How to Plan Umrah from Canada: A Complete Guide
Last updated: 25 September 2026. Travel and visa rules change; check the official sources linked at the end before you pay for travel.
Canadians planning Umrah face a long journey, winter-to-desert weather and, for many families, a mix of passports in the same household. This guide covers the Canada-specific points first, then the practical steps from booking to boarding.
Before you start: three Canada-specific checks
- Every traveller’s passport. Canada’s travel advice for Saudi Arabia says your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Saudi Arabia.
- Which passport each person holds. Canadian citizens are eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa. Permanent residents travel on their own country’s passport, so the rules depend on that nationality (see below).
- Getting back into Canada. Permanent residents need a valid PR card, or a Permanent Resident Travel Document, to board a flight back to Canada. Check the expiry date before you book.
Visas for Canadian citizens
Canada is on the list of countries eligible for Saudi Arabia’s tourist eVisa. The official site describes it as a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days, and it covers Umrah, but not Hajj. You apply online before you travel.
Visas for permanent residents of Canada
If you live in Canada but are not yet a citizen, your options depend on the passport you hold. In July 2023 Saudi Arabia extended eVisa eligibility to permanent residents of the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union (Fragomen summary). Canadian permanent residence was not on that list. So:
- If your passport is from an eVisa-eligible country, you can apply for the tourist eVisa in the usual way.
- If it is not, you will usually need a different visa route, such as an Umrah visa issued through Nusuk.
Rules change, so check the current eligibility for your passport on the official eVisa site, or tell us your nationality and we will check it with you. Our Umrah visa and Nusuk guide compares the visa types.
Choosing your dates from Canada
- October and November are usually calmer, with cooler evenings in Makkah and Madinah. See our October and November packages.
- Winter holidays (late December to early January) are popular with families and book up early. See December Umrah packages.
- Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, subject to the sighting of the moon. It is the busiest and most expensive period. See January and Ramadan packages.
- March Break dates vary by province. It is a short window, so plan early.
Umrah is not possible during the Hajj season, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announces each season’s last entry and exit dates. Summer in Saudi Arabia is extremely hot; Canada’s travel advice warns of temperatures well above 40°C from June to August.
Flights from Canada
Umrah flights from Canada usually arrive in Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED), most often with a connection through a hub in the Gulf, Türkiye or Europe. When you compare flights:
- Decide where to start. Arriving in Jeddah usually means going straight to Makkah in Ihram. Arriving in Madinah lets you visit Madinah first and enter Ihram on the road to Makkah.
- Look at layover length. Long connections are tiring, but a very short one leaves little time to change into Ihram.
- Consider a stopover. Some travellers break the journey with a few nights in Dubai, Istanbul, Cairo or Casablanca. See our Umrah and holiday packages.
Our flights page shows example fares from Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Fares change daily, so ask for a current quote.
Budgeting in Canadian dollars
These are real starting prices from our package pages, per person, based on four people sharing a room (quad):
| Package | Nights | From (CAD, quad) | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Umrah, 10 nights | 5 Makkah + 5 Madinah | C$1,366 | Quoted separately |
| Luxury Umrah, 7 nights | 4 Makkah + 3 Madinah | C$1,642 | Quoted separately |
| Luxury Umrah, 10 nights | 5 Makkah + 5 Madinah | C$1,918 | Quoted separately |
| Group Umrah (Oct, Nov, Dec) | 4 Makkah + 3 Madinah | about C$2,712 | Qatar Airways included |
Premium and Luxury prices exclude Saudi VAT and municipal tax, and all prices depend on availability. Triple and double rooms cost more per person. To estimate your total, add flights (if not included), the visa, taxes, meals beyond breakfast, travel medical insurance and spending money.
Provincial health plans generally cover little or nothing outside Canada, so buy travel medical insurance that covers Saudi Arabia for your full trip.
Nusuk: your Umrah permit and Rawdah visit
Along with a visa, you need an Umrah permit booked through Nusuk, the official platform of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. You also use Nusuk to book a visit to the Rawdah in Masjid an-Nabawi. Register once you have your visa, and book the Rawdah as soon as your Madinah dates are fixed.
Health requirements
Saudi Arabia requires the quadrivalent (ACYW) meningococcal vaccine for Umrah pilgrims; both Canada’s travel advice and the CDC note this. The CDC says it must be given at least 10 days before arrival. Book a travel-health appointment early, especially for children and older relatives, and review any other requirements with your doctor.
Women travelling for Umrah
Canada’s travel advice states that women of all ages may travel without a mahram to perform the pilgrimage. Religious views on this differ, so many women also consult a scholar they trust. Women are expected to dress modestly in public, typically with an abaya and headscarf.
Packing for winter departure and desert heat
- Dress in layers: you may leave a Canadian winter and land in warm weather.
- Ihram clothing (two white, unstitched sheets for men), plus a spare set in your carry-on.
- Unscented toiletries for use in Ihram.
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes.
- Prescription medicines in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription.
- A plug adapter; Saudi Arabia uses 230-volt power.
Stay informed while you travel
Read the current Government of Canada travel advice for Saudi Arabia before you book, and sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service so you receive updates while you are away.
How we can help
Superior Hajj & Umrah plans Umrah for pilgrims across Canada, with Premium, Luxury and Group package prices listed in Canadian dollars. See Umrah packages from Canada, compare all Umrah packages, or call +1 972 968 7722, WhatsApp +1 945 335 4921 or send an enquiry.
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Frequently asked questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Umrah?
Yes. Canadian citizens can apply online for the Saudi tourist eVisa, which covers Umrah but not Hajj. You also need an Umrah permit from the Nusuk app.
Can a permanent resident of Canada perform Umrah?
Yes, but visa eligibility depends on your passport, not your PR status. Canadian permanent residence was not included in Saudi Arabia’s 2023 eVisa expansion, so check the route for your nationality before booking.
What is the best time to go from Canada?
October and November are usually calmer. The winter holidays, March Break and Ramadan are the busiest periods and should be booked months ahead.
How much should I budget?
On our current packages, land-only Umrah starts from about C$1,366 per person (quad sharing, 10 nights, before taxes), and a group package with flights is about C$2,712. Your total depends on flights, room sharing, season and extras.
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