Documents and departure requirements

 

To travel to Saudi Arabia, you must have a passport.

Passports must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry.

Since 2019, a tourist visa has been introduced. This visa allows visitors to enter the country multiple times and stay for 90 days. It is valid for tourist activities and Umrah (not hajj) and excludes other activities, such as studies. 49 countries are eligible for the moment. The procedure is simple and fast, it is done via a specialized website. The application can also be made at the terminals of the immigration service, upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

People from countries not eligible for this evisa must apply for a consular visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate. Holders of British, American or Schengen visas can apply for the visa on arrival.

For all visas, e-visas, visas on arrival and consular visas, the duration of validity of visas varies according to their type. A single-entry visa allows for a stay of up to 1 month in Saudi Arabia, while a multiple-entry visa allows for a stay of up to 3 consecutive months. A multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of three months, regardless of the number of visits made during that period.

Any person, male or female, is allowed to travel alone with this visa from the age of 18. Minors must be accompanied by an adult related to them.

Payment

The payment of the stay can be done in several times.

You can pay in cash, credit card and check, or bank transfer.

The total amount due must be paid at least one month before departure.

If the registration takes place after less than one month before departure, checks will no longer be accepted and full payment must be made at registration.

 

Flights

Departures and returns can be made from Toronto, Quebec, or Montreal.

The departure and return dates can be advanced or moved back one day according to the airline’s availability.

We use two companies, either Turkish Airlines or Saudi Airlines.

With Turkish Airlines, you will have the right to 30 kg of luggage in the hold and 1 hand luggage of 8 kg per person. The additional kilogram is charged 22€ by the airline.

Flights are operated with a short stopover in Istanbul, on the outward and return journeys.

With Saudia Airlines, you are entitled to 23 kg of hold luggage and 1 hand luggage of 7 kg per person. The additional kilogram is charged 50€ by the airline.

Flights are operated with a short stopover in Jeddah only on the outbound journey.

 

Climate

The climate in Saudi Arabia is hot and dry. Temperatures vary between 20 and 35 degrees. At night and in the morning, temperatures are often quite low compared to the rest of the day. A jacket or a good vest will be useful. In summer, temperatures can easily rise to 45 degrees. 

 

Time difference

+8h compared to Canada.

 

Language

To communicate in the country, you must be fluent in Arabic, English or Urdu. Our French-speaking guides will be there to help you if needed.

 

Electricity

The plugs are different from those in Canada, they are English plugs. You will have to buy an adapter that you can easily find on the spot for about 5 Riyals.

 

Currency

The local currency is the Saudi Riyal. 1 CAD is worth about 4 Riyals. The exchange rate varies regularly. It is preferable to change your money on the spot rather than in Canada. Bring cash but not too much! Bags are often forgotten.

 

Medical

The change of country, climate and eating habits can cause health problems. We advise you to take some medication with you. People undergoing treatment or suffering from an illness must be even more vigilant and not forget their prescriptions. The mixing of the population increases the risk of being contaminated by a virus or bacteria.

Wearing a mask is mandatory in public places.

Be sure to : – wash your hands very regularly

                  – Do not bring your hands to your mouth or face

                 – Respect physical distances whenever possible