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Saudi Arabia Visa for Canadian Citizens

Saudi Arabia launched a new mechanism of electronic visas to facilitate foreign visitors intending to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA ) for tourism, business, or pilgrimage purposes. Saudi Arabia is offering e-visa to 49 countries . Canada is one of the countries that qualify for an e-visa. On this page, you will get the necessary information on Saudi e-visa for Canadian citizens.

What is an E-Visa?

It is an electronically applied for and received travel authorization that lets foreigners visit KSA and stay for a period of 90 days . The e-visa can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry permit. Citizens of Canada are authorized to obtain a multiple-entry Saudi Arabia e-visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days on every visit. The visa is valid for up to 360 days (one year) . Throughout the one-year validity , the traveler can enter KSA multiple times. The e-visa eliminates the requirement of visiting the embassy or consulate, submitting original documents, and going to the bank to pay the visa fees. With an e-visa, the applicant only needs to register on this website, access the e-visa online form, fill it out with the information on their passport , upload the required documents , and pay the visa fees .

E-Visas Offered to Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens can apply for a tourist visa, business visa, work visa, student visa, and Umrah visa . The application process is conducted online, and the e-visa is also issued to the applicant via email.

It is worth noting that the applicant doesn’t need sponsorship for a tourist visa. For all other types of e-visas, the applicant should be sponsored by a travel agent, Saudi citizens , or an organization. The visa validity is extremely important because overstaying the visa can result in future travel bans or heavy fines . The traveler won’t be allowed to exit KSA without paying the fine.

Obtaining the Tourist e-Visa

All Canadian citizens are allowed to apply for the Saudi Arabia evisa if they fulfill the eligibility criteria. The tourist can obtain the visa online before departing for the kingdom or when they arrive at the airport. However, the e-visa is a much more convenient option as you can travel confidently without any confusion surrounding visa issuance. Visa on arrival is a possibility, but it takes a lot of time and effort from the traveler. They have to stand in long queues sometimes for several hours if many people are awaiting their visas, and a slight glitch in the identity verification can cause trouble. Therefore, obtaining an e-visa before traveling to KSA is better to avoid any unforeseen complications after arriving in the kingdom.

Obtaining a tourist visa is very simple:

Complete the e-visa form.
Upload digital copies of travel documents.
Make the payment.
Wait for the visa approval.

What to do to Avoid Visa Rejection?

Documents required to travel to saudi arabi.

Canadian citizens must upload a digital scan of their valid passports. Their passport must be valid for at least six months after they leave KSA. Moreover, the passport must have two blank pages . In case the passport is due to expire, the traveler should get it renewed before traveling to KSA.
The traveler will also provide a digital copy of a recent passport-size photo depicting their current appearance. The photo mustn’t be more than six months old . It should be taken against a plain white background . It must be in color and show the full front view of the face. The photo should not be blurry or taken from afar. Do not wear hat, headgear, or glasses unless it is a religious or medical requirement. You may be asked to provide a doctor’s prescription if you are wearing spectacles in your photo.
Apart from the passport, the traveler should have a valid and active email address to receive visa-related notifications and the approved visa.
Lastly, the traveler should possess a valid means of payment, such as a debit or credit card, to pay the visa fees . They can also use a PayPal account for this purpose.

Saudi Arabia e-Visa Fees and Processing:

For Canadian citizens applying for a Saudi Arabia visa online , it is important to be aware of the e-Visa fees. Many applicants wonder about the cost and how to calculate it . The Saudi Arabia e-Visa fee for Canadians depends on the type of visa, the purpose of travel, and the desired processing time.

Visa Fee Checking Tool

Paragraph: To determine the exact visa fee for your specific requirements, you can utilize the Saudi Arabia Visa fee checking tool available on the Saudi Arabia e-Visa website. This tool makes it easy to find and verify the visa fee based on your individual circumstances.

Processing Types

Normal Processing
Rush Processing
Super Rush Processing

Currently, there are three processing types available for Saudi Arabia e-Visas. These options include normal processing, which follows the standard timeframe, rush processing for a faster turnaround, and super rush processing for the quickest processing time available.

Get your e-Visa in just three simple steps:

Apply online:

Provide essential details about your citizenship and travel purpose through our user-friendly online application form.

Submit your application & Make online payment:

Enjoy the convenience of multiple payment options, including credit and debit cards, as well as other secure and hassle-free methods.

Check your email:

Sit back and relax as we process your application. Once your payment is confirmed, the e-Visa will be promptly delivered to the email address you provided during the application process.

Points to Note for Canadian Citizens

Please make sure to take care of the following issues.

Pork and alcohol are strictly forbidden in KSA except for residential areas dedicated to diplomatic personnel and ex-pats. However, even in these areas, you cannot consume them publicly.
In Saudi Arabia, photography is considered a sensitive issue, so you should avoid taking photos of holy sites unless the government has permitted it. Also, beware of taking pictures of military and government buildings.
Modest dressing is necessary for both male and female tourists in public areas. Women must keep their knees and shoulders covered all the time.
Always keep your personal identification documents in hand when traveling anywhere in KSA, as security personnel can ask for them, particularly at checkpoints.
Ensure your clothes don’t have any inappropriate text or images .

Entry and Exit Guidelines for Canadian Tourists in KSA

For Canadian citizens , the process of obtaining a visa has become much simpler. But, for those applying for the visa for the first time or who don’t know the new e-visa process, you should hire a travel agent to oversee the visa process. This can help you ensure a hassle-free experience and will substantially minimize the chances of visa delay or denial.

Entry requirements for Canadian citizens vary as per the type of passport you use for traveling. Always check passport requirements with your travel agent and transportation firm before traveling to KSA.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the departure date.

Canadian government issues passports with X gender identifiers as well. So, if you want to travel to KSA with an X-gender passport , you may find it difficult to enter or transit through it as it has certain entry limitations. KSA and many other countries do not recognize this passport.

The rules are different if you are traveling with a temporary passport or have an emergency travel document. Please check with your foreign representative before leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian citizens can easily obtain an e-visa. They only need to register with a travel agency authorized by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Then they should fill out an e-visa form in which they will provide personal, passport, and travel-related details. They must upload some necessary travel documents in digital format and pay the visa fees. Afterward, they only need to wait for visa approval.

Muslim tourists can perform Umrah without specifically obtaining an Umrah e-visa. If they have a valid tourist e-visa, they can use it for Umrah. However, they cannot use a tourist e-visa for performing Hajj. And Umrah pilgrimage is allowed only before and after the Hajj season.

