Canada Joins Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, France And More As Saudi Arabia Launches Innovative E-Visa System To Boost Tourism Access: New Updates You Should Know

Published on November 1, 2025

Canada joins Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, France, and several other countries, now has easier access to Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical landmarks thanks to the Kingdom’s new e-visa system. This streamlined digital visa platform is designed to make travel to Saudi Arabia more accessible, simplifying the application process for millions of travelers. By consolidating the visa application and processing into a single online system, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance tourism, support its Vision 2030 economic diversification goals, and establish itself as a leading global travel destination.

Saudi Arabia is making strides toward enhancing its tourism sector with a groundbreaking new initiative that promises to make traveling to the Kingdom simpler, faster, and more accessible than ever before. In an effort to streamline visa applications and attract more international visitors, the Kingdom has introduced a new e-visa system, which will be available to citizens of several countries, including Canada, Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, France, and more. This new digital visa platform is poised to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy, enhance its tourism infrastructure, and position itself as a premier destination for travelers from around the world.

A New Gateway to Saudi Arabia

The newly launched KSA Visa platform, developed by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designed to simplify the visa application process for travelers wishing to visit Saudi Arabia. By consolidating all aspects of the visa application—from submission to approval—into one digital platform, the government aims to eliminate the need for cumbersome paperwork and long processing times, thus improving the overall experience for tourists.

Through this platform, travelers can apply for an e-visa to visit family and friends, explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical sites, attend events, or perform Umrah outside the official Hajj season. The KSA Visa platform is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism strategy, which includes expanding tourism infrastructure and opening up the country to more international visitors in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

Visa Options: Flexible and Convenient

The KSA Visa system offers travelers flexibility with two primary visa options: a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa.

• Single-Entry Visa: This visa is valid for 90 days, allowing visitors to stay in the Kingdom for up to 90 days on a single visit. This option is ideal for tourists and those visiting family or friends.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: This option is valid for one year, allowing holders to stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days per visit. This visa type is perfect for travelers who plan to visit the Kingdom multiple times within a year.

Both visa options aim to provide flexibility for travelers, allowing them to experience all that Saudi Arabia has to offer, whether it’s a one-off visit or multiple stays throughout the year.

The new platform ensures that visa applications are processed quickly and efficiently, with most requests processed within one minute to three business days, depending on system volume and verification requirements. This fast-tracking of applications represents a significant shift from the traditional, often slow, embassy application process.

Simplified Payment and Fee Structure

One of the standout features of the KSA Visa platform is its seamless online payment system. Travelers can easily pay for their visa applications through the platform, making the entire process smoother.

The fee structure for the e-visa is clearly defined, offering transparency and convenience for applicants:

• Visa Fee: The standard visa fee is US$80, which is refundable if the application is rejected.
• Digital Visa Service Fee: A non-refundable service fee of US$10.50 is required for the digital processing of the application.
• Digital Insurance Service Fee: Another non-refundable fee of US$10.50 is applicable for the digital insurance service, which is mandatory for all applicants.
• Health Insurance Fees: These fees vary depending on the provider chosen during the application process. Health insurance coverage is a requirement for all visitors during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Payments are processed securely through the KSA Visa portal, ensuring a safe and straightforward experience for applicants.

Who Can Apply for the KSA Visa?

The e-visa platform opens up new travel possibilities for citizens of numerous countries, making it easier for millions of people to visit Saudi Arabia. To apply for an e-visa, travelers must meet certain eligibility criteria. The KSA Visa is available to:

• Citizens of Eligible Countries: This includes travelers from over 60 nations, such as Canada, Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, France, and more.
• Holders of Valid Schengen, US, or UK Visas: Travelers who already hold a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa are eligible to apply for an e-visa.
• Permanent Residents of Eligible Countries or GCC Member States: Permanent residents of select countries, as well as citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, can also apply.

