Saudi Tourist eVisa: A Complete Guide for Canadian Travellers
A Saudi tourist eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that lets citizens of 66 eligible countries — including Canada — enter Saudi Arabia online, without visiting an embassy. For Canadian Muslims planning a trip to Saudi Arabia for sightseeing, family visits, or Umrah, the tourist eVisa is usually the fastest and simplest route into the Kingdom. This guide explains what the Saudi tourist eVisa covers, who in Canada can apply, how much it costs, how long it lasts, and where it fits alongside the Saudi Umrah visa and the Hajj visa. It also covers what Canadian travellers should know before booking flights, choosing a Makkah or Madinah hotel, or working with an Umrah agent or Hajj agent in Canada.
Saudi visa rules can change with little notice. This article reflects information published on the official Saudi eVisa portal and other authoritative sources as of August 2026. Always confirm current requirements before applying or travelling.
What Is a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
A Saudi tourist eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry electronic visa that lets eligible foreign nationals visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, events, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj), applied for entirely online.
The eVisa was introduced in September 2019 as part of Saudi Arabia's push to open the country to international visitors. Unlike a traditional embassy visa, the entire process happens on the official portal, visa.visitsaudi.com. There is no need for an in-person interview or a physical passport stamp before departure — the approved eVisa is delivered electronically and linked to the traveller's passport.
The Saudi tourist eVisa is available to passport holders from 66 countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, most of the European Union, Australia, and several other nations across Asia and Africa. It is not designed for employment, study, or long-term residence — those purposes require a different visa category.
Can Canadians Apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
Yes. Canada is on the official list of eligible countries, so Canadian passport holders can apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa entirely online at visa.visitsaudi.com.
This is an important distinction for Canadian travellers: eligibility is tied to the passport you hold, not to where you live. A Canadian citizen travelling on a Canadian passport is eligible for the eVisa. A Canadian permanent resident who holds a passport from a country that is not on the eligible list is not automatically covered — their eligibility depends on their actual nationality, not their Canadian residency status.
If your passport's country is not on the Saudi eVisa list, you may still have options. Some non-eligible nationalities can apply for a Saudi visa on arrival if they already hold a valid visa or entry stamp from the United States, United Kingdom, or a Schengen country, or can apply for a regular visa through the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission. Because rules vary by nationality, Canadian residents travelling on a non-Canadian passport should check their own passport's status directly on the official portal, or speak with a licensed Saudi visa service before assuming eligibility.
It's also worth noting that Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual citizenship. If local authorities consider you a Saudi national for any reason, this can affect the consular support Canada is able to provide, so it's worth understanding your status before you travel.
Saudi Tourist eVisa Requirements for Canadians
Before applying, Canadian travellers should have the following ready:
A valid Canadian passport — most guidance points to at least six months of remaining validity from your planned entry date, though you should confirm the current rule on the official portal before applying.
A passport-style digital photo, per the portal's specifications.
Basic personal details — full name, date of birth, and contact information exactly as they appear on your passport.
Travel details — an approximate arrival date and, in some cases, accommodation information.
A method of payment for the visa fee, since the application is completed and paid for online.
Proof of sufficient funds or return travel, which immigration officers may ask to see on arrival, even though it is not always required at the application stage.
RequirementTourist eVisaPassportValid Canadian passport, sufficient remaining validityPhotoDigital passport-style photoApplication methodFully online via visa.visitsaudi.comSponsor or agentNot requiredHealth insuranceIncluded in the eVisa feeIn-person visitNot required
Requirements can be adjusted by Saudi authorities at any time. Before applying, cross-check the current list on the official Saudi eVisa portal or confirm with a Canadian Umrah agent in Canada who processes Saudi visas regularly.
How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist eVisa From Canada
The Saudi tourist eVisa application follows a straightforward online process:
Check eligibility. Confirm that your passport's country appears on the official eVisa list before starting an application.
Prepare your passport. Make sure it is valid, undamaged, and has enough blank pages, and have your travel document ready to reference while filling out the form.
Gather required information. Collect your travel dates, contact details, and a suitable digital photo before you begin.
Complete the application. Fill out the form on the official portal with your personal, passport, and travel information.
Review all details. Double-check every field against your passport — even small mismatches, such as a misspelled name, can delay or invalidate your visa.