Women intending to visit KSA for touristic purposes are allowed to travel solo. They can apply for the e-visa and stay in Saudi Arabia for the entire stay validity period of 90 days without any hassle or difficulty. However, for any other travel purpose, such as pilgrimage, women must be accompanied by a male. Or else they should be met by their sponsors in Saudi Arabia at the port of entry; otherwise they may be denied entry. This rule also applies to business visa holder females.

Yes, Canadian citizens are allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia with minors. But they have to apply for the e-visa for their children. Moreover, children must be accompanied by either their parents or guardian. If one parent is accompanying the minor, they must have written permission from the other parent.

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Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Saudi Arabia in recent times has become a very alluring destination for Canadian travelers. Whether it is to discover the country’s mind-blowing landscapes or to carry out business activities, Canadians can now benefit from the new development that allows citizens from certain countries to visit Saudi Arabia by getting an eVisa.

This Saudi Arabia electronic visa is a notable part of Vision 2030, an initiative the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, instituted with the sole objective of modernizing the country. For the first time, Canadian travelers have the opportunity to leverage an online visa to visit Saudi Arabia.

Since the procedure takes place on the internet, there is little or no need to visit a Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate. Beginning on September 27 th , 2019, the Kingdom also allowed travelers from Canada to request a one-year, multiple-entry eVisa for Saudi Arabia.

This electronic document allows Canadian passport holders to enter the country a number of times during its validity with a maximum of 90 days per stay. Canadians who intend to travel to Saudi Arabia with minors are expected to apply for individual Saudi Arabia eVisas on behalf of their children.

All foreign nationals —irrespective of their age— are mandated to have a legitimate Saudi Arabia Visa to be granted entry into the country. The Saudi Arabia eVisa fee covers processing costs coupled with the necessary health insurance. Canadian travelers who encounter a health emergency during their stay in Saudi Arabia are covered for up to 100.000SAR in healthcare expenses.

Basic Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

The Saudi Arabia visa requirements for citizens of Canada include:

Valid passport : You are expected to have a Canadian passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the day of your entry into the kingdom. The passport will also need to have a minimum of two consecutive blank pages.
Email address : This is very necessary especially since your e-visa will be sent to you, once approved, via email.
Photograph : You will also have to provide a digital copy of your passport-sized color photograph. The photograph will need a white background and will be expected to have your full face clearly visible in it.
Means of payment : You will also be expected to make payment for the visa online using a credit or debit card.

How to Apply for a Saudi Visa for Canadian Passport Holders

Obtaining an eVisa for Saudi Arabia from Canada is easy and straightforward. You only need to comply with the following simple steps:

Visit the Saudi Arabian Visa Website

To begin the process, you will need to visit the official visa website and create an account for yourself. Since there are numerous fake sites, you should be careful to visit only the official website. To create your account, you will be expected to fill in your personal details, such as your full name, phone number, and email address.

You also need to choose your passport type and the country of issuance. Once you are done creating your account, a verification link will be forwarded to your email address. Click this link to activate your account.

Fill out the Application Form

Once your account is activated, you can then begin filling out the visa application form. You must provide accurate information in this form because any slight mistake can delay your application and even have your visa application denied. Fill out the online Saudi Arabia Visa application form with your personal data:

Date of birth
Country of birth
Nationality

Provide Passport Information

You will also need to fill in your passport information. These details will include:

Passport country
Passport number
Passport date of issue
Passport expiry date

Fill in Your Contact Details

This is very necessary as your e-visa will be sent to you via email. In addition to using the mail to receive your Saudi Arabia eVisa, you will need one to ensure you get updates and notifications concerning your visa application. You will need to provide:

An email address
A mobile phone number

Ensure to carefully verify all the data you have keyed in before submitting your application since any discrepancies or errors can result in a delay in the processing of your Saudi Arabia eVisa.

Upload The Color Photograph

After you must have filled in these details, upload the color photograph. Note that the accepted formats for the photograph are .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif and .bmp. The dimensions should be 200×200 pixels and size between 3 KB and 100 KB.

Pay the VISA Fee

The last step in the visa application process is to pay the visa fee. According to recent reports, the total payable amount is SAR 463.44 and will have to be paid via a debit or credit card. This fee includes 5% VAT, the transaction fee, and the medical insurance fee. Just as it was noted earlier, if you encounter a health emergency during your stay in Saudi Arabia, this health insurance will cover up to SAR 100,000 in healthcare costs.

Get Your Visa

After you’ve submitted your application, note that it takes around 3-5 days for a Saudi Arabia eVisa to be processed. During busy periods, such as Hajj and peak tourist months, the processing could take as much as 7 days. The electronic visa will be forwarded to the email address listed on the application and linked to the applicant’s passport.

Once received, you should print out a copy to carry with you on the day of your trip. This is to serve as proof to border officials who would want to see a physical copy in the unlikely event of problems with the electronic system. The tourist visa then permits the holder entry to Saudi Arabia via any seaport, certain land ports, and airports for 1 year from the date of issue.

Safety and Travel Tips for Canadian Citizens Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Canadian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia should consider the following important tips;

Alcohol and pork are not allowed in the kingdom; however, in some residential communities with ex-pats, things can be quite lenient.
Also, note that photography is a very sensitive topic in Saudi Arabia. Most often, it is best to avoid clicking pictures of government structures, such as ministry buildings, airports, and military facilities.
Men and women are both expected to dress modestly when in public. Women should keep their shoulders and knees covered at all times.
Always ensure you carry your personal identification at all times while in Saudi Arabia. It is common to be asked for identification, especially at checkpoints.
Also, ensure that you do not have any inappropriate text or images on your clothes.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Saudi Arabia

Travel Advisory January 24, 2024

Saudi arabia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated after periodic review to provide information on the risk of arrest due to social media use and the importation of prohibited items.

Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. Exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to terrorism, the risk of arrest based on social media activity, and importation of prohibited items. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to the following locations due to the threat of missile and drone attacks and terrorism :

Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, as well as the cities of Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushayt;
Abha airport;
Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

Country Summary : U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission responsibility must adhere to the above travel restrictions. As such, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these locations.

