US visa requirements for Hajj and Umrah one must know

An estimated 1.8 million Muslims from around the globe are preparing for a life-changing spiritual journey: Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. In 2025, Hajj will begin on June 4 and continue through June 9, though pilgrims often begin arriving days or even weeks in advance to spiritually and physically prepare.

What is Hajj and when does it take place?Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a religious obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to make the journey. The pilgrimage is performed annually between the 8th and 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Notably, 2025 marks the last time in over a decade that Hajj will fall during Mecca’s scorching summer season.


The five- to six-day pilgrimage includes sacred rituals performed in and around Mecca, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The journey culminates with the symbolic stoning of the Devil at Jamarat, followed by final rites to mark the completion of Hajj.

What is Umrah, and how is it different from Hajj?


Unlike Hajj, Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage that Muslims can perform at any time of year. Though it includes some of the same rituals as Hajj, it is shorter in duration and does not substitute for the obligatory Hajj. Many pilgrims choose to perform Umrah alongside or separately from the Hajj season.
Visa requirements for Hajj and UmrahPerforming Hajj or Umrah requires careful planning and strict adherence to Saudi Arabia’s visa policies. For Hajj, in particular, visas are issued only through the official Nusuk Hajj platform , authorized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Using the Nusuk PlatformSaudi Arabia’s Nusuk Hajj platform is the only official portal for booking and managing your Hajj journey. Through Nusuk, pilgrims can select packages, book flights, make payments, and receive their Hajj visa. This process is mandatory for all pilgrims, including U.S. citizens and U.S. residents living in Saudi Arabia.

Authorities have warned that Hajj bookings, payments, and visa applications cannot be completed through third-party travel agencies outside of Nusuk. Attempting to perform Hajj without a valid permit can lead to serious consequences which include detention, deportation, fines, or a ban on future entry into Saudi Arabia.

Umrah Visa OptionsUnlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed on either a dedicated Umrah visa or a Saudi tourist visa. U.S. citizens planning to perform Umrah outside of the Hajj season may apply through various channels, including official Saudi visa portals.

However, it’s important to not overstay your visa. Staying in the country beyond your permitted duration can result in significant fines, possible detention, and a ban on future visits. These penalties can be thousands of dollars, especially during peak Hajj season.


Additional guidelines pilgrims should know

• Travel Areas & Restrictions: Hajj and Umrah visas are not valid for work or residency, and only allow travel to authorized pilgrimage sites. Non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering Mecca and the sacred areas of Medina.
  
  
  
• Duration of Stay: After completing Hajj, pilgrims must depart Saudi Arabia promptly. Travel to other cities like Jeddah or Medina is permitted only if it's part of the pre-approved Hajj package.
  
  
  
• Women Pilgrims: Women are now allowed to register and perform Hajj without a male guardian (mahram), in line with updated Saudi regulations.
  
  
  
• Accessibility: While major holy sites like the Grand Mosque in Mecca are accessible, many hotels and public transport options may not meet full accessibility standards. Pilgrims with specific mobility or medical needs should make prior arrangements and consult with travel providers.
  
  
  

All official documents related to your pilgrimage—such as flight tickets, hotel bookings, and visa expiry dates—should be carefully reviewed before and during your trip. Saudi Arabia follows the Hijri calendar, so it's essential to double-check dates and timelines listed on your visa.