Millions of people from around the world travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be completed at any time of the year except during Hajj.
Hajj information for U.S. citizens
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah offers the Nusuk Hajj platform, the only official platform for booking and managing your Hajj journey. Nusuk provides information on your Hajj package, flight, payment, and visa.
To perform Hajj, pilgrims from the United States must obtain a Hajj permit and visa issued through Nusuk . U.S. citizens living in Saudi Arabia must also register through Nusuk to perform Hajj.
You cannot make Hajj bookings, visas, and payments through third-party travel agents outside of Nusuk. If you perform Hajj without a permit, you may face deportation, detention, fines, or may be banned from future visits to Saudi Arabia.
Review Nusuk for all related information, including required vaccines and medical insurance, instructional guides, specific mobile apps needed to enter holy sites, and other details.
Please also review the current Travel Advisory and country information for Saudi Arabia for more information on safety, security, local laws, special travelers, and health issues.
Once you arrive in Mecca and begin Hajj, you cannot leave Saudi Arabia until Hajj is complete. In case of an emergency, you must get permission from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to depart Saudi Arabia early.
Personal security tips
Hajj and Umrah travelers are often targets for scammers.
- Be aware of scams offering fake Hajj visas and permits outside the Nusuk platform, as well as fraudulent tour operators selling Hajj and Umrah packages.
- Protect yourself against pickpocketing, theft, and other crimes.
- Keep your U.S. passport secure during your trip. Make copies of your passport—including pages stamped with Saudi visas—with 1 saved digitally and the other in a safe place while you travel.
- Follow Saudi laws and cooperate with local authorities. You must follow local laws and regulations and cooperate with local security officials at the holy sites in Mecca and Medina. Following rules helps a smooth travel experience, keeps you safe, and prevents legal consequences.
Emergency contact information for U.S. citizens
For emergencies, use these numbers to reach the American Citizens Services unit or an after-hours duty officer for assistance:
Working hours: Sunday through Thursday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time in Saudi Arabia. During work hours, ask for the American Citizen Services Unit.
Hajj and Umrah visa requirements
The Hijri calendar is used in Saudi Arabia for all official purposes. Please review the dates on your visa carefully. Make sure you know when it expires.
U.S. citizens performing Umrah can enter Saudi Arabia on a tourist e-visa , Umrah visa, or transit visa, but not during the Hajj season. Hajj can only be performed on a Hajj visa issued through Nusuk.
Do not overstay your visa. If you stay in Saudi Arabia longer than you are allowed, you may have to pay heavy fines to depart the country. This can amount to thousands of dollars. You might also face detention, deportation, or bans from returning to Saudi Arabia in the future.
Permitted areas of travel and duration of stay
If you are unsure, ask Saudi airport officials or the Passport Office (jawazat) for clarification upon arrival.
- Non-Muslims are not allowed to travel to Mecca or enter the Prophet’s Mosque (Al Masjid-e-Nabawi) and its surrounding courtyard in Medina.
- Hajj and Umrah visas are not valid for work or residency.
- Hajj pilgrims must leave Saudi Arabia after completing Hajj or after their visits to Medina and Jeddah if part of the authorized Hajj package.
- Entry into Mecca is restricted beginning approximately 1 month prior to the start of Hajj. A Hajj visa and permit is required to enter Mecca once the restrictions come into effect.
Women pilgrims
Women can register for and perform Hajj or Umrah without a male guardian.
Accessibility needs for pilgrim travelers
Most of the Holy Sites, such as the Grand Mosque in Mecca, are accessible to all people regardless of abilities. However, most hotels and transportation options are not accessible. Check with your tour group provider to ensure your needs are well known and can be accommodated.
Photos and videos
Limited personal photos are generally allowed. However, taking photos or videos of other people praying or without their permission is prohibited. If you break this rule, they may take away your device, or you could face fines.
Additionally, it is illegal to photograph or record Saudi government or security employees and assets such as buildings and vehicles. Please follow instructions by local authorities on personal photography or videography. Commercial photography and videography require official permits.
Safety and emergency information
Summer temperatures in Mecca may easily rise to over 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 Celsius). Plan out how you will stay hydrated.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)(opens in a new tab) to receive security messages from the U.S. embassy or consulate(opens in a new tab) for your destination. STEP also makes it easier to reach you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
Follow us on X @KSA_ACS(opens in a new tab) , @USConsulateJed and @TravelGov(opens in a new tab) as well as the U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia(opens in a new tab) , Consulate General Jeddah(opens in a new tab) , and Bureau of Consular Affairs(opens in a new tab) on Facebook, and @TravelGov(opens in a new tab) and @USConsulateJeddah on Instagram.
In an emergency, please use your social media and other accounts to let family and friends know that you are okay. Doing so reassures your loved ones. It also allows our staff to focus on helping other people in need of emergency help.
Emergency contact information for Hajj authorities
Nusuk Pilgrims Care Center
Website: https://www.haj.gov.sa/Contact(opens in a new tab)
Street Address: Ibrahim Khalil Street, Misfalah, Makkah
Care@haj.gov.sa
+966-92-000-2814 from inside or outside the Kingdom
1966 from inside the Kingdom
Emergency services
Dial 911 for all emergencies, including ambulance service.
What the U.S. Government can and can’t do in an emergency
We hope you have a smooth and safe Hajj or Umrah journey. If something goes wrong, U.S. Embassy Riyadh and Consulate General Jeddah and Dhahran can help with consular services.
Ways we can help:
- Arrange for emergency U.S. passports for U.S. citizens, as well as “boarding foils” for lost I-551 (“green cards”) for U.S. lawful permanent residents. Please bring a report from the police station regarding the theft or loss, and a copy of your U.S. passport or green card if possible.
- If you are arrested or detained, you should be notified that you may request consular access. If you are not, you should request it so the embassy or consulate may contact you as possible after being told that you are arrested .
- Provide information on local lawyers and medical care.
- Inform your family or others who can help you if you are involved in an accident, are arrested, or die.
The U.S. government cannot:
- Arrange for travel outside of the designated areas in Mecca and Medina.
- Resolve alleged or actual immigration violations.
- Become involved in any disputes involving a travel agency, hotel, airline, or any other service provider.
- Manage airline, hotel, or other travel bookings.
- Pay for hotel, legal, medical, travel, or other bills.
- Obtain your release from prison.
- Give legal advice or intervene in court cases or criminal investigations.
