Canada entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Saudi citizens. Plan ahead: processing times vary, and you'll need to submit biometrics at a visa application centre.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing times vary from a few weeks to several months. Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Riyadh or Jeddah as part of the application.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own rules — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter of invitation from your host in Canada. Officers may ask where you're staying — having a printed address ready speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Bring recent bank statements, a credit card, or a letter from your employer showing you have enough money for your trip. There's no fixed minimum, but having at least CAD $2,000–$3,000 for a short visit is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Biometrics required
You must give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre. Book an appointment early — slots fill up. VACs are in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
Multiple-entry visa recommended
If you plan to visit Canada more than once in the next 5–10 years, apply for a multiple-entry visa. It costs CAD 500 but saves you reapplying each time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the application form (IMM 5257), upload your documents, and pay the fee (CAD 100 for a single entry, CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa). You'll need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) — there are VACs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.
2
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 2–6 weeks. You can check your application status online. If approved, you'll receive a Port of Entry letter (not a sticker in your passport). Print it and carry it with your passport.
3
Arrive at a Canadian airport
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport, Port of Entry letter, and return ticket. The border officer may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and funds. Answer honestly and briefly. They'll stamp your passport with the allowed stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years or passport expiry
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years or passport expiry
CostCAD 500 (~USD 375)
Allows multiple entries; ideal for frequent travelers.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75) + medical insurance
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires private medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment.
Apply retirement visa
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Up to 2 years per entry, renewable
CAD 100 (~USD 75) + medical insurance
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs. Requires private medical insurance and proof of income.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry. | CAD 500 (~USD 375) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants aged 14-79. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension (per application)For extending stay as a visitor beyond initial authorized period. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa validity; may also lead to removal. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day, no cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Saudi Arabia passport holders generally need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer months in southern regions.
InfluenzaModerate risk
Seasonal flu circulates widely; annual vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main processing center; applications by mail or online only.
Toronto
IRCC - Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles in-person inquiries for urgent cases by appointment.
Practical information for SA travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Saudi passport holders must get a visa before travelling. There is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–6 weeks. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. You'll also need to book a biometrics appointment at a VAC in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar.
CAD 100 for a single-entry visa, CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa. Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. Fees are non-refundable.
Not at the application stage, but you'll need one when you arrive at the border. The officer may ask to see it. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying. The visa will be linked to the new passport.
Yes, you can apply for an extension online before your current status expires. There's no guarantee of approval. Overstaying can affect future visa applications.
Your passport, Port of Entry letter (if visa was approved online), return ticket, hotel booking or host letter, and proof of funds. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.