Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa from Canada

A Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, leisure, family and social visits, cultural events, and other activities permitted under the tourist visa programme.

Saudi Arabia introduced its electronic Tourist Visa, commonly called the Saudi eVisa, to make visiting the Kingdom more accessible to international travellers.

Eligible applicants, including Canadian passport holders, can complete the visa application online without visiting the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa.

What Can You Do with a Saudi Tourist Visa?

Depending on the visa issued and current Saudi regulations, visitors may use their Tourist Visa for:

• Tourism and Sightseeing: Explore Saudi Arabia's cities, attractions, natural landscapes, and historical destinations.
• Holidays and Leisure: Enjoy a vacation and experience Saudi Arabia's hospitality, hotels, resorts, and entertainment destinations.
• Visiting Family and Friends: Spend time with relatives, friends, and personal contacts living in Saudi Arabia.
• Performing Umrah: Eligible Muslim visitors may perform Umrah outside restricted Hajj periods, subject to applicable regulations and Nusuk requirements.
• Cultural Events and Festivals: Attend permitted cultural, entertainment, and tourism-related events.
• Exploring Saudi Heritage: Discover historic districts, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, museums, and cultural landmarks.

How Long Is a Saudi Tourist Visa Valid?

The standard Saudi Tourist eVisa for eligible Canadian passport holders generally provides:

• Visa Validity: One year from the date of issuance.
• Number of Entries: Multiple entries.
• Maximum Stay: Up to 90 days in total during the visa's validity period.
• Extension: The standard Tourist eVisa cannot be extended.

The one-year validity period does not mean that a visitor can remain in Saudi Arabia continuously for one year.

Travellers must comply with the actual validity dates, permitted stay, and conditions of the visa issued.

Do Canadians Need to Apply Through an Agent?

No. Canadian passport holders can apply directly through the official Saudi Tourist eVisa portal.

However, not everyone wants to complete an online government application independently.

Some travellers prefer professional assistance, particularly when applying for elderly family members, organizing visas for several people, or managing travel preparations alongside a busy schedule.

VIA TRAVEL offers a convenient alternative by preparing and submitting eligible Saudi Tourist eVisa applications on behalf of clients who authorize us to do so.

The choice is yours. You can apply directly, or you can have VIA TRAVEL handle the process for you.

Saudi Arabia offers electronic Tourist Visas to passport holders from a list of eligible countries, including Canada.

Additional visa options are available to certain travellers who do not hold passports from those countries.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens holding eligible Canadian passports can apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa before departure.

They are also eligible to apply for a Tourist Visa upon arrival at authorized Saudi entry points, subject to the applicable entry requirements.

The online eVisa offers the convenience of completing the visa application before travelling.

Canadian Permanent Residents Holding Foreign Passports

Foreign nationals legally residing in Canada, including Canadian permanent residents, may also qualify for Saudi Tourist Visas.

However, eligibility depends primarily on the applicant's passport nationality and any additional conditions of the selected visa programme.

Canadian permanent residency does not automatically provide the same Saudi eVisa eligibility as Canadian citizenship.

Some foreign passport holders may qualify through alternative Saudi visa arrangements, including certain qualifying foreign visas or residency statuses.

Other applicants may require a different electronic or consular application procedure.

VIA TRAVEL can review your nationality and immigration status to help identify the appropriate visa application route.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants generally must meet the following conditions:

• Valid Passport: Hold a qualifying passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry.
• Eligible Nationality or Status: Meet the requirements of the relevant Saudi Tourist Visa programme.
• Tourism-Related Purpose: Intend to travel for activities permitted under the Tourist Visa.
• Personal Information: Provide accurate passport, identity, and contact details.
• Medical Insurance: Obtain the required medical insurance through the applicable visa procedure.
• Government Visa Fees: Pay the required visa and associated charges.
• Saudi Entry Regulations: Meet all additional requirements established by the Saudi authorities.

Can Children Apply for Saudi Tourist Visas?

Yes. Eligible children can obtain Saudi Tourist Visas.

Each child must have an appropriate travel document and visa authorization.

For applicants under 18, a parent or legally authorized adult must complete the applicable application procedures and satisfy the requirements for travelling with minors.

Travelling as a family? VIA TRAVEL can assist with preparing separate applications for eligible family members and checking that each traveller's details are accurate.

Saudi Arabia offers different entry arrangements depending on the traveller's nationality and purpose of travel.

Understanding these options can help you choose the most suitable visa for your journey.

