Saudi Business Visa from Canada: How To Apply

Introduction

In the realm of global business, Saudi Arabia stands as a beacon of opportunity, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from around the world. For Canadian citizens looking to tap into the lucrative Saudi market, obtaining a Saudi business visa from Canada is the essential first step.

As Saudi Arabia gears up to be one of the world’s top travel destinations by 2030, it has become more accessible to visitors seeking to perform a variety of activities, from tourism to business.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of securing a Saudi business visa as a Canadian citizen, covering everything from eligibility criteria to required documentation and application procedures.

Understanding the Saudi business visa

A Saudi business visa is a temporary permit granted to individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia for commercial purposes. It allows Canadian citizens to engage in legitimate business activities within the Kingdom, such as attending meetings, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities. It’s important to note that a business visa does not authorize employment in Saudi Arabia.

With the renewed strengthening of Canada and Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic relations comes a new wave of exciting trade and commercial opportunities, it’s worth looking into the different options available to obtain a Saudi business visa from Canada.

In the following section, we’ll look into these, along with their respective eligibility, validity, application process, requirements, and more.

Option 1: The Saudi e-visa

The simplest and easiest way travelers can obtain a Saudi business visa from Canada is to obtain a Saudi electronic visa/e-visa or visa on arrival. The great thing about it is that the Saudi e-visa allows visitors to perform a variety of purposes, from business, tourism, seeking medical treatment, visiting family and friends, to performing Umrah. Fortunately, Canadian citizens are among those eligible for a Saudi e-visa and visa on arrival.

Apart from eligible nationalities (including dual citizens from eligible countries), permanent residents in the US, EU, or the UK; holders of visit visas (Schengen, US, UK); and residents in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) are also eligible for a Saudi e-visa or visa on arrival.

Application

If you are an eligible dual citizen or a US, UK, or Schengen visa holder, all you need to do is visit KSA Visa, Saudi Arabia’s easy-to-use portal, sign up for an account, provide your visa information as well as your personal and passport information, pay for the insurance and visa application fees, and just wait for the e-visa to be e-mailed.

Requirements

To apply for a Saudi business e-visa, you will need the following:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Digital passport photo with a white background (in JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, or BMP file formats; not bigger than 100 KB; and 200×200 pixels in dimension)
• Accomplished application form
• Health insurance
• Invitation letter

Note that you will be given the option to apply for a business e-visa with or without an invitation letter. If you have an invitation letter, you’ll need to indicate the invitation letter number and the passport or Iqama (resident permit) number of your sponsor or the inviting entity in Saudi Arabia. The invitation letter must also prove your relationship with the inviting company and explain the business purpose of the invitation.

If you will be applying for a business e-visa without an invitation letter, make sure to note information about your work in the visa application form.

Validity

The Saudi business e-visa will be valid for one year from the date of issuance and it will be valid for multiple entries. You can stay for a total of 3 months or 90 days in Saudi Arabia, as long as your Schengen visa is still valid during your stay. Note that once you are granted a Saudi e-visa, it cannot be extended.

Visa fees

The fees for a Saudi business e-visa include the following:

• $80 visa fee (refundable)
• $10.50 Visa Digital Service Fee (non-refundable)
• $10.50 Insurance Digital Service Fee (non-refundable)
• Insurance fees (depending on the insurance company chosen)

Payment must be made in Saudi Riyals with an international debit or credit card. Note that the visa fees are non-refundable in case the e-visa is rejected.

Processing time

Now that you’ve completed your online visa application form, it’s time to wait. The processing time can take anywhere between one to two business days. You’ll know if your visa has been approved once you receive an e-mail from KSA Visa.

Checking your Saudi visa validity

A visa’s validity will be displayed on the visa on your passport. This is the easiest way for you to check if your visa is still valid. Look for the expiration date to check if you can still use your visa.

