Umrah from Seattle
What pilgrims leaving from Seattle need to know: the flight, the visa route for Americans, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle's Muslim community has grown significantly in recent years, with a diverse mix of East African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern residents, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers workable one-stop connections to Jeddah and Madinah through Istanbul and Gulf hubs, though there is no scheduled nonstop flight from the Pacific Northwest. Being on the far west coast, Seattle pilgrims face some of the longest total travel times in North America regardless of routing, so plan for a demanding journey and build in recovery time before starting rituals. The city's Umrah travel trade is smaller and less established than in larger US cities, so it's worth comparing a Seattle-based agent's offering against one in a larger hub like Chicago or New York. The US dollar is used locally. Seattle's mild, wet climate makes packing straightforward. Local mosques, particularly around the Rainier Valley area, are a good starting point for operator referrals. Book well ahead of Ramadan.
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 Seattle
Your biggest variables are the flight from SEA, 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.