Saudi Tourist eVisa

The Saudi Tourist eVisa is an electronic visa available to eligible international travellers, including Canadian passport holders.

Applicants submit their information online through the official Saudi government visa service.

Once approved, the visa is issued electronically and delivered to the email address associated with the application.

VIA TRAVEL offers hands-on application assistance for eligible travellers who prefer not to complete the electronic process themselves.

Saudi Tourist Visa on Arrival

Canadian passport holders may apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa upon arrival at an authorized entry point.

This can be convenient for eligible travellers who have not obtained their visa before departure.

However, visa issuance on arrival remains subject to the Saudi authorities' requirements and approval.

Travellers who prefer to arrange their visa in advance may choose the electronic application instead.

Saudi Umrah Visa

A dedicated Saudi Umrah Visa is intended for eligible Muslim travellers visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Saudi Arabia also permits eligible Tourist Visa holders to perform Umrah, subject to the applicable regulations and permit procedures.

Therefore, Canadian Muslim travellers may be able to perform Umrah using a valid Tourist eVisa without obtaining a separate Umrah Visa.

Important: A Tourist Visa does not authorize Hajj. Hajj requires the appropriate official authorization, and seasonal restrictions apply to visits to Makkah.

Saudi Transit/Stopover Visa

A Saudi Transit/Stopover Visa is designed for eligible travellers passing through Saudi Arabia on their way to another destination.

The airline-linked programme generally allows a stay of up to 96 hours.

A Tourist Visa may provide greater flexibility for eligible visitors planning longer or repeated visits.

Which Saudi Visa Should You Choose?

The appropriate visa depends on your nationality, purpose of travel, expected length of stay, and eligibility under the relevant programme.

VIA TRAVEL can help you understand your options and identify the application procedure suitable for your circumstances.

Saudi Tourist eVisa applications are generally more straightforward than traditional employment, family residence, or business visa applications.

For eligible Canadian passport holders, the application is normally completed online.

VIA TRAVEL can help prepare your Tourist Visa application using the information and documents you provide.

The following information is generally required or may be requested.

Valid Passport

You must hold an eligible passport valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Saudi Arabia.

Your passport information must be entered accurately in the electronic application.

VIA TRAVEL will review the passport details you provide to help identify errors involving names, passport numbers, dates, or other important information.

Important: You must travel using the same passport used for your approved eVisa application.

Personal Photograph

A recent digital photograph may be required as part of the application.

The photograph must satisfy the background, size, and technical specifications of the relevant Saudi visa platform.

VIA TRAVEL can help review your photograph and advise whether it meets the applicable application requirements.

Personal and Contact Information

The online visa application generally requires personal information, including:

• Full name as shown on the passport.
• Date and place of birth.
• Nationality.
• Passport details.
• Contact information.
• Email address.
• Other information requested by the official visa platform.

Accurate information is essential because errors can affect processing or cause difficulties when travelling.

Travel and Accommodation Information

Applicants may need to provide details about their intended visit, including:

• Purpose of travel.
• Expected arrival date.
• Intended destination in Saudi Arabia.
• Accommodation or address information.
• Other details requested by the application system.

A confirmed airline ticket or hotel booking should not be assumed to be mandatory for every eligible Canadian Tourist eVisa application.

VIA TRAVEL will advise you about the information required by the relevant visa service.

Medical Insurance

Saudi Arabia requires approved medical insurance under the Tourist Visa programme.

For standard electronic applications, the applicable insurance arrangements are generally incorporated into the visa application and payment process.

VIA TRAVEL can explain the relevant insurance and payment requirements.

Additional Information for Foreign Passport Holders

Applicants who are not Canadian citizens may need to provide additional documentation depending on their nationality and visa eligibility.

This may include:

• Proof of Canadian immigration status.
• Qualifying visa or residence permit from another country.
• Additional travel or financial documentation.
• Other records requested by the Saudi authorities.

VIA TRAVEL can help identify the documentation relevant to your particular case before beginning an application.

Government Visa Fees and VIA TRAVEL Service Fees

Saudi Arabia charges government fees for Tourist Visa issuance, with additional applicable charges for insurance, taxes, or electronic services.

The published standard government tourist visa fee is SAR 300, before applicable additional charges. The total payable amount is determined by the official visa platform during the application.

VIA TRAVEL charges a separate professional service fee when clients choose to have us prepare and submit their applications.

Our fee covers the agreed application assistance and is separate from the charges collected by the Saudi authorities or their authorized service providers.

VIA TRAVEL will explain the applicable fees before proceeding.