On top of this, there are other ways to check your Saudi visa’s validity. Here’s an overview:

1. Muqeem portal
   An easy way to check your Saudi visa’s validity is through the Muqeem portal. Just enter your visa number and the platform will show your visa’s validity. You can also choose to cross-match your visa number with your Iqama number (applicable if you are a Saudi resident), passport number, name, date of birth, Iqama expiry date, or visa expiry date.Note that the Muqeem portal will soon be replaced by https://vv.muqeem.sa/#/, which will validate exit and return visas.
2. Absher portal
   If you are a Saudi resident, you can also check your visa’s validity through the Absher portal. Simply input your visa number, your sponsor’s ID number (if applicable), and the visa-issuing authority.
3. MOFA website
   Another way to check your Saudi visa’s validity is through Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website. Just visit MOFA’s Visa services platform and look for the Enquiry field, select “Visa document number, indicate your visa number, and your passport number, followed by your nationality and the image code for the Captcha. Once verified, you’ll see the status of your Saudi visa.

Option 2: Visa on arrival

The next easy and convenient option that US citizens and permanent residents (US green card holders) are eligible for is the visa on arrival issued upon a foreign national’s entry into a country. Note that although it is a quick and easy way to get a Saudi visa, it might be more practical to apply for a Saudi e-visa ahead of time to avoid any surprises at the airport.

Similar to the e-visa, those who hold eligible citizenship (including dual citizens); have active US, UK, or Schengen visit visas; are permanent residents of the US, UK, or the EU; as well as GCC nationals or residents can avail of a Saudi visa on arrival.

At the Saudi port of entry, visitors can use either a self-service e-kiosk or approach a dedicated passport control desk to obtain a visa on arrival. Provide your personal information, passport information, and details of your accommodation, before selecting a medical insurance provider and paying the visa fees. Assuming there are no issues with your information, it only takes between 5 to 30 minutes for your Saudi on-arrival visa to be issued.

The Saudi visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from its issuance date. The multiple-entry visa on arrival is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. It allows the traveler to stay for a maximum of 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we’ve shared the essential information as to how to obtain a Saudi business visa from Canada, you might still have other questions in mind about Saudi business visas in general. The following are answers to particular topics not mentioned above.

How can I cancel my Saudi business visa?

Once a visa has been issued, its visa fees cannot be refunded and cannot be canceled. If you would like to cancel a business visa before it is issued, an automatic refund request will be submitted and processed within 45-60 business days.

Can I work in Saudi Arabia under a business visa?

No, you may not work in Saudi Arabia under a business visa. A business visa is different from a work visa. A work visa is required for you to legally work in Saudi Arabia, while a business visa allows you to engage in business activities in Saudi Arabia.

How long can I attend a business conference if I have a Saudi business visa?

There’s no set period for attending conferences. Just make sure that you do not sign any type of employment contract.

Are there any restrictions on business activities allowed under a Saudi business visit visa?

While a Saudi business visit visa allows visitors to engage in legitimate business-related matters within the Kingdom, they must refrain from seeking employment, taking part in any illegal activities, or getting into unauthorized business activities.

What should I do if my Saudi business visit visa application is denied?

If your Saudi business visit visa application is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply after addressing any issues identified by the Saudi authorities. It’s advisable to seek guidance from the embassy or consulate regarding the reasons for the denial and the appropriate course of action to take.

My business e-visa application status says it is “pending with applicant”. What does this mean?

This means that your application is missing some information or there’s a problem with your digital passport photo.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Saudi business visa from Canada is a crucial step for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals looking to explore opportunities in the Kingdom’s thriving economy.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing the application diligently, and navigating the process effectively, Canadian citizens can maximize their chances of securing a Saudi business visafrom Canada and embarking on a successful business venture in Saudi Arabia.

It’s important to stay informed about the latest visa requirements and guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process.

For more information on how to obtain a Saudi business visa from Canada, visit KSA Visa.