Pay applicable fees. Complete payment through the secure checkout on the official portal.
Receive the eVisa. Once approved, your eVisa is sent electronically and linked to your passport number.
Check the approved visa before travelling. Confirm your name, passport number, validity dates, and entry conditions are correct before you fly, and keep a saved digital and printed copy.
If you would rather have someone manage this process on your behalf, King Travel offers guided Saudi visa support for Canadian applicants. For a more detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of the online application screens, see King Travel's dedicated guide, How to Apply for a Saudi Tourist & Umrah eVisa from Canada.
How Much Does a Saudi Tourist eVisa Cost?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is charged in Saudi riyals (SAR) and has most consistently been reported around SAR 535 (roughly USD 142) in 2026, a figure that typically bundles the base visa fee, mandatory medical insurance, and the online platform charge.
Saudi Arabia prices the eVisa in SAR, not CAD, so the amount your Canadian card issuer charges will depend on the exchange rate and any foreign transaction fee applied at checkout. Because visa fees are set by Saudi authorities and can change without much notice, treat any figure you read online — including this one — as an estimate, and rely on the amount shown at checkout on the official portal at the time you apply. Avoid third-party websites that charge significantly more than the official fee to "process" your application; the eVisa can be applied for directly, without a middleman.
How Long Does a Saudi Tourist eVisa Take?
Most Saudi tourist eVisa applications are processed within a few business days, though Saudi authorities do not publish a guaranteed turnaround time, and processing can take longer during peak travel or Umrah periods.
Because approval times are not guaranteed, Canadian travellers should apply well ahead of their trip — ideally at least one to two weeks before departure — rather than waiting until the last minute. If your travel dates are fixed, such as for a pre-booked Umrah Package, applying early gives you time to fix any errors or respond to additional document requests before your flight.
How Long Is a Saudi Tourist eVisa Valid?
The Saudi tourist eVisa is valid for one year (365 days) from its date of issue, with multiple entries permitted, and each individual stay limited to a maximum of 90 days.
Validity and length of stay are two different things, and mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes travellers make. Validity is the one-year window during which the visa can be used at all. Length of stay is how long you're allowed to remain in the country on any single visit — up to 90 days. You can leave and re-enter multiple times within the 365-day validity period, but you should always confirm your remaining days with Saudi immigration authorities or the official portal, since interpretations of "cumulative" versus "per-visit" day limits have varied across sources. When in doubt, ask before you travel rather than assume.
Can Canadians Perform Umrah With a Saudi Tourist eVisa?
Yes. The Saudi tourist eVisa officially permits Umrah outside of the Hajj season, in addition to tourism, family visits, and leisure travel.
The official Saudi eVisa portal states plainly that the tourist visa covers "events, family & relatives visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj)." This means most Canadian travellers do not need a separate Saudi Umrah visa to perform Umrah — the tourist eVisa is sufficient, provided you travel outside the Hajj season.
There is one extra step, however: even with a valid tourist eVisa, you still need a free Umrah permit issued through the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's official Nusuk app before you can enter the Grand Mosque in Makkah or pray in the Rawdah in Madinah. The visa gets you into the country; the Nusuk permit gets you into the rituals. For a full walkthrough, King Travel has a dedicated guide on Understanding the Nusuk App.
Seasonal restrictions matter too. As the Hajj season approaches each year, Saudi authorities close certain routes and checkpoints around Makkah to travellers who do not hold a valid Hajj permit — even if their tourist visa is still technically valid. Always check the current-year closing and reopening dates before finalizing Umrah travel plans close to Hajj season.
Saudi Tourist Visa vs Saudi Umrah Visa
Tourist eVisaTraditional Umrah VisaMain purposeTourism, leisure, family visits, and Umrah outside Hajj seasonDedicated pilgrimage travel to Makkah and MadinahTourism accessYes — full access to Saudi ArabiaTypically limited to pilgrimage-related citiesUmrah accessYes, with a Nusuk permitYes, with a Nusuk permitHajj accessNoNoEligibility66 eligible nationalitiesBroader, but usually processed through a licensed agentApplication routeFully online, self-serviceUsually arranged through an authorized Umrah agent or the Nusuk platformEntriesMultiple entries over one yearOften single-entry, tied to a specific tripRestrictionsExcludes Hajj and employmentRestricted to pilgrimage purposes; excludes HajjBest suited forIndependent travellers who also want to see other parts of Saudi ArabiaPilgrims who prefer a fully arranged, agent-supported Umrah trip
King Travel's own Saudi Visa page notes that its tourist visa route requires only a passport, while its Umrah visa route requires a passport plus a PR card or other proof of Canadian residence — a useful reminder that the exact documents an agent asks for can differ from the bare minimum the government portal requires. If you're unsure which route fits your trip, it's worth asking a Canadian-based specialist to compare both before you apply.
