Umrah from Houston

Flying from Houston

Houston has one of the fastest-growing Muslim populations in the United States, with a large and diverse community spread across the metro area, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport carries nonstop Saudia service to Jeddah, alongside frequent one-stop options through Gulf and Turkish hubs. Houston's Umrah travel trade has grown alongside the community and serves South Asian, Arab, and African communities with a range of package options. The US dollar is used locally. Houston's hot, humid climate for much of the year is a reasonable point of comparison for Jeddah's coastal heat, though summer travel to Saudi Arabia is still intense and worth preparing for with light, breathable clothing. Local mosques across the Houston area are a good source of trusted operator recommendations. Book several months ahead of Ramadan, when demand for both flights and hotel rooms near the Haram rises sharply across the country.

Umrah visa for Americans

American passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Americans can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. Americans who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.

Full visa guide for Americans →

When to go

Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.

What it costs from Houston

Your biggest variables are the flight from IAH, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in USD, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.

Before you book

• Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
• Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
• Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
• Install the offline companion before you fly.