Missile and drone attacks perpetrated by Iran and Iran-supported militant groups have occurred as recently as September 2023. The Islamic Republic of Iran has in the past supplied Yemen-based Houthis and regional proxy groups with weapons to conduct destructive and sometimes lethal attacks using drones, missiles, and rockets against a variety of Saudi sites, including critical infrastructure, civilian airports, military bases, and energy facilities throughout the country, as well as vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Past attacks were aimed at targets throughout Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Jizan, Khamis Mushayt, the civilian airport in Abha, Al Kharj, military installations in the south, as well as oil and gas facilities.

Debris from intercepted drones and missiles has also represented a significant risk to civilian areas and populations in the recent past. Militant groups have threatened to conduct attacks against locations in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working near military bases and critical civilian infrastructure, particularly near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk if missile, drone, or rocket attacks reoccur.

Terrorism continues to be a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning. Past attacks have targeted tourist locations, large gatherings, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists are also known to time attacks around major holidays and/or in response to military operations. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and international interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens.

Be advised that social media commentary – including past comments – which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest . This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments about Saudi institutions, policies, and public life. U.S. citizens have been convicted for social media activity under Saudi laws concerning cybercrime, terrorism, and disrupting public order. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years in some cases. Saudi courts do not necessarily consider the timeframe of the posts or the location from which they were made to be material to these cases.

The importation of drugs (including marijuana), drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, pork, or any materials that could be considered pornographic or suggestive, is prohibited. Penalties for drug possession, consumption, and trafficking are severe by U.S. standards. An extensive list of banned items is available on our Saudi Arabia country information page .

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Saudi Arabia.

If you decide to travel to Saudi Arabia:

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas .
Stay alert in large crowds and/or locations frequented by foreign nationals.
Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrest notification and the Department of State’s general information on arrests of U.S. citizens abroad .
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Follow the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia.
Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Yemen Border, Abha airport, and Qatif in the Eastern Province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Militants in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets . Civilians that are near the border with Yemen are especially at risk. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including in Qatif.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to this area.

Visit our website for information on travel to high-risk areas

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter or exit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of travel is recommended.

One page required for entry stamp.

Required for certain visa classes

More than 16,000 USD must be declared. Customs details are here .

Embassies and Consulates

The normal work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday.

U.S. Embassy Riyadh Abdullah Ibn Hudhafah As Sahmi Street Roundbaout no. 9, Diplomatic Quarter Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Emergency Telephone: (966) (11) 488-3800 Fax: (966) (11) 488-7670 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Jeddah Al Safa Street, Al Muhammadiyah District, near the new American School building. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (12) 220-5000 Fax: (966) (12) 220-5093 [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Dhahran Off King Saud bin Abdulaziz Road, at the corner of Salaheddin al Ayoubi Street and Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Street, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700 Emergency Telephone: (966) (13) 839-5700 Fax: (966) (13) 330-6816 [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

See the Embassy of Saudi Arabia’s website for visa information.

COVID-19 Requirements: There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

For residency permit-holders (iqama), an exit/reentry permit is required to leave Saudi Arabia as well as six month’s validity on your passport to request an exit/reentry permit.

Saudi law requires that residency permit-holders carry their residency card (iqama) at all times while in the Kingdom. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 3,000 Saudi riyals and a jail sentence of six weeks.
Females and minors may require a male guardian’s permission to leave the country, including U.S. citizens or dual-nationals.
You must exit Saudi Arabia using the passport for the nationality corresponding to the one on which you entered Saudi Arabia.

Saudi law requires all Saudi citizens to enter and depart the country with a Saudi travel document. If you enter the country on a Saudi laissez-passer (temporary travel document), you may encounter difficulty leaving the Kingdom.

Saudi embassies do not have the authority to adjudicate citizenship claims or issue passports, but they may issue a laissez-passer for presumed Saudi citizens for whom citizenship has not been adjudicated, such as children of a Saudi parent or parents who were married outside of Saudi Arabia. Once admitted to Saudi Arabia on a laissez-passer, the traveler must obtain a Saudi passport before leaving the country. Saudi nationality is not conferred quickly or easily, and the processing time for a Saudi passport in these cases has often been six months or years in some cases. Obtaining a U.S. passport will not help, as you will not be able to leave Saudi Arabia without an exit visa which will not be granted if you entered as a Saudi citizen.

The Department strongly recommends that U.S. citizens enter Saudi Arabia on a U.S. passport and Saudi visa, and not a laissez-passer.

Length of Stay: Bearers of tourist visas are generally admitted for a 90-day stay and may not remain in the Kingdom more than 180 days in a twelve month period. Carefully check your visa validity and length of stay granted, and clarify any questions on permitted length of stay with Saudi immigration officials on arrival. Dates are calculated in accordance with the Hijri calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar.

If you overstay your visa, you could face significant fines, detention, and/or deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy is unable to intercede, reduce fines, or prevent incarceration if you violate Saudi law.

Travel Bans: When placed under a travel ban, you cannot exit the country, even if you are a U.S. citizen or a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen. Travel bans are rigidly enforced and can take months or even years to resolve. Only Saudi Arabian authorities and sponsors can remove travel bans.

The government may issue travel bans on people who are/have:

charged with criminal offenses;
under investigation;
involved in financial or labor disputes;
failed to report to work according to the terms of the contract (absconded);
unpaid debts or who have passed bad checks.

The list above is not exhaustive. Private Saudi citizens may also initiate travel bans against foreign citizens for various reasons.

Residency Permits: If you are seeking residency in Saudi Arabia, make sure you have all required legal documents authenticated before arriving. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh nor the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran can provide this service.

You should have all U.S. issued documents authenticated by the Department of State Office of Authentications (202-485-8000) and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington D.C.

Work Visas: If you plan on working in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a work visa before you arrive. Foreigners working in Saudi Arabia are subject to the country’s sponsorship system, which concedes substantial legal authority over the worker to the employer. This can include the ability to prevent the employee from leaving the country. American citizens considering working in Saudi Arabia should carefully review the information about employment in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.

If the visitor or business visa has been annotated “not permitted to work,” you are not allowed to legally work in Saudi Arabia. You risk substantial financial penalties, detention, deportation, and a ban from returning to Saudi Arabia if you work without legal permission. Additionally, without a work visa, there would be no legal grounds to pursue a case against an employer should a dispute arise.

HIV/AIDS: To obtain work and residence permits, you are required to obtain a medical report or physical examination confirming that you are free from contagious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. If you test positive for HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, you will not be allowed to work in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has not imposed HIV/AIDS or hepatitis travel restrictions on other categories of travelers. Please inquire directly with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia before you travel.

