NYC Muslims constitute one of the biggest and diverse Muslim populations in the USA. Many Muslims living in NYC have the dream of doing Umrah at least once in their life and getting to Saudi Arabia from NYC is easier than it sounds. In this guide, we will help you plan and execute your journey step by step.
Why New York Muslims Are Well-Positioned for Umrah Travel
Since New York is considered an important international destination, flights from New York to Saudi Arabia can be obtained directly or via stopovers much more conveniently as compared to most other cities in the US. There are direct flights as well as flights through stops that connect New York with Jeddah and Madinah through international airlines.
Getting From New York to Saudi Arabia
Flight Routes
The planes leaving from New York will either be from JFK International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport. Some of the routes include:
- Taking an intermediate route via major hub cities such as Istanbul, Doha, Dubai or Cairo and eventually ending up in the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah.
- Taking advantage of the direct/near-direct flights during the high season of Umrah, which usually comes due to the increased number of pilgrims on the US East Coast.
It is very common for pilgrims to choose the route where they will end up in Madinah first.
Best Time to Fly
- December is one of the most popular months for US pilgrims, since it falls during school and work holidays and offers cooler, more comfortable weather in Makkah and Madinah
- Ramadan remains the most spiritually significant time to perform Umrah, though it’s also the busiest and most expensive
- Shoulder months (October–November, February–March) offer a good balance of comfort, cost, and lower crowds
Umrah Package Options from New York
MyUmrahPackages offers tiered 3-Star Umrah packages designed for US travellers, with visa, hotel, and transport included as standard, and flights available on request for those who want a fully managed booking.
| Package Duration | Makkah Nights | Madinah Nights | Hotels | Price (per person) |
| 10 Nights | 4 Nights | 3 Nights | Al Kiswah Hotel (Makkah), Diyafat Al Mukhtara (Madinah) | From $449 |
| 10 Nights | 5 Nights | 5 Nights | Al Kiswah Tower (Makkah), Diyafat Al Mokhtara (Madinah) | From $577 |
| 14 Nights | 7 Nights | 7 Nights | Emaar Elite (Makkah), Emaar Taibah (Madinah) | From $693 |
| 21 Nights | 11 Nights | 10 Nights | Al Kiswah Tower (Makkah), Diyafat Al Mokhtara (Madinah) | From $1041 |
What’s Included
- Umrah visa processing
- Hotel accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah
- Ground transport between cities and to/from airports
What’s Not Included by Default
- International flights (available on request, so your full itinerary can be booked in one place)
- Meals, unless specified for a particular package
- Travel insurance
- Ziyarat tours, unless added separately
Packages of 10 days are more suitable for the pilgrim who has only a few days off from work, whereas packages of 14 and 21 days allow a more relaxed approach to experiencing the two holy cities.
Visa Requirements for US-Based Pilgrims
There have been numerous changes to the Umrah visa regulations in Saudi Arabia in the last year, and it’s important to know the current regulations before making your plans:
- The validity of Umrah visa entry into the country has been reduced from three months to 30 days. You should enter the country within 30 days after obtaining the visa for Umrah otherwise, the visa will be automatically revoked. However, your stay in the country will still be 90 days.
- Multiple entry Umrah visa became available since 2026 and it is valid for one year. The total number of days spent in the country during one year can be up to 90.
- People who have tourist visa, family visit visa, transit visa, and work visa can also perform Umrah apart from Umrah visa holders.
Thus, if you’re planning to travel to Saudi Arabia for other purposes, you might perform Umrah during your visit.
Preparing for Your Trip
Some practical ways of easing the experience of first-time pilgrims from New York include the following:
- Ihram and rituals: Get familiar with how to go into the state of Ihram before entering the Miqat area around Jeddah, and also learn the steps of Umrah (Tawaf, Sa’i, and Halq/Taqsir).
- Vaccination needs: Learn about the vaccinations that are required for Umrah visitors since this may vary by season.
- Pack according to the weather conditions: December will have cooler weather than other warmer months.
- Currency and connectivity: Make sure to arrange the Saudi riyal currency and possibly an international travel card, along with a local SIM or an eSIM for internet access.
Why Book with MyUmrahPackages
Traveling for Umrah from New York by oneself involves booking all these services separately, which entails many challenges like dealing with multiple agencies at different times zones. The MyUmrahPackages travel company makes all this happen in one place, where you can access all these services, including visa arrangements, accommodation, and transport included, and flight bookings upon request.
Ready to plan your Umrah trip from New York? Explore current packages or enquire now to get started, or call +1 737-249-9008 to speak with the team directly.
FAQs
How long does it take to fly from New York to Saudi Arabia?
Total travel time, including a connection, is typically 14–18 hours depending on the layover city and airline.
Do I need a separate Umrah visa if I already have a Saudi tourist visa?
No. As of the current rules, holders of tourist, family visit, transit, and work visas can perform Umrah without applying for a separate Umrah visa.
What’s the best package length for a first-time pilgrim from the US?
A 10-night package is a common choice for first-timers balancing time off work with wanting a meaningful, unrushed experience in both Makkah and Madinah. Those with more flexibility often prefer 14 nights or longer.
Are flights included in these packages?
Flights are available on request rather than included by default, which lets you choose your preferred routing and dates from New York while still having your visa, hotel, and transport handled as part of the package.
Is December a good time to travel from New York?
Yes. December is one of the most popular months for US pilgrims, combining cooler weather in Saudi Arabia with school and work holidays, though it’s worth booking early as availability tightens closer to the date.