Can You Visit Makkah With a Saudi Tourist Visa?
Yes, tourist eVisa holders can generally visit Makkah, including for Umrah, provided they hold a valid Nusuk permit and are travelling outside the periods Saudi authorities restrict to Hajj-permit holders only.
Outside the Hajj season, Makkah is open to tourist eVisa holders for Umrah and sightseeing around the Grand Mosque precinct. As Hajj approaches each year, however, Saudi authorities set firm entry and departure cut-off dates for the Makkah region, and checkpoints on the roads into the city are enforced strictly — travellers without a Hajj permit are turned back once those dates pass. If your trip falls near the Hajj season, check the current-year dates before booking.
Can You Visit Madinah With a Saudi Tourist Visa?
Yes. Tourist eVisa holders can visit Madinah, including the Prophet's Mosque and the Rawdah, generally with fewer seasonal restrictions than Makkah, though a Nusuk permit is still required for Rawdah visits.
Madinah does not face the same Hajj-season entry cut-offs as Makkah, making it a comfortable addition to an Umrah or tourism itinerary at almost any time of year. Many Canadian pilgrims combine a few days in Madinah with their Makkah stay, along with visits to nearby historical sites. King Travel's guide to Historical Ziyarah Sites in Makkah and Madinah covers some of the most visited landmarks in both cities.
Planning an Umrah Trip From Canada
Most Umrah trips from Canada follow a similar shape: a direct or connecting flight into Jeddah (the main gateway airport for pilgrims), ground transport to Makkah, several nights near the Haram, a transfer to Madinah, and a return flight home — usually out of Jeddah or Madinah.
A few practical points for Canadian travellers:
Flights. Direct flights from Toronto to Jeddah exist on some carriers; travellers from Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Winnipeg typically connect through a hub such as Toronto, Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai.
Hotels. Distance from the Haram in both Makkah and Madinah has the biggest effect on comfort, especially for elderly travellers or families with young children.
Transportation. Ground transfers between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah should be arranged in advance, particularly during busy Umrah periods.
Travel documents. Keep your passport, eVisa confirmation, and Nusuk permit accessible (digitally and on paper) throughout the trip.
Itinerary planning. Decide in advance how many nights you'll spend in each city, and build in rest days if you're travelling with elderly family members or young children.
Family and group travel. Larger family or community groups often benefit from a coordinated Umrah Package rather than booking flights, hotels, and transport separately.
King Travel's Umrah Packages page and its guide, Umrah 2026: Complete Guide to Umrah Packages from Canada, cover current departure options for Canadian travellers in more detail.
Choosing an Umrah Package From Canada
Not every Umrah Package includes the same services, so it's worth comparing a few before you book. When reviewing options, check:
What flights are included, and from which Canadian city
Which Makkah hotel and Madinah hotel are included, and how far each is from the Haram
Whether ground transportation between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah is included
Whether visa assistance is part of the package or arranged separately
The proposed itinerary, including number of nights in each city
Whether group and private travel options are both available
What is explicitly included versus what costs extra (meals, Ziyarah tours, SIM cards, etc.)
Because packages vary by operator and by season, always ask for a written breakdown of what's included before paying a deposit.
Choosing a Makkah & Madina Hotel
Selecting the right Makkah & Madina Hotel shapes the comfort of an entire trip, especially during Umrah when many pilgrims want to be close to the Haram for multiple daily prayers. Consider:
Distance from the Haram — measured in walking minutes, not just kilometres
Location — some hotels sit directly on the courtyard; others require a short walk or shuttle
Room types — family rooms, connecting rooms, or private rooms for elderly relatives
Accessibility — elevators, ground-floor options, and mobility support for older or less mobile travellers
Hotel quality and star rating — service level, cleanliness, and amenities
Transportation — whether shuttle service to the Haram is provided
Budget — hotel cost is usually one of the largest line items in an Umrah trip
King Travel's guide to the Top 7 Best 5-Star Luxury Hotels Near Haram breaks down specific properties in both cities in more detail.