Vaccinations: Visitors to Saudi Arabia should check vaccination requirements on the Saudi Ministry of Health website.

Yemen Travel: The Department strongly advises U.S. citizens against travel to Yemen due to the ongoing conflict in that country. See our Yemen Travel Advisory for further information. A visa is required to enter Saudi Arabia, and Saudi authorities generally do not permit foreign citizens to enter Saudi Arabia using land border crossings from Yemen. The Embassy and Consulates General cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens seeking to cross the Yemeni-Saudi border.

Safety and Security

The Department of State advises you to exercise increased caution when traveling to Saudi Arabia due to terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian targets. See the Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia here .

Do not travel:

Within 50 miles of the border with Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Terrorists have targeted both Saudi and Western government interests, mosques and other religious sites (both Sunni and Shia), and places frequented by U.S. citizens and other Westerners.

Houthis operating in Yemen have fired long-range missiles into Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting populated areas and civilian infrastructure; they have publicly stated their intent to continue doing so. Missile attacks have targeted major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, Riyadh’s international airport, Saudi Aramco facilities, and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes. Rebel groups are also in possession of unmanned aerial systems (UASs or drones) which they have used to target civilian infrastructure and military facilities in Saudi Arabia. U.S. citizens living and working on or near such installations, particularly in areas near the border with Yemen, are at heightened risk of missile and drone attack.

On October 11, 2018 the Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation issued a Notice to Airmen about threats to civil aviation and airports in Saudi Arabia posed by missiles and UASs launched from Yemen. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Government’s Defense Internet NOTAM Service (Type “OEJD” in the search field, then click “View NOTAMs,” then scroll down to W0438/18 and click to view).

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following locations as U.S. government personnel and their families are restricted from travel to:

Within 50 miles of the Saudi-Yemen border, including the cities of Jizan and Najran;
Qatif in the Eastern province and its suburbs, including Awamiyah.

You can find additional details relating to safety and security in our Travel Advisory and Alerts and the website of the U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia .

Crime: Crime in Saudi Arabia has increased over recent years but remains at levels far below most major metropolitan areas in the United States.

You should be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight and secure, and travel with a companion, if possible.
Some Saudi citizens who perceive that a foreigner is not observing conservative standards of conduct or dress have been known to harass, pursue, or assault that person.
Even when released from detention, witnesses to criminal incidents may be prohibited from leaving the country until investigation of the incident is complete.

See the websites of the Department of State and the FBI for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, you should contact the local police at “999” and contact the Embassy in Riyadh or one of the Consulates in Jeddah or Dhahran.Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See the Department of State’s webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Department can:

help you identify appropriate medical care;
assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
provide a list of local attorneys;
provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home;
replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: If you are the victim of any form of physical violence, including domestic violence, you should contact the Saudi police by calling “999”. In addition, victims of domestic violence can contact the Saudi National Domestic Violence Hotline by dialing “1919.” The Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development runs a network of shelters for women and children. Contacting the domestic violence hotline (“1919”) is the only way to access these shelters. The Saudi National Family Safety Program also runs a Child Help Line “116111” and can assist children in accessing Saudi social services.

When reporting domestic violence, it is imperative to get a case reference number as all Saudi social and legal assistance is tied to this case number. It is also a good idea to document any injuries and obtain a copy of any medical reports. U.S. citizens should be advised that filing a police report or utilizing any Saudi victims’ assistance services may result in the Saudi authorities informing your sponsor or guardian.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Dual Citizenship: Saudi Arabia generally does not recognize dual nationality. Saudi law requires Saudi citizens to obtain official permission from the government before obtaining a second nationality. At times, Saudi authorities have confiscated the passports of U.S. citizens applying for Saudi citizenship. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship. If this happens to you or someone you know, report the incident to the U.S. Embassy.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate immediately. Be aware that Saudi Arabia generally restricts consular notification of the arrest of foreigners to the Embassy of the country that issued the travel document used to enter the Kingdom. If you enter Saudi Arabia with a Saudi travel document, or with the passport of a country other than the United States, it will be extremely difficult for the U.S. Embassy to provide consular services if you are subsequently detained. Persons detained in Saudi Arabia may be held without charges for lengthy periods and denied access to counsel; dual citizens may not have consular assistance. See the Embassy’s webpage for further information.

Drones: The importation of drones for commercial or personal use is prohibited without prior approval from the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). A customs clearance certificate authorizing importation can be obtained as part of the GACA approval process. Visit GACA’s website for further information.

Criminal Penalties: While in Saudi Arabia, you are subject to local laws. If you violate Saudi laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled; arrested; imprisoned; held without trial for lengthy periods of time; interrogated without counsel; subject to corporal punishments, including lashings; or executed.

Penalties for the import, manufacture, possession, and consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking is death. Furthermore, some laws are prosecutable in the United States regardless of local law. For examples, see our webpage on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

There are substantial limitations on freedom of speech and political expression in Saudi Arabia. For additional information see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Saudi Arabia .

Faith-Related Travel Issues: Islam is the official religion of the country and is present in all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. See our Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet .

Saudi authorities do not permit criticism of Islam or Muslim religious figures, including on social media.
The government prohibits the public practice of religions other than Islam. Non-Muslims suspected of violating these restrictions have been jailed and/or deported. Church services in private homes have been raided, and participants have been jailed and/or deported.
Muslims who do not adhere to the strict interpretation of Islam prevalent in much of Saudi Arabia may encounter societal discrimination and constraints on public worship.
Public display of non-Islamic religious articles, such as crosses and Bibles, is not permitted.
Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to Mecca and parts of Medina, the cities where two of Islam’s holiest mosques are located.
See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Saudi Arabia. Violations of Saudi laws governing perceived expressions of, or support for, same-sex sexual relations, including on social media, may be subject to severe punishment. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, or death. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what is generally found in the United States. Saudi law does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, and there is no legislation requiring public accessibility. Newer commercial and government buildings, however, often include such access. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, there are numerous government-sponsored centers for people with disabilities. Note that Saudi Arabia has limited infrastructure to care for those with mental disabilities.

Students: See the Department’s Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Residents and Travelers: Married women, including non-Saudis, require their husband's permission to depart the country, while unmarried women and children require the permission of their father or male guardian.

