Saudi Visa for Canadian Citizens

Saudi Visa for Canadian Citizens

The Saudi Arabia visa for Canadian citizens is a travel document that grants permission to individuals with a Canadian passport to enter and stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a designated period and for particular purposes, such as:

  • Tourism
  • Business purposes
  • Transit
  •  Visiting family and friends
  • Undertaking the religious pilgrimage of Umrah
  • Work
  •  Education (e.g. enrolling in a Saudi university)

Obtaining a visa is mandatory for Canadian citizens planning to visit Saudi Arabia, regardless of how long they plan to stay. The Saudi visa system helps to protect Saudi Arabia’s borders by ensuring all visitors enter lawfully and comply with the country’s immigration regulations.

The permitted activities and the validity of a Saudi visa are determined by the issued visa's specific type and conditions. For example, a tourist visa is typically valid for one year and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit, for tourism activities. In contrast, a work visa may be valid for the duration of the employment contract, while a Hajj visa is only valid for the specific pilgrimage period. Canadian applicants must review their visa’s validity and conditions to avoid overstaying or misuse.

Saudi Arabia Types

There are multiple visa types available to Canadian citizens planning to travel to Saudi Arabia. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose for visiting the Kingdom, the activities the applicant plans to engage in, and the length of their planned visit. The most popular types of visa include:

Visit Visa

urposes. The Saudi visit visa for Canadian citizens permits the following activities:

  • Tourism.
  • Visiting family and friends.
  • Performing Umrah (the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca), outside of the Hajj season.
  • Attending cultural or social events.
  • Certain business activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, and negotiations.
  • Certain medical treatments and appointments from a recognized medical facility in Saudi Arabia.

A Saudi visit visa from Canada is generally valid for a specified period and may allow single or multiple entries, depending on the terms of issuance.

Work Visa

Work visas are issued to Canadians employed by Saudi companies. These visas allow paid work for the duration of the job contract. Applicants typically need to provide an employment offer letter, a valid passport, and other supporting documents such as a medical examination report. Applicants can apply for a:

  • Seasonal Work Visa
  • Temporary Work Visa
  • Permanent Work Visa

Transit Visa

The transit visa permits short stays for travelers passing through Saudi Arabia en route to another destination. This visa is ideal for Canadians with connecting flights or layovers in Saudi Arabia. There are three types of transit visas available:

  • Sea Transit Visa
  • Land Transit Visa
  • Air Transit Visa

Hajj Visa

The Hajj visa is issued for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season and allows participation in the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj visa is strictly regulated and valid only for the duration of the pilgrimage.

Other visa types

There are multiple other visa types available to Canadian citizens, including:

  •  Diplomatic Visa
    For diplomats and government representatives attending official meetings or assignments in Saudi Arabia.
  • Special Visa
    Issued to diplomats who hold special passports and who are visiting Saudi Arabia for specific purposes, events, diplomatic missions, or other unique circumstances.
  • Missions and Organizations Visit Visa
    For individuals visiting Saudi Arabia on behalf of international organizations or missions.
  • Education Visa
    For students enrolled in Saudi educational institutions. This visa is typically valid for the duration of the academic program and requires proof of enrollment and sponsorship by the institution.
  •  Residency Visa
    Designed for the immediate family members of Saudi Arabian residents and citizens. To qualify for a residency visa, the applicant must be sponsored by a Saudi resident or citizen.

Saudi Tourist Visa for Canadian Citizens

The Saudi tourist visa for Canadian citizens, also known as the eVisa, is an online visa available to Canadian travelers to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes. Eligible Canadians can use this visa for tourism-related activities, such as sightseeing, visiting family, attending cultural events, and performing Umrah outside the Hajj season. The eVisa application system is exclusively online and is designed to be quick and easy to use, eliminating the need for in-person visits to consulates making it convenient for Canadian travelers. Additionally, the eVisa helps to facilitate cultural exploration and participation in various festivals and events organized across Saudi Arabia.

How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa

When applying for a Saudi eVisa, there are specific steps you must follow:

  1. Fill out the application form

    Complete the application form quickly and easily online. It is important to ensure you provide accurate personal information, passport details, and details about your planned visit to Saudi Arabia, including the purpose of your visit, your planned activities, and the intended duration of your stay. Ensure all information matches your travel documents to avoid delays or rejection.

  2. Pay the visa fee

    The eVisa fee for Canadian citizens is USD 199. Applicants will need to pay the required fee using a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card. After the payment has been completed, save the confirmation receipt for your records.

  3. Upload the required documents

    Attach the necessary documents, including a scanned copy of your passport and a recent photograph. Ensure the documents meet the specified requirements for clarity and format and to prevent any issues with your application.

  4. Submit the application

    Review your application for accuracy and submit it online. It is important to check you have supplied the correct email address as once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment email with a tracking reference number.

