Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia travel guide for Canadians
Canadians need an eVisa (paid online) before arrival; apply at least 48 h ahead, then fly to Riyadh (≈13 h from Toronto) and follow local dress and behaviour rules. Change if a visa‑on‑arrival program opens.
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GuideSaudi Arabia
Key facts
- Visa type
- eVisa (tourist) required
- Typical costcheck
- ≈ CAD 150 for visa + 500–800 CAD for 7‑day mid‑range trip
- Plug type
- Type G (UK three‑pin), 230 V 60 Hz
Entry requirements for Canadians
Apply for a Saudi eVisa online via the official portal; fee about SAR 600 (≈ CAD 150). Processing is usually instant to 48 h. The visa is valid for 90 days, single entry, up to 30 days stay. A passport valid at least six months beyond entry is required.
No separate ETA is needed; the eVisa replaces it. Check the official site for any temporary visa‑on‑arrival pilots (marked check).
- Passport: 6 months validity
- eVisa fee: SAR 600 (≈ CAD 150)
- Stay limit: 30 days per entry
Canadian embassy contacts in Saudi Arabia
The Embassy of Canada in Riyadh handles consular services. Address: Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 11564. Phone: +966 11 488 5500. Email: [email protected].
A Consular Office also operates in Jeddah (Western Region) for emergencies; contact details are listed on the Government of Canada travel site.
- Riyadh Embassy – 24 h emergency line
- Jeddah Consular Office – limited hours
Estimated travel costs in CAD
Mid‑range budget (3‑4 nights in Riyadh, 2 nights in AlUla, meals, transport):
- Flights from Toronto to Riyadh (round‑trip): CAD 1,200–1,500 (economy, one stop).
- Domestic flight Riyadh‑AlUla: CAD 150–200.
- Hotels: CAD 120–180 per night in Riyadh, CAD 150–200 in AlUla.
- Meals: CAD 30–50 per day.
- Visa fee: CAD 150.
| Item | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip Toronto → Riyadh | 1,200–1,500 |
| Domestic Riyadh → AlUla | 150–200 |
| Hotel (mid‑range) per night | 120–200 |
| Meals per day | 30–50 |
| eVisa fee | 150 |
Flight time and time‑difference
Typical flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Riyadh (RUH) with one connection: about 13 hours total. Saudi Arabia is UTC+3 year‑round; Toronto is UTC‑5 (UTC‑4 in summer), so the time difference is 8 hours (or 7 hours when Toronto is on daylight saving).
Electrical plugs and voltage
Saudi Arabia uses Type G plugs (UK three‑pin) and 230 V 60 Hz. Some older installations have Type C/F sockets; a universal adapter is recommended.
Tipping etiquette
Tipping is not required. Where a service charge is absent, rounding up the fare or leaving 10 % for hotel staff is appreciated.
Emergency numbers
Unified 911 for major cities (Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Eastern Province). Police: 999. Ambulance: 997.
Questions people ask
Do Canadians need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Canadians must obtain an eVisa online before travel; the fee is about SAR 600 (≈ CAD 150) and the visa allows a 30‑day stay.
How much does a trip to Saudi Arabia cost in CAD?
A typical 7‑day mid‑range trip costs roughly CAD 2,000–2,500, covering flights, visa, hotels, meals and internal transport.
Where is the nearest Canada embassy in Saudi Arabia?
The Canadian Embassy is in Riyadh; a consular office is also in Jeddah for western‑region assistance.
What plug type does Saudi Arabia use?
Type G (UK three‑pin) is standard; bring a universal adapter for occasional Type C/F sockets.
Is tipping required in Saudi Arabia?
No, tipping is not required; rounding up or leaving about 10 % where no service charge is common.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Saudi Arabia
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