Can Saudis go to Canada without a visa?

No — Saudi Arabian nationals cannot enter Canada without a visa. Saudi passport holders will have to apply for a visa in order to enter Canada when travelling either as a tourist, businessperson, family visitor, or student. Saudi Arabia is not on Canada’s visa-exempt list, which means Saudi citizens cannot board a flight or arrive at the border without an approved visa.

However, Canada offers several visa categories for Saudi travelers, and the application process is well-established. Understanding these requirements helps ensure a smoother entry into Canada.

Why Saudis Need a Visa to Visit Canada

Canada has standard visa requirements for countries that are not visa-exempt. Because Saudi citizens are not visa-exempt, they must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling

A visa is required for Saudis entering Canada:

Air
Land (e.g., crossing from the United States)
Sea (cruise ships, private vessels)

There are no exceptions, and Canadian border officers do not issue visas on arrival.

Visa Options Available to Saudi Citizens

1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

It is the most widespread visa among Saudis who travel to Canada. It covers:

Tourism
Short business trips
Visiting family or friends

A TRV generally allows a stay of up to 6 months per entry, but it is up to the border officer to dictate the duration when they arrive.

2. Study Permit

A Study Permit is required for academic programs longer than six months.

On a Visitor Visa, short courses of less than 6 months can be pursued.

3. Work Permit

A Work Permit is required for employment, internships, or temporary work placements.

4. Super Visa

The Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Super Visa allows eligible parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, subject to border officer discretion.

Do Saudis Qualify for an eTA?

No. Saudi citizens are not eligible for Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is reserved for the citizens of visa-free nations.

One exception exists:

The Saudi citizens who are the lawful permanent residents of the United States (Green Card holders) may also apply for an eTA, yet only in the case of flying to Canada.

They must present both:

A valid Saudi passport
A valid U.S. Green Card

A visa is also necessary in order to enter the country by sea or by land.

Documents Required for a Canadian Visa (for Saudis)

Saudi applicants are generally required to provide, among other documents:

A valid Saudi passport
Completed the IRCC application form.
Passport photographs
Proof of financial ability
Itinerary or objective of visit.
Documentation of employment or study.
Invitation letter (not compulsory, but useful in this case)
Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) is mandatory for all Saudi citizens.

Processing time may vary, so early application is recommended.

Can Saudis Travel to Canada in 2025?

Yes — Saudi nationals can travel to Canada in 2025, provided they meet standard visa and entry requirements. Canada has completely reopened to foreign tourists, and Saudi Arabian travel is welcomed as a tourist destination, for business, study, medical, and family visits. No pandemic-related entry restrictions are in place, and Saudi travelers can also enter Canada either by air, land, or sea after their visa has been granted.

It is necessary to add, though, that visa processing implies biometrics, and the applicants are to devote enough time to these activities. Canadian border officers make entry decisions when a traveler arrives in the country, though, in most cases, with a valid visa, completed biometrics, and bearing appropriate documentation, travelers can expect a smooth entry process.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabian citizens cannot travel to Canada without a visa. Before boarding a flight or entering the country, a valid Visitor Visa or any other form of entry permit is needed. It is not difficult when the applicants are ready with the right documentation, do the biometrics, and are aware of the entry regulations in Canada. Saudis who wish to visit Toronto, study in Vancouver, or see relatives in Calgary, Canada, will be open to visiting them only if they obtain the right visa beforehand.

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