Canada Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals must apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling to Canada. The application is online via the IRCC portal and costs $100 CAD for the visa plus $85 CAD for biometrics. Processing takes 4 to 12 weeks. Canada hosts a significant Saudi student population, particularly at universities in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship. Create an IRCC account. Apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV). Pay CAD 100 for the visa fee and CAD 85 for biometrics. Book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global Riyadh or Jeddah. Submit supporting documents including passport, photos, financial statements, employment letter, itinerary, and ties to Saudi Arabia. Processing typically takes 4 to 12 weeks.
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
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
Canada Visitor Visa Application (IMM 5257)
Completed and submitted online through the IRCC portal (canada.ca).
Valid Saudi Passport
Must cover your intended stay. If expired passports exist, submit copies of those too.
Digital Photo
Passport-style photo meeting IRCC specifications (35x45mm equivalent), uploaded digitally.
Bank Statements (6 months)
Showing sufficient funds and financial stability.
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming job title, salary, and approved leave.
Travel Itinerary
Accommodation bookings and planned activities in Canada.
Biometrics
Biometric enrollment required at a designated VAC (Visa Application Centre) in Saudi Arabia.
Purpose of Visit Letter
Personal letter explaining your travel purpose, planned activities, and ties to Saudi Arabia.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada does not grant visa-free access to Saudi nationals. Saudi passport holders must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also called a visitor visa, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applications are submitted online and biometrics must be submitted at a VFS Global center in Riyadh or Jeddah.
Canada has historically been a significant destination for Saudi students, many of them government-sponsored through the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and its successors. Saudi families also visit Canada for summer holidays, medical treatment, and to visit student family members. Toronto, Vancouver, Niagara Falls, and the Rocky Mountains are popular destinations.
Processing times for Saudi applicants can vary from a few weeks to several months depending on caseload.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Toronto (YYZ) typically connects via London, Frankfurt, or New York. Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, and American Airlines serve this route. Total travel is approximately 14 to 16 hours. Riyadh to Vancouver (YVR) connects via London or Seattle, around 16 to 18 hours.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). As of 2024, approximately 0.74 USD per CAD. Canada is expensive for daily travel. Hotels in Toronto or Vancouver run CAD 200 to CAD 400 per night. Major cards accepted universally. ATMs widely available. Halal restaurants available in major cities with significant Muslim communities.
Practical Tips
Apply well in advance. Processing can take 3 months during peak periods. Apply at least 12 weeks before intended travel.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years once provided, so subsequent applications may not require another biometrics appointment.
Show strong ties to Saudi Arabia. Employment contracts, property ownership, family commitments, and salary documentation all help establish non-immigration intent.
Canada is large. Toronto and Vancouver are the main entry points. For the Rocky Mountains, fly into Calgary (YYC). Montreal is an option for French-speaking travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Saudi passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, also called a visitor visa) before traveling to Canada. Apply online at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship and submit biometrics at VFS Global in Riyadh or Jeddah.
How long does Canadian visa processing take for Saudi applicants?
Processing takes 4 to 12 weeks. During peak seasons, it can take up to 3 months. Apply at least 12 weeks before your intended travel date. Check current processing times at ircc.canada.ca/english/information/times/index.asp.
How much does a Canadian visa cost for Saudi nationals?
The Temporary Resident Visa fee is CAD 100. Biometrics (required for first-time applicants aged 14 to 79) cost an additional CAD 85. Both fees are paid online. Biometrics collected previously are valid for 10 years.
What ties to Saudi Arabia help a Canadian visa application?
The Canadian visa officer must be satisfied you will return to Saudi Arabia. Strong indicators include: permanent employment or a running business, property ownership, immediate family members remaining in Saudi Arabia, and significant financial assets in Saudi Arabia.
Does Canada have a direct flight from Saudi Arabia?
Air Canada does not fly directly to Saudi Arabia, but Qatar Airways operates nonstop flights from Doha to Toronto (YYZ). From Saudi Arabia, most travelers connect via Doha, London, or Frankfurt. Total travel time to Toronto is approximately 14 to 17 hours.
Do Saudi nationals need an eTA to transit through Canadian airports?
Yes. Even for connecting flights through Canadian airports, Saudi nationals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents need either a Canadian visa or, for certain nationalities, an eTA. Saudi nationals require a full TRV even for transit. Check IRCC's transit requirements.
Is there a large Saudi community in Canada?
Canada has a growing Saudi student and professional community, particularly in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa. Many are former King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP) recipients who settled permanently. This community provides social infrastructure for new Saudi visitors.