How an Umrah Agent in Canada Can Help
Working with an Umrah agent in Canada can simplify a process that has a lot of moving parts — visas, flights, hotels, ground transport, and permits — especially for first-time pilgrims or larger family groups. A Canadian-based agent can typically help with:
Guidance on tourist eVisa versus Umrah visa eligibility
Flight arrangements from your home city
Hotel arrangements in Makkah and Madinah
Ground transportation between cities
Full package planning for families or groups
Pre-departure orientation and document checklists
Local, Canadian-timezone communication before and during the trip
Coordinated group travel arrangements for community or family bookings
Planning your Saudi trip from Canada? Contact King Travel to discuss your visa, Umrah, or Hajj travel arrangements.
How to Choose a Hajj Agent in Canada
Choosing a Hajj agent in Canada deserves extra scrutiny, since Hajj involves a separate, quota-restricted visa process, fixed dates tied to the Islamic calendar, and significantly more logistics than Umrah. When comparing Hajj travel providers, look at:
Whether they clearly explain Hajj-specific visa and registration requirements
What accommodation is included in Makkah, Madinah, and Mina/Arafat during the Hajj days
How transportation is arranged during the busiest days of Hajj
Whether their process follows official Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah procedures
Their responsiveness and customer service, both before departure and on the ground
Transparent, itemized pricing rather than a single bundled figure with no breakdown
The level of on-the-ground support provided during Hajj itself
King Travel's Hajj Packages page and its planning guide, Hajj Packages Canada: Trusted Hajj 2027 Travel, outline current package tiers and what Canadian pilgrims should prepare for a Hajj trip.
Saudi Tourist Visa vs Hajj Package
It's worth repeating clearly: a standard Saudi tourist visa does not permit Hajj. Hajj requires a separate, quota-restricted visa, arranged through official channels and, in most cases, an authorized Hajj travel operator. A Hajj package typically bundles this dedicated visa process together with accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transport during the Hajj days, and guided support through the rituals — none of which a tourist eVisa provides on its own. Travellers should never assume that holding a valid tourist visa, even one that technically hasn't expired, gives them the right to remain in or enter Makkah once Hajj-season restrictions take effect.
Why Choose King Travel Can for Hajj and Umrah Travel?
King Travel Can is a Canadian-based travel agency focused on Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage travel, operating from a head office in Mississauga, Ontario, with a branch office in Milton, Ontario. The agency is licensed and accredited with ACTA, ATAC, TICO, IATA, and ASTA, and its services include Umrah Packages, Hajj Packages, Saudi Visa processing (covering tourist, Umrah, family visit, business, work, and resident Iqama visas), flight bookings, hotel arrangements near the Haram in Makkah and Madinah, and group or private tour planning.
King Travel's Umrah Packages currently start from CAD 2,595 per person, with departures and accommodations confirmed at the time of booking. If you're planning Hajj or Umrah from Canada, speak with King Travel about available travel services and package options, or review the agency's licenses and accreditations directly.
Saudi Tourist eVisa Checklist for Canadians
☐ Check passport eligibility for the Saudi eVisa ☐ Check passport validity before applying ☐ Confirm current Saudi visa requirements on the official portal ☐ Prepare required documents and a digital photo ☐ Complete the application accurately, matching your passport exactly ☐ Review passport information before submitting ☐ Pay applicable fees through the official portal ☐ Receive and check your eVisa once approved ☐ Save a digital copy and print a paper copy ☐ Confirm flights to Jeddah or your entry airport ☐ Confirm accommodation in Makkah and/or Madinah ☐ Check current Makkah and Madinah entry requirements ☐ Check current Umrah rules and Nusuk permit requirements ☐ Check Hajj-season restrictions if travelling close to Hajj dates
Common Saudi Tourist eVisa Mistakes Canadians Should Avoid
Incorrect passport information. Even a small typo in your name or passport number can delay or invalidate your application.