Minor children must have their father’s permission in order to leave the Kingdom. Children visiting their fathers in Saudi Arabia, even when there is a custody agreement, can be prevented from leaving unless the father consents. This is true even if the child is an American citizen. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot obtain exit visas for the departure of minor children without their father/guardian's permission.

If a foreigner and a Saudi living in Saudi Arabia divorce, Saudi courts rarely grant permission for the foreign parent to leave the country with the children born during the marriage, even if he or she has been granted physical custody.

Foreign mothers of Saudi children, who are divorced or widowed, may apply for a permanent residency permit(iqama) without the need for a sponsor. To do so, they must prove maternity and that they were legally married to the Saudi father.

Also see the Department’s travel tips for Women Travelers .

Employment: The Arabic text of a contract governs employment and business arrangements under Saudi law. Verbal assurances or side letters are not binding under Saudi law. In the event of any contract dispute, Saudi authorities refer to the written contract.

Sponsors have wide latitude and responsibilities for employees and family members under their sponsorship, including obtaining residence permits for the employee and for any family members.
All residents should be issued a Saudi residence permit (iqama) and are legally required to carry it at all times.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in Saudi Arabia cannot sponsor private U.S. citizens for Saudi visas.
Sponsors have been known to demand that residents working in Saudi Arabia surrender their passports while in the Kingdom. Such practices are illegal and should be reported to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development .
Since the Saudi sponsor controls the issuance of exit permits, U.S. citizens may be prevented by the sponsor from leaving Saudi Arabia in the event of a labor or business dispute, which could take months or years to resolve.
To change employers within the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia requires the written permission of the original sponsoring employer.
The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General cannot assist in labor or business disputes, nor can they provide translation or legal services.
U.S. consular officers can provide lists of local attorneys to help U.S. citizens settle business disputes, but ultimate responsibility for the resolution of disputes through the Saudi legal system, and payment for those services, lies with the parties involved. For additional information on Saudi labor law, please refer to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s webpage .
Saudi customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of such banned items as alcohol, weapons, and any item that is held to be contrary to the tenets of Islam (such as pork, anything considered pornographic under strict Islamic principles, and religious materials).
Imported and domestic audiovisual media and reading matter are censored.
Christmas and other holiday decorations, fashion magazines, and "suggestive" videos may be confiscated and the owner subject to penalties and fines.
Electronic devices may be subject to inspection upon entry or exit. Please see the Department’s Customs Information page as well as the Saudi Customs webpage.

Importing Animals: The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture must approve all pets imported into Saudi Arabia.

Cats and dogs entering Saudi Arabia require a Veterinary Health Certificate and a dated letter from the veterinary practitioner addressed to his/her sponsor to obtain the necessary approval from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Both documents must be authenticated by the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Service Office and the State Department's Authentications Office and attested by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia .
The certificate must indicate that the animal was examined and is free from disease and confirm that rabies and other vaccines are current. Information on the name, breed, sex, color, and age of the animal must also be stated.
Please see additional information on taking a pet overseas .

Teaching English in Saudi Arabia: In recent years, increasing numbers of American language teachers have experienced contractual and other problems. Some teachers have complained about arbitrary dismissals, difficult living conditions, salary arrears, unwanted reassignments, restrictions on their movement, and inability to leave the country. Prospective teachers in Saudi Arabia should vet their potential employer and carefully review their employment offer as well as the detailed information found in the Embassy’s Guide to Teaching English in Saudi Arabia . Additionally, prospective teachers should also take care to make sure that they obtain the appropriate work visa prior to coming to Saudi Arabia. The Embassy cannot help you if you violate Saudi labor law.

Standards of Conduct and Religious Police: Norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremely conservative. Both the uniformed police and the religious police, referred to colloquially as the mutawwa or al-hay’a, are charged with enforcing these standards.

Mutawwa are required to carry special identification and usually are accompanied by uniformed police.
While a 2016 government decree withdrew the authority of the mutawwa to make arrests independently of regular police forces, visitors should be prudent in their interactions with mutawwa.
An individual must, if requested, present his/her residence permit (iqama) or other identification to the mutawwa or the police.
U.S. citizens who are involved in an incident with the mutawwa should report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran.

In most areas of Saudi Arabia, and particularly in Riyadh and the central part of the Kingdom, women wear a full-length covering known as an abaya. Most women in conservative areas also cover their hair with a hijab for modesty, and many also cover their faces with a niqab.

Tourists are expected to dress modestly in public, avoiding tight fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images; women are not required to wear abayas or cover their hair but are expected to cover their shoulders and knees, and men should not go without a shirt. Women who choose not to conform to Saudi Arabia’s dress code face a risk of confrontation by mutawwa, negative or hostile comments by Saudi citizens, and possible detention Guidelines on public decorum for tourists are available at the Saudi government’s official tourism website, www.visitsaudi.com. Many areas of life in Saudi Arabia are segregated by sex to ensure that unrelated men and women have no possibility of mingling (a punishable crime) by unmarried men and women. Less frequently, members of the mutawwa try to enforce this by asking for proof that a couple is married or related. Men and women detained for socializing with individuals who are not relatives may be charged with moral crimes such as khulwa (mixing with unrelated members of the opposite sex). Less frequently, some restaurants may refuse to serve women who are not accompanied by a close male relative In addition, a few restaurants or cafes do not have a "family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Men not accompanied by a close female family member are not allowed to enter family sections and cannot use services (such as registers at supermarkets) designated as “family.” These restrictions are not always clearly posted.

While there are now movie theaters, musical concerts, and artistic performances in Saudi Arabia, the country remains socially conservative. Social media postings which contravene cultural standards can have legal and/or criminal consequences.

Photography: The Saudi government does not permit photography of governmental facilities, such as military bases and government buildings, nor military, security, or police personnel. The Saudi government is also sensitive to photographs that may be perceived as portraying the country in an unfavorable light. This policy can include photos of mosques, impoverished areas, the local population, and traditional souks (markets). You should not take anyone’s picture without clear consent, and never take a picture of a woman or a place where women congregate. Be aware of local sensitivities whenever you are taking pictures in public. U.S. citizens have been routinely detained for violating these policies. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General are unable to intervene if you violate Saudi law.

The Hajj and Umrah: Please review the Department of State’s Hajj and Umrah Fact Sheet for useful information on traveling to perform the Hajj or Umrah.

COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 testing is available to U.S. citizens throughout Saudi Arabia at public and private facilities. Private hospitals and clinics charge a fee for COVID-19 testing.  Cost, delivery method, and timing of results varies. Some facilities can electronically deliver results within 24 hours or less.  

