Umrah Visa from Canada
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- What is an Umrah Visa?
- Types of Visas for Umrah
- Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for Canadian Citizens
- Umrah Visa for Canadian Citizens
- Umrah Visa Eligibility Criteria
- Umrah Visa Requirements
- Valid Canadian passport
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Completed the Umrah visa application form
- Proof of flight and accommodation
- Vaccinations
- Proof of Muslim identity (if requested)
- How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from Canada
- Tips to Prevent Umrah Visa Rejection
- Umrah Visa Processing Times and Fees
- Umrah Visa for Residents of Canada
- Travel Tips for Umrah from Canada
- Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Canada
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Umrah Visa?
An Umrah visa is an official travel document issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that allows Muslims from around the world to enter the country specifically to perform Umrah. Umrah is a religious pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah and is an important ritual in Islam. The visa is significant because it provides lawful access to sacred spaces that are very important in Islam.
The Umrah visa allows non-Saudi Muslims to visit the two holiest sites in Islam, Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah (Mecca), where the Kaaba is located, and Masjid An-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in Madinah, which was built by the Prophet Muhammad and is his final resting place.
Unlike Hajj, which eligible Muslims are obligated to perform at least once in their life and is performed only during specific days of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year and is not obligatory.
Umrah visas are typically valid for 90 days, allowing pilgrims more flexibility to choose when to travel and how long to stay. However, travel is restricted to Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, and visiting other cities is not allowed under the Umrah visa. The visa also does not permit other activities, such as tourism, working, studying, or living in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has introduced several important changes to the Umrah visa to help make the visa process more accessible to international Muslims and more efficient:
- Pilgrims can now apply online through the official Nusuk platform with licensed agents. The process is faster, and visas are often approved within 24-72 hours.
- Citizens of eligible countries, including Canada, can now perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa from Canada, without needing a separate Umrah visa.
- Women over 18 years old can now perform Umrah without a male guardian (Mahram).
Types of Visas for Umrah
Canadian citizens who wish to perform Umrah have two main visa options available to them, including:
Umrah Visa
The KSA Umrah visa is a religious visa issued solely for performing Umrah and visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. It is arranged through an approved travel agency in your country or an approved agency online via the Nusuk platform. It is typically valid for 90 days and allows entry to the cities of Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. It cannot be used for tourism purposes.
Tourist eVisa
The Saudi eVisa, also known as a Visit visa or Tourist visa, is a multiple-entry visa that allows tourism, family visits, and Umrah (except during Hajj season). It is either a multiple-entry, valid for one year and permits stays in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per visit, or a single-entry visa, valid for 90 days and allows a stay of up to 90 days. The Saudi Visit visa from Canada allows travel to all areas of Saudi Arabia, including Makkah and Madinah.
For most Canadians, the Saudi Tourist eVisa is the easiest way to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah because it has an easier application process and is processed more quickly than the Umrah visa. Unlike the Umrah visa, the eVisa does not limit travel to Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, allowing visitors to also explore other areas of Saudi Arabia. The eVisa also offers longer validity and greater flexibility for Canadians who want to visit Saudi Arabia multiple times.
Other visas that can be used to perform Umrah include:
- Family Visit Visa: Can be used to perform Umrah, but Umrah cannot be the primary reason for obtaining the visa, and certain conditions must be met before entry into Makkah and Madinah is allowed.
- Employment Visa: Canadians living and working in Saudi Arabia who have an Iqama (residency permit) can perform Umrah.
- Transit Visa: Allows a short stay of up to 96 days in Saudi Arabia, including Makkah or Madinah, to perform Umrah. This visa is needed for layovers longer than 12 hours.
Umrah with a Saudi eVisa for Canadian Citizens
The Saudi Tourist eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that allows eligible foreign nationals, including Canadian citizens, to enter the country for a range of purposes, including performing Umrah, except during the Hajj season.
This eVisa is designed to encourage tourism and make religious travel more accessible, and provides a quick, convenient, and hassle-free way for Canadians to perform Umrah without going through traditional visa agents or packages.
Canadian citizens who have a valid Saudi Tourist eVisa are permitted to:
- Perform Umrah (outside the Hajj season)
- Explore Saudi Arabia for leisure, sightseeing, or cultural tourism
- Attend events and exhibitions
- Conduct business
- Visit family and friends
To be eligible for the eVisa, applicants must hold a valid Canadian passport and be at least 18 years old, unless applying with a parent or guardian.
For Canadian Muslims, the Saudi eVisa offers a quick and straightforward way to perform Umrah without the need for group packages or travel agents. With the eVisa, Canadians can enter Saudi Arabia as many times as they want in the validity period, with allowed stays of up to 90 days per visit. It is typically valid for one year.
Required Documents for a Saudi eVisa Application
When applying for a Saudi eVisa, Canadian citizens must submit the following documents to support their application:
Valid Canadian passport
The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. A clear, color copy of the passport is required during the application.