Confusing Canadian residency with nationality eligibility. Living in Canada does not automatically make you eligible for the eVisa — your passport's country does.
Using outdated visa information. Saudi visa rules change; always confirm details on the official portal before applying.
Confusing visa validity with stay duration. A one-year valid visa does not mean you can stay in Saudi Arabia for a year at a time.
Assuming a tourist visa permits Hajj. It does not, under any circumstances.
Ignoring Hajj-season restrictions. Even a valid tourist visa can be refused entry to Makkah once seasonal checkpoints are in effect.
Booking travel before checking visa requirements. Confirm eligibility and requirements before paying for flights or hotels.
Failing to verify current Saudi rules close to departure. Requirements can shift between the time you book and the time you fly.
Confusing the tourist visa and Umrah visa routes. Both can lead to Umrah, but they have different documents, costs, and application paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Saudi tourist eVisa?
A Saudi tourist eVisa is a one-year, multiple-entry electronic visa that lets eligible travellers, including Canadians, visit Saudi Arabia online for tourism, family visits, and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
2. Can Canadian citizens apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Yes. Canada is on the official list of eligible countries, so Canadian passport holders can apply directly through the official eVisa portal.
3. How do Canadians apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa?
Canadians apply entirely online at visa.visitsaudi.com by submitting passport details, a photo, and travel information, then paying the visa fee electronically.
4. How much does a Saudi tourist eVisa cost?
The fee is charged in Saudi riyals and has most consistently been reported around SAR 535 in 2026, including mandatory insurance, though the exact amount shown at checkout on the official portal is the figure to rely on.
5. How long does a Saudi tourist eVisa take?
Most applications are processed within a few business days, though Saudi authorities do not guarantee a specific processing time, so it's best to apply well before your travel dates.
6. How long is a Saudi tourist eVisa valid? The eVisa is valid for one year from its date of issue, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit.
7. Can I perform Umrah with a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. The tourist eVisa officially covers Umrah outside the Hajj season, provided you also obtain a free Umrah permit through the Nusuk app.
8. What is the difference between a Saudi tourist visa and an Umrah visa?
The tourist visa is a flexible, self-service eVisa covering tourism and Umrah, while the traditional Umrah visa is typically arranged through a licensed agent and focused specifically on pilgrimage travel.
9. Can I perform Hajj with a Saudi tourist visa?
No. Hajj requires a separate, quota-restricted visa arranged through official channels and, in most cases, an authorized Hajj operator.
10. Can I visit Makkah with a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, outside the Hajj season and with a valid Nusuk permit, though access is restricted to Hajj-permit holders only once Hajj-season checkpoints take effect.
11. Can I visit Madinah with a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes. Madinah generally has fewer seasonal entry restrictions than Makkah, though a Nusuk permit is still required to visit the Rawdah.
12. Can Canadian permanent residents apply for a Saudi tourist visa?
Eligibility depends on the passport a person holds, not their Canadian residency status, so permanent residents should check their own nationality's eligibility on the official portal.
13. Should I book an Umrah Package after receiving my visa?
Many travellers book flights, hotels, and a visa together as part of an Umrah Package, but the order can vary — it's worth confirming your visa route before finalizing non-refundable bookings.
Saudi visa requirements, fees, eligibility criteria, entry conditions and pilgrimage regulations can change. Travellers should verify the latest requirements with official Saudi authorities before applying or travelling.
Conclusion
The Saudi tourist eVisa gives Canadian travellers a fast, fully online way to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, family visits, and Umrah outside the Hajj season. Canadian citizens are on the eligible list, though eligibility depends on the passport held, not on Canadian residency alone. The visa is valid for one year with multiple entries, permits stays of up to 90 days, and is charged in Saudi riyals — with a fee that has most recently hovered around SAR 535, subject to change. It does not, under any circumstances, permit Hajj, which requires a separate quota-restricted visa and, typically, an authorized Hajj package. Whether you're comparing an Umrah Package, researching a Makkah & Madina hotel, or trying to decide between a tourist eVisa and a traditional Umrah visa, the details are worth getting right before you book flights or pay a deposit — and they're always worth double-checking against official Saudi sources close to your travel date.
If you are planning Hajj or Umrah from Canada, speak with King Travel about current visa, Umrah, and Hajj travel services.