The Ultimate Guide to Performing Umrah from the USA: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Performing Umrah is one of the most profound spiritual journeys a Muslim can undertake. For Muslims living in the United States, planning this sacred trip to Makkah and Madinah requires careful preparation from visas and vaccinations to flights, hotels, and understanding the rituals correctly.
At Makkah Visits, we specialize in making your Umrah journey from the USA seamless, transparent, and spiritually rewarding. Whether you’re traveling from New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or anywhere else in America, this complete 2026 guide covers everything you need to know.
1. Umrah Visa Options for US Residents & Green Card Holders
US passport holders have several convenient options:
- Saudi Tourist eVisa (Most Popular): US citizens and many green card holders are eligible for a 1-year multiple-entry Tourist eVisa. It allows stays of up to 90 days per visit and explicitly permits performing Umrah (but not Hajj). Apply online at the official portal: visa.visitsaudi.com. Cost is approximately $120-$170 (including insurance). Processing is usually quick (24-72 hours).
- Umrah Visa via Nusuk Platform: Official Umrah packages can be booked through the Saudi government’s Nusuk platform. These often include hotel and transport packages.
- 96-Hour Transit / Stopover Visa: Available free of charge when flying with Saudia or other approved carriers. Perfect for a short Umrah if you’re already connecting through Jeddah or Riyadh.
Important Notes (2026):
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Hotel booking is often required during the eVisa application.
- Green card holders should check eligibility carefully as rules can vary.
2. Best Time to Perform Umrah from the USA
Umrah can be performed any time of the year except during the official Hajj period. Here’s what works best for American travelers:
- Ramadan Umrah Highest spiritual reward (equivalent to Hajj with the Prophet ﷺ according to authentic narrations). Book extremely early.
- Winter months (November - February) Cooler weather in Makkah and Madinah (15-28°C), making Tawaf and Sa’i much more comfortable.
- School holidays Spring break and December winter break are ideal for families.
- Avoid peak summer (June-August) unless you are used to extreme heat (often 40°C+).
3. Flights & Travel Logistics from the USA
Major US departure airports: JFK (New York), ORD (Chicago), IAD (Washington DC), LAX (Los Angeles), DFW (Dallas), and IAH (Houston).
Recommended routes:
- Direct or one-stop flights to Jeddah (JED) best if you want to go to Makkah first.
- Flights to Madinah (MED) preferred by many who want to visit the Prophet’s Mosque first and enter Ihram from Dhul Hulaifah.
Popular airlines: Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian.
Pro Tip: Many packages from Makkah Visits include flights from JFK with premium 5-star hotels walking distance from the Haram.
4. Health Requirements & Vaccinations (2026)
Mandatory for all Umrah pilgrims:
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MenACWY) must be taken at least 10 days before arrival and within the last 5 years. Certificate is checked at immigration.
- COVID-19 vaccination is currently recommended (especially for high-risk groups) but requirements can change always verify latest rules on the official Saudi Ministry of Health website.
Recommended: Seasonal flu vaccine, routine vaccinations up to date, and travel insurance with medical coverage.
5. Step-by-Step Rites of Performing Umrah
- Entering the state of Ihram Before crossing the Miqat (for most US travelers flying to Jeddah, this is usually while still in the air near Al-Juhfah/Rabigh).
- Perform ghusl
- Wear Ihram (two unstitched white sheets for men; modest clothing for women)
- Make the Niyyah and recite the Talbiyah
- Tawaf al-Umrah Circle the Kaaba seven times anti-clockwise, starting from the Black Stone.
- Two Rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim + drink Zamzam water.
- Sa’i Walk seven times between Safa and Marwah.
- Halq or Taqsir Men: preferably shave the head (Halq). Women: trim a fingertip length of hair. This completes the Umrah and you exit the state of Ihram.
6. Essential Packing List for US Travelers
- Valid passport + printed eVisa + vaccination certificate
- Ihram clothing + extra set
- Comfortable walking sandals
- Unscented toiletries (perfume is not allowed in Ihram)
- Prescription medicines + basic first-aid
- Portable charger, universal adapter
- Light, modest clothing for non-Ihram days
- Prayer mat and small Quran or dua book
- Copies of all important documents (digital + physical)
7. Why Book with Makkah Visits?
- Customized packages for USA travelers (JFK, ORD, LAX, etc.)
- Hotels within walking distance of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi
- 24/7 ground support in Saudi Arabia
- Transparent pricing with clear refund policy
- Group and private options available
Ready to Begin Your Sacred Journey?
Umrah is a life-changing experience. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus completely on your ibadah and spiritual connection with Allah.
Contact Makkah Visits Today to book your customized Umrah package from the USA.