Umrah from USA is one of the most spiritually rewarding journeys a Muslim can make. Unlike Hajj, Umrah can be performed at any time of year, making it accessible to millions of American Muslims who want to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah without waiting for the annual Hajj season. If you are planning your first – or your next – Umrah from the USA, this complete guide by Heaven Tours will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right package to arriving at the Haram.
What Is Umrah?
Umrah is a voluntary Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. While it is not one of the five pillars of Islam like Hajj, it holds immense spiritual value and is referred to in the Quran and Sunnah as the “lesser pilgrimage.” The rituals of Umrah include entering the state of Ihram, performing Tawaf (circling the Kaaba seven times), walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa (Sa’i), and shaving or cutting the hair.
Unlike Hajj, which is restricted to specific days of the Islamic calendar and subject to government quotas, Umrah can be performed throughout the year – making it a realistic goal for American Muslims at almost any time.
Who Can Perform Umrah from the USA?
Any Muslim who is physically able and financially capable is encouraged to perform Umrah. There are no age restrictions, though elderly travelers and young children require additional planning. Women under the age of 45 are generally required to travel with a mahram (male guardian) according to Saudi regulations, though policies have evolved in recent years – contact us for the latest requirements.
US citizens and permanent residents can apply for a Saudi Umrah visa through a certified travel agent. Heaven Tours handles the entire visa process on your behalf, so you do not need to visit a consulate or navigate the Saudi government portal alone.
How to Book Umrah from the USA
Booking Umrah from the United States involves several steps. Working with a certified, experienced Umrah travel agent like Heaven Tours simplifies every part of the process.
Step 1: Choose Your Package
Heaven Tours offers three main package tiers to fit different budgets and preferences:
- Economy Package: Essential services at the best value. Includes flights, visa, standard hotels in Makkah and Madinah, and ground transportation. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a complete and comfortable experience.
- Comfort Package: Upgraded hotels closer to the Harams in both Makkah and Madinah. Ideal for families and those who value convenience and proximity to the mosques.
- Premium 5-Star Package: Luxury hotels, premium airline seats, private transportation, and dedicated personal service. Prices up to $8,000 per person. Ideal for those seeking a VIP spiritual experience.
Step 2: Select Your Departure City
Heaven Tours arranges Umrah departures from major US cities across all 50 states, including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK/EWR), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), Seattle (SEA), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), Baltimore (BWI), San Diego (SAN), and many more. If you are not near a major hub, we can arrange connecting flights from your local airport.
Step 3: Submit Your Registration
Once you select your package and departure city, you complete your registration with Heaven Tours. Our team will provide a full checklist of required documents and handle your Saudi Umrah visa application from start to finish.
Step 4: Pre-Departure Orientation
All Heaven Tours Umrah packages include a pre-departure orientation where our team prepares you for the rituals, travel logistics, and spiritual aspects of your journey. First-time pilgrims especially benefit from this step.
Step 5: Travel and Worship
On departure day, your Heaven Tours group leader accompanies you throughout the journey. Our 24/7 support means help is always available – from the airport to the Haram and back.
How Much Does Umrah from the USA Cost?
Umrah package costs vary depending on departure city, time of year, hotel category, and duration of stay. As a general guide:
- Economy packages typically start from around $2,500 to $3,500 per person
- Comfort packages range from approximately $3,500 to $5,500 per person
- Premium 5-Star packages go up to $8,000 per person
Ramadan Umrah packages are typically priced higher due to peak demand. We always recommend booking Ramadan packages 5 to 6 months in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Contact Heaven Tours for current pricing based on your specific departure city and travel dates.
Umrah Visa Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens and residents require a Saudi Umrah visa to enter the Kingdom for pilgrimage. Here is what you need to know:
- Visa type: Saudi Umrah visa (single or multiple entry)
- Validity: Typically valid for the duration of your package
- Requirements: Valid US passport (at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates), completed registration, passport photos, and meningococcal meningitis (ACWY) vaccination certificate
- Processing: Heaven Tours manages the entire visa application process on your behalf
Saudi Arabia has streamlined Umrah visa processing in recent years, and the process is generally smooth when handled through a certified agent like Heaven Tours.
