Last updated: July 2026
If you hold a US passport, getting an Umrah visa is genuinely one of the simplest parts of the entire trip — but the actual fee breakdown online is often vague, outdated, or buried inside agency sales pages designed to upsell you. This article gives you the exact, current cost breakdown for US citizens applying directly.
The Short Answer
US citizens do not need a separate “Umrah visa” application process. You apply for the Saudi Tourist e-Visa, which explicitly permits Umrah, and the total cost is approximately $165 per applicant, processed entirely online.
Full Fee Breakdown for US Citizens (2026)
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Saudi Tourist e-Visa application fee | ~$140 |
| Mandatory travel health insurance (bundled into checkout) | ~$25-35 |
| Total per person | ~$165-175 |
This fee is paid directly to the official Saudi government visa portal during the application — there is no separate “Umrah visa fee” on top of this for US passport holders applying for the tourist e-visa.
How to Apply Directly (No Agent Needed)
- Go to visa.visitsaudi.com — the official Saudi tourism e-visa portal
- Select “Tourist Visa”
- Create an account and fill in your passport details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload a passport-style photo and your passport bio page scan
- Pay the fee online by card
- Processing is typically same-day to 72 hours
You do not need to pay any third party or agency to do this for you. The process is built for individual self-application and takes most people under 20 minutes to complete.
What the e-Visa Includes
- Validity: 12 months from issue date
- Entries: Multiple entry — you can visit more than once within the validity window
- Stay duration: Up to 90 days per visit
- Permitted activities: Tourism, visiting family, and Umrah are all explicitly covered under this visa category
Is There a Separate “Umrah Visa” for US Citizens?
Historically, Umrah required a dedicated Umrah visa processed through an accredited agent. Since the introduction of the Saudi tourist e-visa, most US citizens performing Umrah now simply use the tourist e-visa rather than going through a dedicated Umrah visa agent — it is faster, cheaper, and gives more flexibility (multiple entries, longer validity) than the older Umrah-specific visa route.
Some agencies will still process a traditional Umrah visa for you as part of a package — if you are using an agency package, this fee is usually bundled into your overall package price rather than charged separately, so check what your specific quote includes.
Why the Fee You See Online Sometimes Looks Different
If you’ve seen figures ranging from $80 to $300+ for an “Umrah visa from USA,” here’s why the numbers vary so much:
- $80-120 figures are often outdated, reflecting an earlier e-visa fee structure before adjustments
- $200-300+ figures are usually agency service packages that bundle the visa fee with their processing service charge, insurance upgrades, or expedited processing add-ons
- The $140 government fee + ~$25-35 insurance is the actual baseline cost when applying directly yourself
Always check whether a quoted figure is the government fee alone or includes a third-party service charge before comparing prices between sources.
What You’ll Need Before You Apply
- A US passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel date
- A digital passport-style photo (white background, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months)
- A scanned copy of your passport’s bio data page
- A debit or credit card for online payment
Processing Time — What to Realistically Expect
Most applications process within 24-72 hours, though the official guidance allows up to a few business days during high-demand periods (particularly in the weeks leading into Ramadan). Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to leave a comfortable buffer, even though most approvals come through much faster than that.