Umrah E-Visa for Canada Citizens: The Spiritual Journey Guide 2026
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For the diverse and growing Muslim community in the "Great White North," the pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah is a cherished spiritual migration. Traveling from the snowy streets of Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver to the sacred desert of the Hejaz represents a profound shift in both climate and spirit. Unlike a vacation to the Caribbean or Europe, the Umrah E-Visa for Canada citizens is a digital pathway designed strictly for worship (Ibadah). In 2026, the Kingdom has fully integrated this process with the Nusuk platform, ensuring that Canadian pilgrims can organize their journey with the precision and peace of mind they are accustomed to.
This guide specifically addresses the logistical needs of Canadian passport holders—covering direct flights from Toronto, managing CAD/USD finances, and utilizing the Nusuk app for a blessed pilgrimage.
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Umrah Visa Conditions for Canadians
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity Period: 1 Year from the date of issuance
Maximum Stay: 90 Days for each visit
Primary Platform: Nusuk App integration required for Holy Sites
Mahram Requirement: Not Required (Women can travel alone)
Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage included
At eviSAudi, we respect the sanctity of your journey. You can start your Saudi Arabia Umrah E-Visa application online, and we will handle the bureaucratic details while you focus on your Niyyah (Intention).
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Faith-Based Travel vs. General Tourism
Although the digital document is technically a "Visit Visa," applying with specific Umrah intent fundamentally changes your preparation checklist compared to a standard trip.
For Worship: The Umrah workflow prioritizes the Nusuk ecosystem. If your heart is set on Tawaf and praying in the Rawdah, you must follow the specific appointment protocols.
For Leisure: If your plan is strictly to attend events in Riyadh or explore the ancient sites of AlUla without immediate religious rituals, you may want to review the Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for Canada Citizens.
⚠️ Important Limitation: Not Valid for Hajj It is crucial to understand that this E-Visa is valid for Umrah rituals only. It cannot be used for the Hajj pilgrimage. During the sacred season of Dhul-Hijjah, this visa type is suspended. Residents of Canada wishing to perform Hajj must apply for a specific permit allocated through official Hajj quotas.
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Best Time to Perform Umrah for Canadians
Canadian citizens often align their pilgrimage with school breaks and the desire to escape the harsh winter.
Winter Escape (December – March): This is undoubtedly the peak season for Canadian pilgrims. Leaving the freezing temperatures of Ottawa or Edmonton for the pleasant 25°C weather of Makkah offers physical comfort that makes the rituals of Tawaf and Sa'i much easier.
March Break: The school spring break is a popular window for families. However, flights from major hubs like Pearson (YYZ) fill up months in advance, so early visa application is recommended.
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The Pilgrim’s Route: Logistics from Toronto (YYZ) & Montreal (YUL)
Canadian pilgrims benefit from robust connectivity options to the Kingdom.
The Direct Route (Toronto): Saudia Airlines operates direct flights from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Jeddah. If you choose this route, you will cross the Miqat while in the air. You must be in the state of Ihram and make your intention before the plane reaches the Miqat zone (usually announced by the pilot). Many pilgrims wear Ihram at YYZ airport or carry it in hand luggage to change onboard.
Connecting Flights: Pilgrims from Montreal (YUL) or Vancouver (YVR) often connect via Frankfurt, London, or Dubai. In these cases, it is often more comfortable to change into Ihram at your final transit airport.
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Digital Pilgrimage Management: The Nusuk App
Your E-Visa grants entry to the Kingdom, but the Nusuk App facilitates your access to the sacred areas.
Rawdah Al Sharifah: To pray in the Rawdah (the green carpet area in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), a digital permit is mandatory. These slots are extremely limited. Once we issue your visa, you must download Nusuk immediately to book your slot.
Umrah Slot: You can also use the app to monitor crowd density in the Mataf to choose quieter times for your Tawaf, ensuring a more peaceful experience.
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Traveling with Family & Elderly Pilgrims
The Canadian Muslim community is deeply family-oriented. The E-Visa system supports this by allowing you to process the entire family's application in one session. Makkah is highly accessible; the Grand Mosque offers electric scooters for Sa'i and Tawaf, and the Haramain High-Speed Train provides wheelchair-accessible transport between Makkah and Madinah, ensuring that elderly parents can perform their duties with dignity.
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Umrah E-Visa Service Fees for Canada Citizens
For applicants applying from Canada, Umrah E-Visa fees are processed in USD and settled in Canadian Dollars (CAD) by your issuing bank.
Standard Umrah Processing: Approx. CAD 250 – CAD 265 (Base: $185 USD). This covers the Government fee and processing with a standard turnaround (2-5 business days).
Priority Umrah Processing: Approx. CAD 340 – CAD 360 (Base: $250 USD). Designed for urgent spiritual intentions or last-minute travel (12-24 hour turnaround).
All payments are processed securely. The final amount in CAD is determined by your bank’s daily exchange rate. For a full breakdown, visit our Visa Types and Prices page.
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Pilgrimage Application Steps for Canadians
The process is designed to be efficient.
Intention & Details: Complete the secure online form. You can apply for your entire family group in one session.
Photo: Upload a clear, recent photo. For Muslim women: Photos with a Hijab are perfectly acceptable; the face must be visible from hairline to chin.
Digital Issuance: Once approved, we email the PDF visa directly to you. Please print multiple copies—one for your wallet and one for your hand luggage—to show at airline check-in counters.
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Financial Logistics: Sadaqah & Zamzam
Banking: Your Canadian bank cards (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO) work internationally, but foreign transaction fees may apply. We recommend exchanging a small amount of USD or CAD for Saudi Riyals (SAR) at Jeddah airport for immediate cash needs (Sadaqah, taxis).
Zamzam Water: You are permitted to bring one 5-liter bottle back to Canada. Important: If flying with Air Canada (codeshare) or connecting via Europe, check the specific liquid restrictions for the final leg of your journey to Canada.
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FAQ: Umrah E-Visa for Canada Citizens
Below are the most common questions Canadian citizens ask before applying for an Umrah E-Visa.
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I have dual citizenship. Which passport should I use?
You should apply using your Canadian passport to benefit from the simplified E-Visa process. Ensure the details on your application match your Canadian passport exactly.
Can Canadian women perform Umrah without a Mahram?
Yes. The Kingdom has officially removed the Mahram (male guardian) requirement. Canadian women of any age can apply for an Umrah E-Visa and travel alone or in groups to perform their religious duties.
Is the Meningitis vaccine required?
Saudi health regulations strongly recommend the Meningococcal meningitis vaccine (ACWY) for all pilgrims. While you might not be asked to upload the certificate online, carrying the vaccination card is highly advisable for your health safety in crowded areas.
Can I track my visa status?
Yes. We understand the anticipation of a spiritual journey. You can check the progress of your application at any time on our Track Visa Status page.