 5: Receive Your Visa
Your visa will be issued electronically and linked to your passport. You’ll receive confirmation from your agency; no physical sticker is required.
Tips to Save Money on Your Umrah Visa and Package
- Book early as prices for peak months (Ramadan, December) fill up 4–6 months ahead
- Check Off-Peak Season packages like January, February, and others for lower pricing
- Travel in a group because group discounts can reduce per-person costs significantly
- If you plan to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times, a tourist visa may be more cost-effective
Read more to avoid mistakes while performing your first Umrah.
FAQs
Between $150 and $300, depending on visa type and agency. This covers processing and service fees — the Saudi government itself does not charge a visa fee.
Yes, USA residents can apply for a Saudi tourist visa to perform Umrah. The tourist visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. The cost usually ranges from $200 to $300 USD.
While the visa fee remains consistent, off-peak months like January, or October often offer lower overall Umrah package prices, making it more affordable.
No, the Umrah visa must be processed through a licensed travel agent who typically provides bundled packages that include accommodations and services.
Always ask your agency for a full itemized breakdown before paying. Common add-ons include: airport transfers, Ziyarah tours, travel insurance, and meal plans. Reputable agencies are upfront about all costs.
Yes. All travelers, including infants and children, need their own visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The cost is the same as for adults.
Ready to Book Your Umrah?
Sara International Travel is a Ministry of Hajj-licensed, IATA-accredited Umrah operator serving US pilgrims since 1994. We’ve helped more than 30,000 pilgrims complete their journey, and we handle your visa, flights, hotel, and transfers so you can focus on worship.