The ease of access to the e-visa is further enhanced by multiple application channels:

• E-Visa: The e-visa is issued instantly via the platform and sent directly to the applicant’s email. This quick processing time makes it a convenient option for last-minute travelers.
• Visa Through Service Offices or Embassies: In regions without e-visa eligibility or where service offices are unavailable, applicants can submit their visa applications through Saudi embassies or accredited service offices.
• Visa on Arrival: Travelers from countries eligible for the e-visa or those holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may purchase a visa upon arrival at Saudi airports, provided they have used the visa at least once before.

Key Requirements and Conditions

While the e-visa simplifies the entry process, applicants must still meet certain basic requirements to qualify for a visa. These include:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Passport Validity: Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
• Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage must be maintained for the duration of the stay in the Kingdom.
• Financial Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses during their visit.
• Adherence to Saudi Laws: Visitors are required to abide by Saudi Arabia’s laws and regulations during their stay, and must not overstay their visa or use it for purposes outside its authorized scope.

Activities Permitted Under the E-Visa

Visa holders can enjoy a variety of activities during their stay in Saudi Arabia, including:

• Visiting Relatives and Friends: The visa allows travelers to spend time with family members or friends residing in the Kingdom.
• Tourism and Cultural Activities: Visitors can explore Saudi Arabia’s historic landmarks, vibrant cities, and unique cultural sites.
• Attending Events and Public Occasions: Whether it’s a concert, sports event, or cultural celebration, visitors can attend a wide range of public events.
• Performing Umrah (Outside Hajj Season): The e-visa also permits travelers to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, during times outside the Hajj season. However, it does not grant access to the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Support, Safety, and Official Guidance

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made it clear that all visa applications should be processed exclusively through the official KSA Visa website. The government warns against using unauthorized agents or intermediaries, which could lead to potential fraud or misinformation.

For those who need assistance, the KSA Visa platform offers a dedicated support system to answer inquiries, resolve technical issues, and provide clarifications related to visa applications. Visitors are encouraged to rely solely on official channels to ensure the safety and accuracy of their travel documentation.

The Broader Saudi Visa System

The introduction of the e-visa is just one part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to make travel easier for tourists. The Kingdom already has a range of visa options tailored to different purposes of travel, including:

• Visit Visa: For tourism, family visits, and Umrah trips.
• Work Visa: For individuals seeking employment in Saudi Arabia.
• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through the Kingdom en route to another destination.
• Hajj Visa: For Muslims intending to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
• Diplomatic Visa: For government officials and diplomats.
• Student Visa: For those pursuing education in Saudi Arabia.
• Mission and Organization Visa: For international organization representatives.
• Special Visa: For official or government-related visits.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Future of Tourism

The introduction of the e-visa is a key step in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national initiative aimed at transforming the country’s economy and reducing its reliance on oil exports. By opening the door to more international visitors and enhancing tourism infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leading global tourism destination, rich in culture, history, and modern attractions.

The KSA Visa platform represents a significant milestone in this journey, making it easier for visitors from Canada, Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, France, and other countries to experience all that Saudi Arabia has to offer. Whether it’s exploring the ancient city of Petra, enjoying the stunning Red Sea coastlines, or attending one of the Kingdom’s world-class events, the new visa system is designed to make the experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Canada joins Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, and France as Saudi Arabia launches its innovative e-visa system to enhance tourism access. This move aims to simplify the visa process, attracting more international travelers to experience the kingdom’s rich cultural and modern offerings.

Saudi Arabia’s launch of the KSA Visa platform marks a significant shift toward a more open and accessible tourism market. With the addition of an efficient e-visa system, travelers from Canada, Hungary, Italy, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, France, and other nations can now more easily visit the Kingdom, fostering greater cultural exchange and tourism growth. As Saudi Arabia continues to build on its Vision 2030 ambitions, the KSA Visa is poised to be a cornerstone of the country’s thriving tourism sector, ensuring that more people from around the world can experience the Kingdom’s rich heritage, modern attractions, and warm hospitality.