Best Time to Perform Umrah from the USA
Umrah can be performed any time of year, but certain periods are more popular and more spiritually significant than others.
Ramadan (Most Recommended)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that performing Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent in reward to performing Hajj. This makes Ramadan the most sought-after time for Umrah, and Heaven Tours offers specialized Ramadan Umrah packages with extended stays for those wishing to observe Laylat Al-Qadr in Makkah. Important: Ramadan packages fill 5 to 6 months in advance – book early.
School Holiday Seasons
December and summer school holidays are popular departure windows for American Muslim families, allowing children to travel without missing school. These periods also fill quickly – early booking is recommended.
Off-Peak Periods
If you prefer smaller crowds and lower prices, consider traveling in non-Ramadan months outside of school holiday seasons. The experience is equally valid spiritually, and hotels are often more accessible and affordable.
Avoid During Hajj Season
Umrah is not permitted during the actual days of Hajj (the 8th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah). Plan your travel to avoid this window.
What to Expect in Makkah and Madinah
Makkah
The journey begins and ends at Masjid Al-Haram, the Grand Mosque that surrounds the Kaaba. Heaven Tours books hotels within close proximity to the Haram – including top properties such as the Hyatt Regency Makkah, Marriott Jabal Omar, Fairmont Makkah Clock Tower, and Le Meridien Towers Makkah – so you can walk to the mosque at any hour for prayers and Tawaf.
Madinah
Most Umrah packages include a stay in Madinah to visit Masjid Al-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque. Heaven Tours partners with hotels close to the Nabawi Mosque including the Pullman ZamZam Madinah and Taibah Front Madinah. Time in Madinah is deeply cherished by pilgrims and should not be rushed.
Can I Add a Tour Extension to My Umrah Trip?
Yes. Heaven Tours offers Umrah packages with optional extensions to nearby destinations, allowing you to combine your spiritual journey with cultural exploration:
- Istanbul, Turkey: Explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the rich Islamic heritage of the Ottoman Empire
- Cairo, Egypt: Visit the Pyramids of Giza, Al-Azhar Mosque, and the ancient Islamic quarter of Old Cairo
- Amman, Jordan: Tour Petra, the Dead Sea, and the holy sites of Jordan
These combined packages are especially popular with travelers who want to make the most of a long international journey.
Why Choose Heaven Tours for Your Umrah from the USA?
Heaven Tours, Inc. has been organizing Umrah and Hajj journeys for American Muslims for over 20 years. Here is what sets us apart:
- IATA Certified: We are a proud member of the International Air Transport Association and a certified Hajj and Umrah Travel Agent
- Nationwide Service: We serve all 50 US states with departures from every major US city
- Full Visa Service: We manage your Saudi Umrah visa from start to finish
- Top Hotels: We partner exclusively with highly-rated hotels close to both Harams
- Multilingual Support: Our team speaks English and Arabic and serves diverse Muslim communities including Somali, Urdu, and other language speakers
- 24/7 Trip Support: From booking to return, our team is always reachable
- Over 35 Years of Combined Expertise: Our experienced team has designed thousands of successful Umrah journeys
Ready to Book Your Umrah from the USA?
Whether you are performing Umrah for the first time or returning to the holy cities once again, Heaven Tours is here to handle every detail so you can focus entirely on your worship and spiritual renewal.
Contact us today to check current availability, pricing, and departure dates from your city.
- Phone: +1 (323) 931-2184
- WhatsApp: +1 (213) 216-9679
- Website: heaventours.com
May Allah accept your Umrah and grant you a journey filled with peace, reflection, and closeness to Him. Ameen.