  5. Get your approved visa

    Once your application has been accepted, your eVisa will be sent electronically to your registered email address. Download and print a copy or save a digital version on your device for presentation at the point of entry.

Saudi eVisa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

The Saudi tourist visa for Canadian citizens has specific documentation requirements. Without the correct documents, the visa application will be rejected. Below is a list of Saudi Arabia visa requirements for Canadian citizens, including the documents applicants must provide:

A valid Canadian passport

Applicants must upload a copy of their passport as part of their application. The copy should be clear and must be uploaded in an accepted format (JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or PDF) and must not exceed 5MB in size. Applicants must also input some of the passport information into the application form (e.g. passport number, place of issue, and issue date). It is essential to input all passport information to prevent the applicant from being delayed or rejected.

Personal photo

Applicants must also submit a recent, color photograph that reflects their true appearance and meets the official requirements. This includes:

  • Taken against a white background.
  • Neutral facial expression.
  • No headwear, except for religious reasons.
  • No eyeglasses.
  • 5 MB max in size.

Application form

The application form can be found on our website and must be completed online. All information must be truthful and accurate and must match the attached passport. The applicant must also provide their purpose of visit.

Other documentation

Some applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation. This may be requested to support their application during the application process or may be requested by immigration officials at the border. This could include:

  • Supporting documentation, such as an invitation to a business conference or proof of medical appointment.
  • Travel itinerary, including intended activities, flight bookings, and accommodation information.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support their stay in Saudi Arabia.
  • Proof of valid health insurance covering the duration of their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi eVisa Fees for Canadian Citizens

The Saudi visit visa fee for Canadian citizens is USD 199, which is inclusive of processing and professional service charges. Applications can be submitted via SaudiVisa.com. Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or rejected. If you make a mistake in your application and need to submit it again, you will need to pay the visa fee again, so ensure you check your application carefully.

Visa Processing Time

EVisa applications are typically processed within 5 business days, although the majority of applications are processed within 24 hours. However, some applications may be delayed, for example, if there are any issues with the application or the supporting documents or if there is a higher-than-usual volume of applications. If you plan to apply for a Saudi visa from Canada, it is recommended that you apply in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing and to accommodate any unforeseen delays.

Saudi Tourist eVisa Validity

The Saudi tourist eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issuance. It allows multiple entries during this period, with each stay limited to a maximum of 90 days. This provides flexibility for Canadian citizens planning frequent visits within the visa's validity period and is ideal for short-term visits to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Visa Extension

Saudi Arabia eVisas are not extendable, meaning travelers cannot request extra time on their visa or prolong their stay in Saudi Arabia past the date specified on the visa. They also cannot stay past the maximum period of stay for each visit, usually 90 days. Travelers wishing to stay longer must exit Saudi Arabia and reapply for a new Saudi eVisa for Canadian citizens. Alternatively, if they meet the conditions of a different type of visa, such as a Residency visa or a Work visa, they may be able to apply for a different visa without leaving Saudi Arabia. It is essential to adhere to the terms of the visa to avoid penalties for overstaying the visa, potential deportation, and the refusal of future visa applications.

FAQ

Can I apply for a Saudi Arabia eVisa if I am a Canadian permanent resident?

Eligibility for a Saudi Arabia eVisa depends on your passport nationality, not your residency status in Canada. The Saudi eVisa is specifically available to citizens of eligible countries, including Canadian passport holders. There is no specific Saudi visa for Canadian permanent residents. If you hold a passport from another country, you would need to verify its eligibility for the Saudi eVisa or apply through alternative visa channels based on your nationality.

Do Canadians need a visa for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah?

Yes, Canadian citizens need a visa to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia, even if they are traveling for this religious pilgrimage outside the Hajj season. There is no specific Umrah visa for Canadian citizens, as Canadians can use the Saudi eVisa (tourist visa) to perform Umrah, provided it is not during the Hajj season. The eVisa offers the flexibility to combine religious and tourism activities within Saudi Arabia.

Do children with a Canadian passport require an eVisa?

Yes, infants and children holding a Canadian passport are required to have an eVisa to enter Saudi Arabia. The application process for a visa to Saudi Arabia for Canadian minors is similar to that for adults, but it must be completed for each child or minor by their parents or legal guardians on their behalf. Additionally, supporting documents such as a birth certificate or proof of relationship with the accompanying adult may be required during the application process. It is advisable to ensure all information is accurate and submitted in accordance with Saudi visa regulations.

Can I use the tourist eVisa to perform Hajj?

No, the tourist eVisa does not permit participation in the Hajj pilgrimage. It can only be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. If you want to perform Hajj, you will need to apply for a Hajj visa but you must meet the entry requirements, including being a practicing Muslim and at least 18 years of age (unless applying with a parent or legal guardian).

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