1. Choosing Your Path: Tourist eVisa vs. Umrah eVisa
For travelers from the USA, there are two primary ways to enter the Kingdom for pilgrimage. Choosing the right one depends on your itinerary and citizenship status.
| Feature | Tourist eVisa (Recommended for US Citizens) | Specialized Umrah Visa |
| Eligibility | US Passport & Green Card holders | All Muslim travelers |
| Validity | 1 Year (Multiple Entry) | 90 Days (Single Entry) |
| Stay Duration | Up to 90 days per visit | Up to 90 days total |
| Purpose | Tourism + Umrah | Umrah Only |
| Processing | Instant (5–30 minutes) | 24 to 72 hours |
Pro Tip: If you hold a US Passport, the Tourist eVisa is your best bet. It is faster, allows you to visit cities like Jeddah or AlUla, and lets you perform Umrah anytime except during the specific Hajj season.
2. Document Checklist for 2026
Before starting your application on the Official Saudi eVisa Portal, have these digital files ready:
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Digital Photo: A recent, passport-style headshot (white background, .jpg format).
Payment Method: A credit or debit card enabled for international transactions.
Meningitis Certificate: While not always uploaded during the eVisa stage, you must carry proof of the ACYW135 vaccination to enter the Holy Sites in 2026.
3. The Step-by-Step Online Application
Visit the Portal: Use the official Visit Saudi site to avoid the high service fees of “agent” websites.
Register an Account: You will receive a verification code via email.
Fill the Form: Enter your passport details carefully. Mismatched names are the #1 cause of airport boarding denials.
Insurance: In 2026, mandatory health insurance is automatically bundled into the fee. This covers emergency medical expenses within the Kingdom.
Pay the Fee: The total cost for US citizens is approximately $120–$150 USD (inclusive of insurance).
4. The 2026 “30-Day Entry Rule”
A critical update for 2026: If you opt for a Specialized Umrah Visa (instead of the Tourist eVisa), you must enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of issuance. Do not apply too early, or your visa will expire before your flight from New York or Washington DC departs.
5. Mandatory App Registration: Nusuk
Your visa gets you into the country, but the Nusuk App gets you into the Rawdah and the Umrah performing area.
Register after Visa Approval: You cannot register on Nusuk without a valid visa number or border number.
Book Your Slots: In 2026, slots for the Noble Rawdah in Madinah are extremely competitive. Check the app at :01 or :31 past the hour for new openings.
Screenshot Everything: Wi-Fi can be spotty near the Masjid gates; keep a screenshot of your QR permit ready.
6. Visa Rules for US Green Card Holders
If you live in the US but hold a passport from a country like Pakistan, India, or Jordan, you are still eligible for the Instant eVisa in 2026. You simply select your citizenship and then confirm your “Permanent Residency” in the USA. If you are on a work visa (like an H1-B), you may need to apply for a consulate visa through an authorized agency.
7. Conclusion: How We Help
Navigating Saudi portals can be stressful. When you book a Group Umrah 2026 package, Dawah Travels provides a dedicated visa consultant to review your documents and ensure your Nusuk permits are secured.