COVID-19 Vaccines: The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Saudi Arabia. For more information, please see the Ministry of Health’s website.

Visit the FDA's website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high-profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers in Saudi Arabia accept cash or credit card payments. See the Department’s webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation is strongly recommended. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expatriates.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the medication is legal in Saudi Arabia. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Please note:

Saudi Arabia has a dry climate with extreme heat several months of the year – travelers should stay hydrated.
Air pollution is a significant concern in many parts of Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Al Jubail, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Many infectious diseases, such as measles, typhoid, dengue, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), are present in Saudi Arabia.

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For further health information, go to:

World Health Organization (WHO)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Saudi Ministry of Health

Medical care varies greatly in quality, and high profile cases of medical malpractice and errors have occurred. Consult your regular physician if you are considering serious medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. If you are covered by Saudi insurance, be sure to read the fine print: local insurance can have exclusions that are unusual in the United States. For example, some local policies may not supply coverage for accidents that occur while engaging in adventure sports, such as riding quad vehicles in the desert, that are a common past-time for expats.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

For health-related information on the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), formerly called “novel coronavirus,” visit the CDC’s MERS-CoV webpage .

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving in Saudi Arabia can be hazardous due to speeding and aggressive driving, lax enforcement of traffic regulations, and a high volume of traffic.

Beginning on June 24, 2018, women have been able to obtain a driver’s license and can legally drive in Saudi Arabia. With a valid visitor visa and U.S. or international driver’s license, visitors may drive a rental car. However, outside the major cities of Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah, visitors—especially women—may experience difficulty renting a car. Female residents with independent sponsorships and U.S. or international driver’s licenses also may obtain a Saudi driver’s license, necessary to drive vehicles other than rental cars. Foreign women residing in Saudi Arabia who are listed as dependents on their Saudi residency permit (“iqama”) may experience difficulties in obtaining Saudi driver’s licenses. To drive vehicles other than rental cars, a Saudi driver’s license, appropriate car registration, and auto insurance are required. Police may detain you if you cannot produce these documents.

See the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior website for further information.

Traffic Laws :

Temporary visitors may drive using their valid U.S. or international driver's license for up to 90 days.
Foreigners resident in Saudi Arabia who wish to drive must obtain a local driver's license from the Department of Traffic Police.
In the event of a traffic accident, U.S. citizens should dial “993” to report the accident. You must remain on the scene until the traffic police arrive. Failure to do so can result in a criminal offense.
Additionally, U.S. citizens should contact Najm, a private company contracted by the traffic police to complete the accident report (+966 9200 00560).
In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, everyone involved (if not seriously injured) is likely be taken to the local police station.
All drivers, regardless of fault, can be held in custody for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid.
Use of front seat belts (driver and passenger) is required by law.
U.S. citizens involved in a serious accident resulting in injury or death should immediately contact their sponsors and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate.
Residents should update their personal details through one of the methods available here to receive SMS notifications once a traffic ticket is issued.
Delay in payment of any ticket might result in doubling of the ticket amount.
Travelers will need to pay any fines issued through this system before leaving the country.

Public Transportation:

U.S. Government employees are prohibited from using taxis in Saudi Arabia with the exception of Uber Black in Riyadh, Kareem First in Jeddah, and Majestic taxi service in Dhahran. If you must use a taxi, only use established companies, such as those offering cabs with meters. Taxis and lift services are available throughout major cities, and you should arrange a pickup by telephone or via smartphone app when possible.
Avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, and do not enter taxis with unknown passengers.

Please refer to the Department’s Road Safety page for more information. Also, it is recommended that you visit the website of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Interior .

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Saudi Arabia's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards for oversight of Saudi Arabia's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page .

Information for Mariners:

Mariners should also review U.S. maritime alerts and advisories on the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal .

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Saudi Arabia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Essential Documents for Travel to Saudi Arabia

Planning a trip to saudi arabia make sure you have these essential documents with you. from a valid passport and visa to a proof of accommodation and health insurance, having all the necessary paperwork is crucial for a smooth travel experience. prepare in advance to ensure a hassle-free journey..

Key Takeaways:

Essential documents for traveling to Saudi Arabia include a valid passport, Saudi Arabia visa, proof of accommodation and return ticket, and vaccination records.
Business travelers may need an invitation letter, while pilgrims may require documents proving arrangements with a Saudi-hosted group.
Travelers should stay informed about travel advisories, respect cultural norms, consider getting travel insurance , and have Saudi Riyals for expenses.

Essential Documents for Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia? Whether for business, pilgrimage, or tourism, you’ll need to have the proper documentation ready to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s a guide to what you need to carry with you.

Valid Passport

Your passport is the most crucial travel document. To enter Saudi Arabia, ensure that your passport:

Is valid for at least six months from the date of your entry into the country.
Has at least two blank visa pages.

Saudi Arabia Visa

Most travelers will need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Types of visas include:

Tourist Visa : For those visiting on holiday.
Business Visa: For business-related trips.
Hajj Visa: Specifically for the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, typically granted only during the Hajj period.
Umrah Visa: For those performing the Umrah pilgrimage outside of the Hajj period.

Apply for your visa well in advance. You can do this through the Saudi eVisa portal or at the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate.

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Have evidence of where you’ll be staying in Saudi Arabia, like hotel bookings, and a return ticket to show that you’ve planned your departure.

Vaccination Records

Depending on the current health regulations, you may require proof of certain vaccinations. Check the latest health advisory before your trip.

Additional Documents for Specific Travelers

Business travelers should have an invitation letter from the Saudi company they’re visiting.
Pilgrims may need documents proving arrangements with a Saudi-hosted group for their stay.

Checklist Before You Travel

Before heading to the airport, use this checklist:

Passport: Ensure it’s valid for six months with two blank pages.
Visa: Confirm you have the correct visa for your travel purpose.
Accommodation Proof: Carry hotel booking confirmations.
Return Ticket: Have your return journey details handy.
Vaccination Records: Bring any required health documentation.
Additional Documents: Business or pilgrimage-specific documents if applicable.

