Saudi rules now let women 18 and over perform Umrah without a male guardian. Here is what sisters in the USA need to know about visas, groups, hotels and planning.
Sisters often ask us: can I go for Umrah without a mahram? The short answer is that Saudi visa rules now allow it for women aged 18 and over. The religious question is separate, and many sisters still prefer to travel with a trusted group. Here is what the rules say today, how a group trip makes the journey easier, and what to prepare before you fly from the USA.
What the Saudi rules say
Saudi Arabia no longer requires women to travel with a male guardian (mahram) for Umrah. Women aged 18 and over can apply for a visa and travel on their own or with a group. This change has been in place since 2021 and applies to both the tourist eVisa and the Umrah visa routes. US passport holders are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which allows Umrah outside the Hajj season. You can read more in our guide to Umrah visa requirements for US citizens.
Rules can change, so always check the latest requirements before you book. We offer visa application support; the Saudi authorities make every visa decision.
The religious question is separate
The Saudi rule is about travel and visas. Scholars hold different views on whether a woman may travel for Umrah without a mahram, and under what conditions. Some allow it when the route is safe and she travels with a trustworthy group of women; others do not. We recommend you ask a scholar you trust before you book. Many sisters choose to travel with a group, with other families, or with a relative even when it is not required.
Why a group helps
- You are never alone at the airport, the hotel or the Haram.
- Transport between Makkah, Madinah and the airport is arranged for you.
- A guide helps with Ihram, Tawaf and Sa'i, and answers questions along the way.
- Hotel check-in, Nusuk permits and daily plans are handled, so you can focus on worship.
- You travel with other sisters and families, which many women find reassuring on a first Umrah.
If you are comparing options, see why many pilgrims choose group Umrah packages over traveling alone.
Documents to prepare
- A US passport valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
- Your visa. We offer visa application support; the Saudi authorities make every visa decision.
- The Nusuk app on your phone for permits at the Haram.
- Required vaccination records, and any medicine in its original packaging.
- A printed copy of your hotel bookings, flight tickets and your guide's phone number.
Hotels and safety
Ask any agency for the exact hotel names in writing before you pay, and how far each hotel is from the Haram. Close hotels mean less walking at night and easier prayer times. Keep your hotel card and your guide's number on you at all times, and share your daily plan with family back home.
We can arrange for sisters to share a room with other sisters in the group, which keeps the trip affordable and means you are never alone in the hotel.
What to wear and pack
Women do not wear a special ihram garment. You enter ihram in your regular modest clothing: loose, comfortable and covering the body. Read our full guide on what to wear for Umrah, and use our Umrah packing list for ladies so nothing is forgotten.
Planning tips for sisters
- Pack modest, breathable clothing and comfortable broken-in shoes.
- Women's prayer areas at the Haram have their own entrances; your guide will show you on day one.
- Carry a small bag for your shoes and a refillable water bottle for Zamzam.
- Ramadan and school breaks fill early. Book weeks ahead. See our Ramadan Umrah 2027 planning guide.
How to choose a trustworthy agency
Before you pay anyone, ask for the exact hotels in writing, who leads the group, and how long the agency has been in business. Our guide on how to choose an Umrah agency in New York lists the questions to ask.
Frequently asked questions
Can a woman perform Umrah without a mahram from the USA?
Under current Saudi visa rules, yes, if she is 18 or older. Whether it is religiously permitted is a separate question; scholars differ, so ask a scholar you trust.
Is there a minimum age for women traveling without a mahram?
Saudi rules allow women aged 18 and over to travel without a mahram. Younger travelers should travel with a parent or guardian.
Can I share a hotel room with other women in the group?
Yes. We can arrange for sisters to share a room with other sisters in the group. Ask us when you book.
Do I need a special ihram garment as a woman?
No. Women enter ihram in their regular modest clothing. Any color is allowed; white is common but not required.
When is the best time for a sister's first Umrah?
Many first-timers prefer winter or after Eid, when crowds are calmer and the weather is cooler. Ramadan is the most rewarding time but also the busiest.
Travel with Amana Travel
Amana Travel has organized Umrah groups from Brooklyn since 2005. We are IATA/ARC accredited, and our team stays with the group from the first call to the last day in Madinah. Sisters traveling without a mahram are welcome in our scheduled groups. See our current Umrah packages.
Call (718) 491-6456, message us on WhatsApp 917-297-2547, or visit us at 507 68th St, Brooklyn, for this season's packages.