Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa for citizens of Canada: Requirements and application guide

Last updated: May 2024

Are you eager to go to Saudi Arabia for the Umrah pilgrimage? If you are a Muslim citizen of Canada, you will need a Tourist Visa or Umrah Visa to enter Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Saudi Arabia's first choice for Muslim tourists is the Umrah Visa.

Before we dive in, be aware you are only allowed to use the Umrah visa outside the Hajj season, and you cannot use this visa to perform Hajj. Read all the requirements for Saudi Arabian authorities and how to obtain your Umrah Visa below.

Introduction of new Umrah Visa rule in 2024

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia has made significant updates to the Umrah Visa rules. Umrah Visas now remain valid for 90 days from the issue date. Previously, the validity of the visa began once you arrived in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Umrah Visas for pilgrims coming from outside the country will now expire on 15 Dhu al-Qa’dah, which corresponds to May 23, 2024, for the current season. The previous expiry date was 29 Dhu al-Qa’dah. This change allows Saudi authorities more time to prepare for the Hajj season, aiming to improve the experience for both Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

All international pilgrims must leave the country by the new expiry date. There are penalties for overstaying an Umrah Visa, which will be levied on both the pilgrims and the companies that arranged their visas.

Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa and Tourist eVisa: Which one do I need as a Canadian citizen

As a Canadian passport holder, you apply for both the Umrah Visa and the Tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. Understanding the key differences between these will make it easier to choose. Here's an overview:

• Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa: The Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa is the easiest visa to get for Canadian citizens. Not only does it allow Canadians to explore the country as a tourist, but it also enables Muslim travelers to perform Umrah.

While you can get this visa 100% online, it also has some limitations. For example, you're not allowed to take home holy water from the sacred site.

• Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa: The Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa is available for Muslim travelers from all over the world.

Unlike other visas, it caters exclusively to religious needs, offering a complete spiritual journey to Islam's sacred sites in Mecca.

Can I perform Umrah at any time with an Umrah eVisa or Tourist eVisa?

To perform Umrah, Muslims travelers from Canada can enter Saudi Arabia year-round with both visas. The only exception is during the Hajj season, which would require a Hajj visa.

A Hajj Visa can only be obtained through an approved travel agency.

Good to know: Hajj is recognized from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah or the last month of the Islamic calendar.

How to get a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa from Canada

When planning your spiritual journey for Umrah from Canada, you have two primary ways for getting your Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa or Tourist Visa: through us, a streamlined visa processing service, or directly via the official government channels:

• Get your Umrah Visa through the government: The Saudi government mandates that Umrah visa applications be processed through accredited travel agencies. Start by finding an agency approved by the Saudi Embassy in Canada.

• Get your Umrah Visa through iVisa: We offer an approved and simplified service to get your Saudi visa to perform Umrah. We handle the liaison with Saudi visa processing services, ensuring your application is correctly submitted, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Whichever way you choose to get your visa, we wish you a successful Umrah trip!

Do you have questions about traveling to Saudi Arabia?

Contact our customer support team via online chat or WhatsApp if you have questions about the Saudi Arabia Tourist eVisa, Umrah Visa, or any other travel document. The iVisa experts are happy to help!