Passport-style photograph
Applicants must also submit a recent color photograph taken against a white background. The image should clearly show the applicant’s face and must reflect their true appearance.
Completed application form
A completed application form is required, and applicants must submit their personal details, travel plans, and any other required information.
Email address
A valid email is needed to receive the approved eVisa and any updates about the application.
How to Apply for a Saudi eVisa
The eVisa application is entirely online and is quick and straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to the eVisa application process.
- Complete the application process
Complete the online application form on the website in just a few minutes. On the application form, you will need to provide:
- Your personal details.
- Your passport information.
- Your contact details (email address and phone number).
- Your intended travel date.
- The purpose of your visit (e.g., Umrah).
- Accommodation information in Saudi Arabia. - Attach the required documents
You will need to attach supporting documents, including a photocopy of your passport and a personal photograph. Attachments must not exceed 5MB and must be in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or PDF format.
- Pay the visa fee
After completing the application form, proceed to the payment section. Pay the fee using a valid payment method such as a credit or debit card.
- Receive your approved visa
Most applications are processed within 72 hours. If approved, your Saudi eVisa will be sent to you via email. You should print a copy of your visa and keep a digital copy on your phone.
Saudi eVisa Processing Time and Fees
The Saudi eVisa fee from Canada is $199, which includes the visa processing fee, our professional service fee, and the mandatory health insurance. eVisa applications are usually processed within 72 hours, although many applications are processed faster.
Saudi eVisa Extension
The eVisa cannot currently be extended beyond its original validity period (typically one year). Once your current eVisa expires, you can apply for a new one. There is no mandatory waiting period between visas. You must exit Saudi Arabia before your eVisa expires or before you exceed the 90-day duration of stay.
Umrah Visa for Canadian Citizens
The Umrah visa is a special type of visa issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that allows Muslim travelers, including Canadian citizens, to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah to perform Umrah. This visa is designed exclusively for religious travel and is typically obtained through approved travel agencies of your choice or through the agencies on the official Nusuk platform.
The Saudi Umrah visa from Canada is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and travelers can stay in Saudi Arabia for the full 90 days. The Umrah visa is a single-entry visa, meaning it can only be used once.
Umrah Visa Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an Umrah visa, Canadian citizens must meet specific requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, including:
- Must be a Muslim
- The Umrah visa is only for Muslim travelers. Non-Muslims are not permitted to perform Umrah and enter the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and are, therefore, not eligible for this visa.
- Valid Canadian passport
- Applicants must hold a valid Canadian passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Apply through authorized agents or platforms.
- Applications must be submitted through licensed Umrah travel agencies in your country of residence or through the ones on the official Nusuk platform, for individual or group bookings.
Umrah Visa Requirements
The Umrah visa requirements from Canada expect Canadian citizens to prepare and submit specific documents as part of the application process. This includes:
Valid Canadian passport
As with the eVisa, the Umrah visa requires you to have a Canadian passport with at least six months of validity from the planned date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
Recent passport-sized photo
When applying for any Saudi visa from Canada, including the Umrah visa, applicants are required to submit a recent passport-style photo that follows the specifications set out by the Saudi government. Head coverings are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons.
Completed the Umrah visa application form
When you apply through a travel agency, whether from the ones on the Nusuk platform or another, they will usually help you with the application form and may submit it on your behalf.
Proof of flight and accommodation
You may be asked to provide proof of flight bookings, showing your entry and exit from Saudi Arabia. You may also be asked to provide reservation confirmations for your accommodation in Saudi Arabia. If you have booked an Umrah travel package, the travel agency should book your accommodation.
Vaccinations
Travelers need a vaccination certificate against meningococcal meningitis, which was issued at least 10 days before they traveled to Saudi Arabia, but within the last three years. Depending on nationality, other vaccinations may also be required.
Proof of Muslim identity (if requested)
Although uncommon, some applicants may be asked to provide a certificate of Islam from their local mosque or Islamic center. However, this is rare and is only usually for Muslim reverts.
How to Apply for an Umrah Visa from Canada
To apply for the Umrah visa from Canada, Canadian citizens can apply through a licensed travel agency of their choice, or they may choose from the ones featured on the Nusuk platform. If opting for a travel agent, the first step is to choose a licensed Umrah travel agency approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Make sure the agent is credible and experienced in handling Canadian Umrah applications.
You will need to prepare the required documents, listed above, and submit them alongside your completed visa application form to your authorized Umrah agent. They will review and forward your application to the relevant Saudi authorities for processing. Your agent will notify you once your Umrah visa is approved.
The Nusuk platform allows applicants to apply for the Umrah visa online from Canada through approved agencies. To begin, you’ll need to choose a travel package offered by one of the featured agencies on the platform. Once you select a package, Nusuk will direct you to the agency’s contact point—this could be their website, WhatsApp, or email—so you can proceed with the application. The application itself is handled through the agency, not directly on Nusuk. These packages typically include everything you need for your Umrah trip, such as flights, hotel accommodations, and essential services.