Saudi Arabia has made Tourist Visa applications accessible online, allowing eligible travellers to complete the process independently.

However, some people prefer to have a professional handle the application for them.

That is where VIA TRAVEL comes in.

As an approved Saudi visa processing agent in Canada, VIA TRAVEL offers personalized electronic Tourist Visa application assistance for eligible travellers.

We Handle the Online Application for You

You do not need to navigate the online visa application process by yourself.

With your authorization, VIA TRAVEL can prepare and submit your Saudi Tourist eVisa application using the information and documents you provide.

Our specialists help ensure that the required fields are completed and the necessary information is entered accurately.

Personalized Assistance for Seniors

Online applications can sometimes be inconvenient for elderly travellers, especially those who are unfamiliar with digital forms, online payments, or government websites.

VIA TRAVEL offers personal assistance for seniors who would rather have someone guide them through the process.

We explain the requirements in straightforward language, review the documents, and help complete the application on their behalf.

Convenient Service for Busy Travellers

If you have a demanding schedule or simply prefer not to spend time completing online visa applications, VIA TRAVEL can manage the application preparation and submission for you.

You provide the required information and authorization, and our specialists handle the agreed application steps.

Assistance with Family Applications

Travelling with your spouse, children, or parents?

VIA TRAVEL can assist with preparing Tourist Visa applications for eligible family members.

Our team checks each applicant's information individually to help avoid inconsistencies between passports and visa applications.

Passport and Photograph Review

Incorrect passport information or photographs that do not meet technical requirements can create unnecessary complications.

VIA TRAVEL reviews the documentation you provide and helps identify potential issues before the application is submitted.

Electronic Visa Submission

Once the required information is complete and the applicable fees have been arranged, VIA TRAVEL can submit your application through the appropriate Saudi electronic visa service with your authorization.

The application is reviewed by the relevant Saudi authorities.

Receiving Your Electronic Visa

When your visa is approved and issued, it is delivered electronically through the relevant visa system.

VIA TRAVEL will provide you with the issued visa and help you understand important details such as validity, number of entries, and permitted stay.

We recommend keeping a copy available when travelling.

The VIA TRAVEL Advantage

You can apply for a Saudi Tourist Visa yourself. Our service is for travellers who prefer that someone else handle the process professionally.

Whether you are helping elderly parents prepare for a journey, arranging visas for your family, or simply choosing convenience, VIA TRAVEL provides a straightforward alternative to completing the application independently.

We focus on accurate document preparation, personal attention, and clear communication throughout the application process.

Applying for a Saudi Tourist Visa through VIA TRAVEL is designed to be convenient and straightforward.

Step 1 - Contact VIA TRAVEL

Contact our team and let us know that you would like assistance with a Saudi Tourist Visa.

Provide your passport nationality, number of applicants, and intended purpose of travel.

Our specialists will review your circumstances and explain whether you qualify for the electronic application service.

Step 2 - Provide Your Passport and Required Information

Submit the passport information, photograph, and other details requested by VIA TRAVEL.

If you are applying for family members, provide the required information for each eligible applicant.

Our team will review the documents and advise you if anything is missing or requires correction.

Step 3 - Review Your Application and Confirm Fees

VIA TRAVEL will prepare the electronic application using the information you provide.

We will explain the applicable government visa charges, insurance fees, and our separate professional service fee.

You will have the opportunity to confirm your application information and authorize submission.

Step 4 - VIA TRAVEL Submits Your Application

Once the required information, authorization, and payment arrangements are complete, VIA TRAVEL will submit the application through the appropriate official Saudi electronic visa service.

The Saudi authorities review the application and determine whether to issue the visa.

Step 5 - Receive Your Tourist Visa

Once your electronic visa is approved and issued, VIA TRAVEL will provide you with the visa document.

Our specialists can help you review the important information, including its validity period, number of entries, and permitted duration of stay.

You can then prepare for your journey in accordance with the visa conditions and current travel requirements.

Important Information About Processing Times

Saudi Tourist eVisa applications are generally processed electronically, and eligible applicants may receive decisions quickly.

However, processing times can vary depending on the applicant's circumstances, additional verification, and the operation of the government visa system.

Some applications may require further review or a different application procedure.

VIA TRAVEL cannot guarantee immediate issuance, a specific processing time, or visa approval.

Applying through VIA TRAVEL does not provide preferential approval or faster government processing compared with a properly completed direct application.

Our service is intended to make application preparation more convenient and reduce avoidable errors.