Important Considerations

Travel Safety: Stay informed about the latest travel advisories from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of State or the FCDO travel advice for Saudi Arabia .
Cultural Norms: Saudi Arabia has conservative laws and customs. Dress modestly and be aware of cultural sensitivities.
Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance that covers healthcare, trip cancellation, and loss of luggage or personal belongings.
Currency Exchange: Have some Saudi Riyals (SAR) for expenses upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

“Preparation is the key to smooth travels, and this is especially true when visiting a country with unique regulations like Saudi Arabia,” says a seasoned travel expert. By having all your documents in order, your trip to Saudi Arabia can be trouble-free and enjoyable. Always check with the official Saudi Arabia immigration site or consult with a travel professional well in advance for the most current advice and regulations. Safe travels!

So there you have it, folks! Make sure you have your passport, visa, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and any required vaccinations. Business travelers and pilgrims, don’t forget your specific documents too! And before you jet off, double-check the checklist and keep an eye on travel advisories. Dress modestly, stay safe, and don’t forget to grab some Saudi Riyals for the trip! For more useful travel tips and insights, head on over to visaverge.com. Happy travels!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What documents are required to travel to Saudi Arabia? To travel to Saudi Arabia, you will need the following essential documents:

A valid passport, which should be valid for at least six months from your entry date and have two blank visa pages.
A Saudi Arabia visa, which can be a tourist visa, business visa, Hajj visa, or Umrah visa. Apply for the visa in advance through the Saudi eVisa portal or at the nearest Saudi embassy/consulate.
Proof of accommodation and a return ticket to show planned departure.
Depending on health regulations, you may need to provide vaccination records.

FAQ 2: Are there additional documents required for specific travelers visiting Saudi Arabia? Yes, certain travelers may need to carry additional documents:

FAQ 3: What should be on my travel checklist before going to Saudi Arabia? Before traveling to Saudi Arabia, make sure you have the following on your checklist: 1. A valid passport with two blank visa pages and at least six months’ validity. 2. The correct visa for your travel purpose, whether it’s a tourist visa, business visa, Hajj visa, or Umrah visa. 3. Proof of accommodation, such as hotel booking confirmations. 4. A return ticket to show planned departure. 5. Any necessary vaccination records according to current health regulations. 6. Additional documents specific to your travel purpose, such as an invitation letter for business travelers or documentation for pilgrims.

Remember to stay informed about travel advisories, respect cultural norms, consider travel insurance, and have local currency available for expenses upon arrival.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

What is the minimum validity requirement for a passport when traveling to Saudi Arabia? a) 3 months b) 6 months c) 9 months d) 12 months
Which type of visa should be obtained for a business-related trip to Saudi Arabia? a) Tourist Visa b) Business Visa c) Hajj Visa d) Umrah Visa
What documentation should business travelers have when visiting Saudi Arabia? a) Proof of accommodation and return ticket b) Invitation letter from the Saudi company c) Vaccination records d) Hotel booking confirmations

[…] indios. Para obtener información detallada sobre los requisitos y procesos de visa, visitar documentos esenciales de viaje a Arabia Saudita puede proporcionar a los viajeros pautas […]

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Saudi Arabia Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from Canada to Saudi Arabia

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments.

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Can I travel to Saudi Arabia from Canada?

Most visitors from Canada, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Saudi Arabia.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Saudi Arabia without restrictions.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from Canada can enter Saudi Arabia without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Saudi Arabia?

Visitors from Canada are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Saudi Arabia.

Can I travel to Saudi Arabia without quarantine?

Travellers from Canada are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Saudi Arabia?

Mask usage in Saudi Arabia is not required in enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Saudi Arabia?

Restaurants in Saudi Arabia are open. Bars in Saudi Arabia are .

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Can I Travel to Saudi Arabia from Canada Now?

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There are plenty of reasons to travel to Saudi Arabia. From the ancient to the modern, the Middle Eastern nation holds some of the most impressive landscapes and urban sites on the planet.

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also boasts one of the most intriguing economies in the world, making it a great place to job hunt for people who may be looking to invest in their future. From jobs within the oil industry to finance and even English teaching, it is a wonderful country for Canadians who are hoping to make big money.

One of the biggest questions that may hold tourists back from exploring a trip to the Arabian Peninsula has to do with travelling all the way to Saudi Arabia.

Fortunately, while flying from Canada to Saudi Arabia may sound like a true slog, there are actually flights that leave daily from Toronto and arrive in Riyadh—or other cities—with only one brief stopover along the way.

But before buying a ticket, it is important to ask the question: Do Canadian passport holders need to apply for a visa before entering Saudi Arabia? Or are they perhaps eligible for a more simple option?

The good news for citizens of Canada is that Saudi Arabia, to make their visa-application system stronger, has implemented an online eVisa for travellers from certain countries.

The Saudi Arabia eVisa functions as a visa-waiver, meaning after providing a few personal details and documents, Canadians are eligible to receive quick approval to visit Saudi Arabia.

Is Saudi Arabia Accepting Foreign Visitors During the Pandemic?

There is not a single nation on Earth that has not been majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The toll on the global tourism industry is mind-boggling, especially when considering that behind the numbers are real people who rely on the money brought in from tourists.

That is why the development over the summer of countries slowly beginning the process of re-opening their borders to foreigners has been so exciting.

Not only can it provide a tremendous boost to local economies but it can also allow travellers accustomed to hitting the road a chance to exhale and feel connected to the world again.

Beginning in August 2021, Saudi Arabia joined the ranks of nations that had decided that the benefits of allowing foreign tourism outweigh the risks. This means that although Canada will always be among the most perfect places to explore , Canadians can now apply for a Saudi Arabian eVisa and hit the airport.

The option to remain at home and create the perfect stay-cation is still there, but for those people who feel safe enough to travel, there are a few pandemic-related details to keep in mind before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

What to Know Before Flying to Saudi Arabia

While it is true that countries are opening their borders, that does not mean that there are not still strict guidelines and rules in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Thanks to an uptick in the availability of vaccinations throughout the summer months , Canada remains near the top of lists of the nations with the highest percentage of vaccinated citizens. This has allowed Canadian passport holders to be on shortlists of countries whose citizens can travel abroad this summer.

Some countries need tourists to either be two weeks removed from their second dose of an approved vaccine (or one shot in the case of Johnson & Johnson) or to provide documentation stating that they have tested negative using a PCR within the prior two or three days before their trip.

However, Saudi Arabia not only requires citizens to prove they are fully vaccinated (with physical proof via a vaccination card), they also ask for a negative PCR within a 72-hour window of boarding their flight .

What Is there to See in Saudi Arabia?

