Saudi e-Visa for Canadian Citizens
The introduction of electronic visas made it easier for international travelers including Canadian citizensto visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Travelers from eligible countries can now explore the magical beauty of Saudi Arabia. The KSA introduced the Saudi e-Visa in 2019. Since then, the flow of tourists from the eligible countries has increased mainly due to the convenience and straightforward process of the Saudi e-Visa.
Please go through the whole article to understand the application procedures.
What is a Saudi e-Visa?
Saudi e-Visa is a digital travel permit that allows travelers from eligible countries to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism, and business, to visit family & friends, or to perform Umrah. This e-Visa has a validity of 1 year. It permits e-Visa holders to stay continuously for 90 days and enter the country multiple times within the validity period. Different e-Visas are available based on the reason for the visit-
- Saudi Tourist e-Visa - For sightseeing, recreational
- Family & Relatives - For meeting friends, family & relatives
- Saudi Tourist/ Umrah e-Visa- To perform Umrah
- Saudi Business/events e-Visa- To attend Business, events, and conferences
Why choose a Saudi e-Visa over a regular visa?
Here is why people choose an electronic over a regular visa.
Convenience
Travelers can apply online which eliminates embassy/consulate visits. The straightforward application process can be completed within 15-20 minutes.
Speed
The application process is quite speedy. You won't have to spend as much time thinking about visa acceptance.
Cost-Effective
Applying for a Saudi e-Visa is less expensive than applying for an ordinary Visa. Additionally, you can save money on courier fees, travel charges to embassies or consulates, etc.
Multiple Entries
Saudi e-Visa holders can enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia many times throughout their validity period, unlike traditional visas.
Customer Support
Saudi e-Visa Help Desk will be there for you throughout the application process.
These are the major reasons that attract travelers to the electronic visa.
A step-by-step guide to applying for a Saudi e-Visa for Canadian citizens
Step-1
Go to Saudi e-Visa website
Step- 2
Check for your Eligibility to apply for the Saudi e-Visa and Choose the e-Visa type.
Step- 3
Start filling out the Application Form
Step- 4
Upload your recent passport-style photo
- Show a full, clear, and front view of the applicant’s face
- Show you with your eyes open and with a neutral expression
- Have nothing covering your eyes or face, such as sunglasses or hairs
- Show only you
- Not be too bright or too dark and have a plain, light-coloured background
- No shadows on the face or the background
- If you wear a head/face scarf, please ensure the boundary of hair on the head and chin boundary is showing clearly
Step- 5
Upload your Passport (with a validity of more than 6 months)
- The passport photo/scan must be clear of good quality and high resolution.
- You can upload your passport scan in the following file formats: PDF, PNG, and JPG.
- The Passport scan shouldn’t be blurred.
- The MRZ (the two strips at the bottom of the Passport) should be visible.
Step- 6
Applicant’s Declaration Part- tick the boxes.
Step- 7
Double-check the application form
Step - 8
Click Proceed to Payment. Carry a debit/credit card for the final payment
Step- 9
Click the submit button
Must-Have Requirements to Obtain a Saudi e-Visa for Canadian Citizens
These are the must-have requirements to obtain all e-Visa types -
- Your Authentic Canadian Passport
- Your passport-style scanned photo
- A valid email address
- Residence address
- The reason for the journey
- Financial Proof like bank statements, paychecks, etc.
- Return Ticket
- A working credit or debit card for the final payment
- Travel documents like airline tickets, hotel reservations, etc.
Must-Have Requirements to Obtain an Umrah e-Visa
Here is the list of criteria and requirements to obtain an Umrah e-Visa-
- The Saudi Umrah e-Visa is only available to Muslim tourists.
- The visitor must present a certification from a mosque or Islamic organization attesting to their Muslim status if they have converted to Islam but do not have a Muslim name.
- It is required that fathers, husbands, or other male family members (Mahram) accompany women and children.
- Also, Mahram should travel with women and children on the same plane to enter and exit Saudi Arabia. A woman over 45 may travel for the Hajj without a Mahram if she has an official document from her Mahram authorizing her to do so with the designated group.
Know about the Saudi e-Visa Insurance
Insurance is a must for all e-Visa types. It is considered a mandatory requirement. Let’s learn more about the Saudi e-Visa Insurance.
Validity
It is good till your e-Visa expires.
Coverage
Coverage includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, and other services.
Providers
KSA-approved insurance companies.
How do I make a claim?
Instructions will be included in the insurance document.
Exclusions
They are also specified in the document. Pre-existing conditions, non-emergency situations, problems induced by overdoing something, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am planning to travel to Saudi Arabia with my kid. Does he/ she need a separate e-Visa?
Yes. You should apply for a Saudi eVisa for your kid. However, unlike in other countries, children below 18 can only apply for an eVisa with a parent or guardian. When traveling with a child under the age of 18, a parent or guardian who is older than 18 must also apply for an eVisa.
What are the entry and exit checkpoints for Saudi e-Visa holders?
Airports
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Jeddah
- King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Riyadh
- Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Medina
- King Fahd International Airport (DMM), Dammam
Seaports
- King Abdulaziz Port, Dammam
- Jeddah Islamic Port, Jeddah
- King Fahd Industrial Port, Jubail
- Yanbu Commercial Port, Yanbu
Land Border Crossings
- Saudi-Jordan Border
- Saudi-Iraq Border
- Saudi-Kuwait Border
- Saudi-UAE Border
Can I extend my Saudi e-Visa?
No. Saudi e-Visa cannot be extended.
What if I find any difficulties during the application process?
Don’t hesitate to contact the Saudi e-Visa help desk if you find any difficulties.
READ MORE:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Saudi E-Visa. Get answers to the most common questions about the requirements, important information and documents required to travel to Saudi Arabia. Learn more at Frequently Asked Questions for Saudi E-Visa.
Check your eligibility for Online Saudi Visa and apply for Online Saudi Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Swedish citizens, Canadian citizens, Chinese citizens, Thai Citizens, Uzbekistan Citizens and Georgian citizens can apply online for Online Saudi Visa.