Tips to Prevent Umrah Visa Rejection
Applying for an Umrah visa can be a straightforward process, but to ensure your visa is approved without delays or rejections, follow the tips below:
- Ensure your passport is valid
- Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your intended entry into Saudi Arabia. You also need to make sure there are no damaged pages and that the passport has two blank pages.
- Ensure your documents comply with the standards
- All documents must comply with the rules and standards set out by the Saudi government.
- Apply through authorized channels
- Apply for your Umrah visa through approved travel agencies, whether on the official Nusuk platform or not. Avoid unapproved agents or third-party websites.
- Complete all required forms accurately
- Double-check all details on the visa application form for accuracy. Any discrepancies or mistakes in your application could lead to your application being delayed or rejected.
- Be honest on your application
- It is important that you are completely truthful on your application, even if there is something you think could go against you, such as previous immigration violations or a criminal record.
Umrah Visa Processing Times and Fees
The Umrah visa processing usually takes about 5 business days, though it can stretch to 7 days or a little longer in peak periods. Assuming all documents are in order and there are no issues with the application. Some travel agencies may offer expedited services that can process your visa within 1 to 3 business days, although this service may come with an additional fee. However, this timeframe is not guaranteed and remains subject to Saudi immigration approval and document verification.The standard Umrah visa fee from Canada varies depending on the travel agency or Umrah package you choose. The Umrah visa price from Canada can be significantly higher if you purchase an Umrah travel package. However, the cost usually includes the cost of the visa, travel insurance, flights, and hotel accommodation.
Umrah Visa for Residents of Canada
The primary visa options for performing Umrah are the Umrah Visa and the Saudi Tourist eVisa. However, residency status in Canada does not directly affect eligibility for Saudi visas. Permanent residents of Canada who only have a passport from another country may not be eligible for the Saudi eVisa. In such cases, the traditional Umrah visa is required.
Residents of Canada applying for the Umrah visa may need to provide additional documentation, including proof of their Canadian residency status. They should verify with the Saudi consulate what additional documentation is required.
Travel Tips for Umrah from Canada
Performing Umrah is a very important experience for international Muslims, and ensuring a smooth travel journey can make the entire trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, Canadian citizens and residents must ensure they have the correct visa and that all required documents (e.g., passport, vaccination certificates, confirmed flight tickets, and hotel bookings) are submitted accurately to avoid any delays at entry.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, you will undergo standard immigration checks. Some airports in Saudi Arabia may take your biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) as part of the entry process. It is important to always have a copy of your visa, your flight information, and proof of accommodation.
Some tips for Canadians traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah include:
- Book everything in advance
- Secure your flight tickets and hotel reservations well in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons. Arrange transportation between Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites in advance through the travel agency you book with.
- Plan your time wisely
- Umrah involves a series of rituals, including the Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah). It is better to perform the rituals at times when it is less crowded, such as early in the morning or later in the evening.
- Follow local customs
- Saudi Arabia follows strict Islamic customs. Modesty is required in clothing, and it’s important to avoid any public displays of affection. In public places such as mosques, prayer areas, and public transportation, there may be separate spaces for men and women, so respect these boundaries. Ensure you follow any rules and regulations that apply in Makkah and Madinah.
There are no specific exit visas required for Canadian pilgrims departing Saudi Arabia. However, ensure you leave before your Umrah visa expires to avoid penalties.
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Canada
The Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Canada is located in Ottawa. The details of the embassy are provided below.
Address: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 201 Sussex Drive, K1N 1K6, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Phone Number: 001-613-2374100
Fax: 001-613-2370567
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no specific Umrah visa from Canada for permanent residents, and a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) card alone is not sufficient to travel for Umrah. You must apply using a valid passport from your country of citizenship. Your PR card may help prove your residence in Canada, but it does not replace the need for a passport or visa.
The Saudi visa on arrival for Canadian citizens is available at designated airports, provided you meet entry conditions (such as confirmed accommodation and return tickets). However, for Umrah, it is recommended to apply for the Saudi eVisa (Canada to Saudi Visit visa) in advance to avoid any delays.
The Umrah visa and the Hajj visa are both issued by Saudi Arabia for religious pilgrimages, but they serve different purposes and are issued under separate guidelines. An Umrah visa is intended for those wishing to perform Umrah, a non-mandatory pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year except during the designated Hajj season. The Hajj visa is specifically for Muslims planning to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able. The Hajj visa is only available during a specific period in the Islamic calendar (Dhul-Hijjah). If you are applying for a Hajj visa from Canada, you must apply through approved Hajj operators.
If your Umrah visa is rejected, it typically means that there was an issue with your application, documentation, or eligibility. The rejection may come with a reason, such as missing or incorrect documents, passport validity concerns, or vaccination issues. In some cases, you may be able to appeal the decision. Remember that if your application is rejected, the Umrah visa cost from Canada will not be refunded.
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