Okay, so Canadians are now allowed to visit Saudi Arabia, but should they? What can they see or do once they are there?

There is a huge cloud of doubt that often hovers over Saudi Arabia. Due to its reputation as a conservative nation, Westerners are often hesitant about visiting. If a Canadian does decide to make the trip, what exactly are they going to see?

One of the most spectacular sites in Saudi Arabia-—if not the entire Middle East—is AlULa. This UNESCO world heritage site is home to hundreds of thousands of years of human history and boasts anthropological and archaeological importance in a beautiful setting.

Although Saudi Arabia conjures images of desert dunes and densely populated cities, the area of Umluj is gaining steam as the best place to visit in the entire country. With pristine waters and white sands, it has become known as the ‘Maldives of Saudi Arabia’ and is well worth a visit to escape the heat.

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Can I Travel to Saudi Arabia on Refugee Travels Document

Thread starter imhasheikh
Start date Apr 25, 2023

Hi Folks Please guide Can I Travel to Saudi Arabia on Canada Refugee Travels Document ? or any other Gulf country ? if visa required how to apply ? I don't have PR yet but just an approved decisions only Please advice

Star Member

imhasheikh said: Hi Folks Please guide Can I Travel to Saudi Arabia on Canada Refugee Travels Document ? or any other Gulf country ? if visa required how to apply ? I don't have PR yet but just an approved decisions only Please advice Click to expand...

OFC632 said: Yes you can and you need a visa for saudia if you want to go for umrah. If you want to go to dubai you will need a visa for qatar you will get on arrival Click to expand...

imhasheikh said: Do Saudi Issue Umrah visa on Travel Document ? and is it confirm Qatar issue a visa on arrival ? Click to expand...

OFC632 said: yes so many of my friends travel on RTD for umrah these days without PR. and for Qatar also they issue on arrival depending upon some requirements to meet. Click to expand...

Shiny12 said: Hi .. as per my information from other members posts, Qatar and UAE are not issuing visa for RTD holders.. !! How did you get this information? Click to expand...

OFC632 said: My friends travelled on RTD In saudia, uae & qatar Click to expand...

betterlife999

Shiny12 said: Thanks my friend for sharing your friend experience. Can you tell us how they got Dubai visa. Appreciate if you can share further information. Click to expand...

betterlife999 said: I am also interested to know Dubai ( UAE ) visa... As per my knowledge you can go to Qutar after visa on RTD but UAE doesn't accepts RTD. Please give more details about UAE visa on RTD Click to expand...

imhasheikh said: Can u share how to apply visa for Qatar or its on arrival ? please guide the process , I really need that information, would be grateful if someone guide me this process that how to get visa my contact is ( [email protected] ) Click to expand...

canuck78 said: Would suggest contacting the Qatari embassy in Canada about whether you qualify for a visa with an RTD and what is required. Doubt it is a visa on arrival. Believe some Gulf countries allow visas if a family member is living in the country permanently. Click to expand...

Full Member

Seko_Saki said: For God sake STOP spreading wrong info There is no one living in the gulf countries ''permanently'' unless they are citizens of the said countries .... Click to expand...

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Canada-saudi arabia relations, on this page.

Bilateral relations

Trade relations

Partnerships and organizations, bilateral relations .

Canada and Saudi Arabia share common interests related to regional and global peace and security, focused specifically on energy security, humanitarian affairs (including refugees), and counter-terrorism. Saudi Arabia is an integral and valued regional security and economic partner, both for Canada and key allies.

Saudi Arabia is a leader of the Arab and Muslim worlds, as evidenced by its leadership role in the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is also headquartered in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is also the only member of the G20 from the Arab world. Saudi Arabia retains global importance as the Guardian of the Two Holy Mosques (Mecca and Medina) and is the religious home of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims. Every year, thousands of Canadians are among the millions of Muslims who perform the annual hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca.

As of 2022, Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading oil exporter, and the second largest oil producer behind the United States. According to 2021 estimates, it holds 17% of the world’s known oil reserves. As such, the Kingdom plays a key role in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+, and has considerable influence on the global economy.

In Saudi Arabia, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is represented in Canada by an Embassy in Ottawa.

Trade and economic interests continue to be an important facet of Canada's bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia. In 2022, Saudi Arabia was Canada’s most important two-way trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and 23rd globally. Merchandise trade between Canada and Saudi Arabia in 2022 was approximately $5.1 billion, with $1.3 billion exports from Canada and $3.8 billion imports to Canada. Exports and imports were mainly from traditional sectors such as oil and gas, defence and heavy machinery, but there is room to grow other upcoming sectors in the Saudi economy such as digital platforms, manufacturing, entertainment and tourism in line with the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.

In 2016, Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030, a large scale economic and social development plan to diversify its economy away from oil, develop its public sector and bring about social change. This domestic agenda aims to develop new sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, tourism and entertainment. It also includes the launch of mega infrastructure projects from industrial complexes to full cities such as Neom. Development under Vision 2030 aims to be environmentally sustainable and to promote the use of clean energy.

The implementation of Vision 2030 has been funded primarily through the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, currently valued at over $600 billion. While its economy is still overwhelmingly reliant on oil revenues, Saudi Arabia is actively seeking to diversify its economy and explore new investment ventures in line with the Vision 2030 Agenda.

canadian travel document to saudi arabia

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Saudi Arabia Visa for Canadian Citizens

What is an E-Visa?

E-Visas Offered to Canadian Citizens

Obtaining the Tourist e-Visa

Obtaining a tourist visa is very simple:

What to do to Avoid Visa Rejection?

Saudi Arabia e-Visa Fees and Processing:

Visa Fee Checking Tool

Processing Types

Get your e-Visa in just three simple steps:

Apply online:

Submit your application & Make online payment:

Check your email:

Points to Note for Canadian Citizens

Entry and Exit Guidelines for Canadian Tourists in KSA

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the departure date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Basic Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Canadian Citizens

How to Apply for a Saudi Visa for Canadian Passport Holders

Visit the Saudi Arabian Visa Website

Fill out the Application Form

Provide Passport Information

Fill in Your Contact Details

Upload The Color Photograph

Pay the VISA Fee

Get Your Visa

Safety and Travel Tips for Canadian Citizens Traveling to Saudi Arabia

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Update April 12, 2024

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Essential Documents for Travel to Saudi Arabia

Key Takeaways:

Essential Documents for Traveling to Saudi Arabia

Valid Passport

Saudi Arabia Visa

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