→
Canada→Saudi Arabia
Entry requirements for Tourism travel
Do Canada citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia? For tourism travel, the current rule is e-visa, with a permitted stay of up to 90 days per visit. This tourism rule was last checked against an official government source — Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — National Visa Platform (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), on 2026-08-29. It applies to Canada passport holders, but the exact conditions granted on the day can still differ, so keep the requirements below — and the official source in the sidebar — handy when you plan your trip.
An e-visa means you apply online before you travel and receive approval electronically, without an embassy visit. Approval is usually subject to the authorities’ checks, so apply with enough time before departure and keep the approved e-visa with your documents.
Before you travel — tourism checklist
- Apply for (and receive) your visaYou need a visa for this route — book travel only after you receive the decision.
- Passport valid and checkedPassport valid for at least 6 months
- Supporting documents preparedFunds, itinerary and ties-to-home evidence are listed under the evidence sections on this page.
Every item is derived from the verified requirements on this page — tick them off before you go.
Entry requirements · Tourism travel
Passport requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
How to apply
- Apply for the tourist e-Visa online through the official National Visa Platform
- The tourist e-Visa is multi-entry and valid for one year from the date of issue
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Approved tourist e-Visa
Financial evidence
- Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
Conditions & restrictions
- Tourist e-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit
- The e-Visa permits tourism and related activities only; work requires a work visa
Canada citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia for tourism: e-Visa up to 90 days. Based on the official Saudi Arabia visa and entry information reviewed.
Planning your trip to Saudi Arabia
Practical notes about Saudi Arabia — checked as part of this page for tourism travellers.
AlUla and the Nabataean Kingdom of Hegra
In the northwestern desert, the oasis town of AlUla has emerged as Saudi Arabia's premier cultural destination, anchored by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, the southern capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. Over a hundred monumental rock-cut tombs pierce the sandstone cliffs, each adorned with carved facades that blend Nabataean, Lihyanite, and Roman architectural influences. The inscriptions found throughout the site document the rise and fall of pre-Islamic kingdoms that controlled incense trade routes across the Arabian Peninsula. The landscape surrounding AlUla is equally striking, with the towering sandstone monolith of Jabal Ikmah serving as an open-air library of ancient Dadanite inscriptions, and the jaw-dropping Elephant Rock formation standing as a natural sculpture carved by wind erosion. The entire region feels frozen in geological time, amplified by the profound silence of the desert and the absence of light pollution at night.
Asir Mountains and the Green South
Saudi Arabia's southwestern Asir region defies every expectation of the kingdom as a flat desert, instead offering terraced mountains, oak forests, and seasonal wildflower meadows that receive substantial rainfall. The town of Abha, perched at over 2,200 meters, serves as the gateway to Asir National Park, where hiking trails wind through juniper woodlands and past waterfalls that flow only during the rainy months between May and September. The Asiri people have developed a distinctive tradition of painted house facades, using bright geometric patterns in a style that has been recognized by UNESCO. The village of Rijal Almaa, built entirely from dark stone and clay, clings to a mountainside and has been restored as a heritage site showcasing traditional southern Saudi architecture. The temperature difference between the Asir highlands and the coastal Tihama plain below can be dramatic, creating microclimates that support agriculture unusual for the Arabian Peninsula.
The Red Sea Coast and Marine Biodiversity
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline stretches over 1,800 kilometers and contains some of the most pristine coral reef ecosystems left on Earth, largely protected by decades of restricted access. The Farasan Islands, a scattered archipelago in the southern Red Sea, host mangrove forests, seabird colonies, and reefs that remain virtually untouched by tourism or development. Coral reefs along the central coast near Al Lith and Umluj feature vibrant hard and soft coral gardens that support schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional whale shark aggregations during seasonal plankton blooms. The kingdom is developing luxury resort destinations along the Red Sea coast as part of its tourism expansion, including the Amaala and NEOM Bay projects, but vast stretches of the shoreline remain wild and accessible only by private boat, preserving a sense of maritime wilderness that is increasingly rare in the region.
Jeddah's Historic Al-Balad District
Jeddah's Al-Balad district is the historic heart of the city that has served as the principal Red Sea port and gateway to Mecca for over a thousand years. The old quarter is defined by its multi-story coral-stone tower houses, whose upper floors project outward on intricately carved wooden balconies called rawasheen, creating narrow shaded streets below that channel sea breezes through the dense urban fabric. Historically, the district's markets were organized by trade and origin, with specific souks dedicated to Indian textiles, Yemeni honey, and East African spices, reflecting Jeddah's centuries-long role as a cosmopolitan trading hub. Al-Balad has undergone significant restoration in recent years, with landmark buildings like the Naseef House opened to visitors and new cultural spaces emerging within the historic walls. The district's atmosphere, particularly at sunset when the coral facades glow warm orange and the call to prayer echoes from multiple minarets, is unlike anything else in the Gulf.
Common questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?+
e-Visa. Permitted stay: up to 90 days.
What documents do I need to enter Saudi Arabia?+
Valid passport. Approved tourist e-Visa.
What passport validity is required to enter Saudi Arabia?+
Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Are there any restrictions for entering Saudi Arabia?+
Tourist e-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit
Any additional conditions for entering Saudi Arabia?+
The e-Visa permits tourism and related activities only; work requires a work visa
How long can Canadian citizens stay in Saudi Arabia?+
The permitted stay for tourism travel is up to 90 days. The exact period granted depends on the entry decision at the border.
Where can I check the official Saudi Arabia visa and entry rules?+
This information was last verified on 2026-08-29 against an official government source: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — National Visa Platform (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) (https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/).
Related resources
- Saudi Arabia travel guide →Cities, airports and practical travel info.
- Airports in Saudi Arabia →Codes, terminals and ground transport.
- Canada guide →Everything we cover for Canada.
- How we verify rules →Sources, review dates and our quality checks.
- All Canada routes →Entry requirements from Canada to every destination.
