Saudi Arabia Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can visit Saudi Arabia by obtaining a tourist eVisa online. The eVisa costs approximately $120 USD (including medical insurance), allows a multiple-entry stay of up to 90 days within one year, and is processed through the Saudi Visit Visa portal.
Canada passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. The fee is approximately $120 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance for the duration of your stay. You will need a valid Canadian passport (6 months validity), a passport photo, and a credit or debit card. Processing is typically instant to 24 hours. The visa is multiple-entry and valid for 1 year from the date of issue, allowing cumulative stays of up to 90 days. Note: women no longer need a male guardian (mahram) sponsor to obtain a tourist visa, though conservative dress is still expected in public.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Saudi Arabia: What You Need to Know
Saudi Arabia opened to international tourism in 2019 as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative. Canadian citizens can now easily obtain a tourist eVisa to visit this formerly restricted destination. The country offers ancient Nabataean ruins at AlUla (including the Hegra/Madain Salih UNESCO site), the futuristic capital Riyadh, the historic Diriyah heritage district, Red Sea diving resorts near Jeddah, and the spiritual cities of Mecca and Medina (which are accessible only to Muslims). Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid social change; cinemas, concerts, and mixed-gender public spaces are now commonplace.
Practical Tips
Women must dress modestly in public: cover shoulders, midriff, and knees; an abaya is no longer legally required but is recommended in more conservative areas. Alcohol is strictly prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. Non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca or Medina; the Mecca region is clearly marked and access by non-Muslims will result in refusal. The Saudi riyal (SAR) is pegged to the USD at approximately 3.75. Uber and Careem operate in major cities. AlUla is genuinely world-class; book the Hegra ticket + guided tour in advance through the Experience AlUla platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Canadians get a tourist visa for Saudi Arabia?
Canadian citizens apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa through the official portal (visa.visitsaudi.com). The fee is approximately $120 USD, which includes mandatory medical insurance. The visa is multiple-entry, valid for 1 year from issue, and allows cumulative stays of up to 90 days. Processing is typically instant to 24 hours.
Can Canadian women travel to Saudi Arabia independently?
Yes. Saudi Arabia removed the requirement for women to have a male guardian (mahram) for travel. Canadian women can travel independently, obtain a tourist visa without a guardian's approval, drive, stay in hotels alone, and access all tourist sites without a male companion. Modest dress in public is still expected.
Is alcohol available in Saudi Arabia?
No. Alcohol is completely prohibited throughout Saudi Arabia. There are no bars, nightclubs, or licensed restaurants serving alcohol. Attempting to bring alcohol into the country is illegal and can result in arrest. This is an absolute prohibition with no exceptions for tourists.
What is AlUla and why should Canadians visit?
AlUla is a UNESCO World Heritage region in northwestern Saudi Arabia containing the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra (Madain Salih), which rivals Petra in Jordan for its scale and preservation. The site features monumental rock-cut tombs carved into sandstone mountains. AlUla is a relatively new tourist destination with world-class infrastructure; book the Hegra site tour in advance through the Experience AlUla platform (experiencealula.com).