Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or Umrah (excluding Hajj). This program started in 2019 and remains active in 2026 — no advance application needed if you meet the requirements at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa | Apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com before you travel. The eVisa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. It's valid for 90 days, multiple entry, and usually approved within minutes.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Canadian passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Saudi Arabia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Saudi airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you're on a one-way ticket, they may deny entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your Saudi host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having a booking speeds things up. If you're staying with friends, get their iqama (residence ID) number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Saudi immigration rarely asks for this for Canadian passport holders, but it's smart to have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is only at airports
If you're arriving by land (e.g., from Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway) or by sea, you cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for an e-visa or tourist visa in advance through the official Saudi visa portal.
Credit card required for payment
The visa fee must be paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Cash is not accepted at most visa-on-arrival counters. Make sure your card works internationally.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at a participating airport
Visa on arrival is available at all major international airports: King Khalid (RUH), King Abdulaziz (JED), King Fahd (DMM), and Prince Mohammed (MED). Land borders and seaports do not offer this service.
2
Go to the visa-on-arrival counter
After passport control, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa' counter. It's usually near the immigration desks. Join the queue and present your passport.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is about 480 SAR (roughly 175 CAD) for a one-year, multiple-entry visa. Payment is by credit card (Visa/Mastercard) — cash is not accepted at most counters.
4
Get your visa sticker and enter
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. You can then proceed to immigration, show your passport, and enter Saudi Arabia. The visa allows stays up to 90 days per visit.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist eVisa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Apply online before travel; allows multiple entries if selected.
Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 535 (~$143 USD)
Same cost as single entry; choose multiple entry option.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,000 (~$267 USD)
Requires sponsor invitation; allows multiple entries.
Visit visa (family/friend)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
CostSAR 500 (~$133 USD)
Requires Saudi host to apply via Absher.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
SAR 800,000 (~$213,000 USD) one-time or SAR 100,000 (~$27,000 USD) annually
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Requires proof of pension or savings. Allows long-term stay without sponsor.
Apply work visa
Saudi Work Visa (Employment)
2 years, renewable
Varies by employer; typically SAR 2,000–5,000 (~$533–$1,333 USD) for processing
Requires a Saudi employer sponsor. Includes Iqama (residency permit). Valid for multiple entries.
investor visa
Saudi Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus investment minimum of SAR 1,000,000 (~$267,000 USD)
For investors establishing a business in Saudi Arabia. Requires Ministry of Investment approval.
Apply student visa
Saudi Student Visa
Duration of study (1–4 years)
SAR 500 (~$133 USD) processing fee
For enrolled students at Saudi universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 30 days. Payable at airport. | SAR 480 (~$128 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (single entry)Online application, valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Tourist eVisa (multiple entry)Same cost as single entry, allows multiple entries within 1 year. | SAR 535 (~$143 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible via Absher or immigration office, up to 90 days total. | SAR 100 (~$27 USD) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders can transit through Saudi airports without a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For connecting flights within 12 hours, no visa is needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a transit visa or tourist visa is required.
- Holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas may be eligible for a 96-hour transit visa.
Transit hubsKing Khalid International Airport (RUH) - Riyadh · King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) - Jeddah · King Fahd International Airport (DMM) - Dammam
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims; recommended for other travellers during outbreaks.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is very low in urban areas; no prophylaxis recommended for most travellers. Some risk in rural areas of the southwest (e.g., Jazan region).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Al Malaz, Riyadh 11124
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, Al Salamah, Jeddah 23436
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for western region visitors.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Visa on arrival is only available at Saudi Arabia's international airports: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM), and Medina (MED). If you arrive by land from Bahrain, UAE, or Jordan, you need to apply for an e-visa or tourist visa in advance.
The fee is 480 Saudi Riyals (about 175 CAD) for a one-year, multiple-entry visa. This includes mandatory health insurance. Payment is by credit card only — no cash accepted at most counters.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The visa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.
Yes. Immigration will ask for proof of onward travel. A return ticket or a ticket to a third country is required. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry.
No. The visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes. The tourist visa on arrival covers Umrah (but not Hajj). You can perform Umrah with this visa. For Hajj, you need a special Hajj visa.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.