Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa provides consular assistance to Saudi citizens in Canada. The Embassy also serves Canadians and other foreigners who want to visit, work, do business, or reside in Saudi Arabia.

This guide contains all you need to know about document legalization at the Saudi Embassy, including processing times, fees, and how to submit your documents.

Saudi Arabian Embassy in Ottawa

The Saudi Embassy offers consular services related to the provision of visas (including for Umrah and Hajj) and renewal or issuance of Saudi Arabian passports, provision of proof of husband and wife, permission to travel without a mahram, and translation of a Saudi license.

Both Canada and Saudi Arabia are among the 120 countries that recognize and issue apostilles in accordance with the Hague Convention.

Contact details

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa, Canada

Opening Hours

Visas, immigration, and other consular matters:

Payment methods

All legalization fees must be paid through https://visa.mofa.gov.sa. No other payment method is accepted. Here’s how to issue payment:

Go to https://visa.mofa.gov.sa
Choose important websites
Choose ratification
Fill the application
Choose Saudi Missions Overseas
Choose the Saudi mission in Ottawa.
Fill in the rest of the forms by following the instructions.
Make payment
Print out the receipt of the payment and make sure to attach it to the application you’re sending to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

Legalization at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa

What is Saudi Arabian legalization?

Canadian documents with an Apostille stamp can be reviewed by the relevant authorities within Saudi Arabia and do not need to be reviewed by the Embassy in Ottawa.

If you’ve been asked specifically for a legalization (and not an apostille) your Canadian documents must first be submitted to the relevant authority in Canada for authentication prior to being submitted to the Saudi Arabian Embassy. The Embassy of Saudi Arabia can then legalize your authenticated documents.

The Legalization process at the Saudi Embassy

You can legalize your documents by mail.

Complete the legalization form, sign it, and date it.
For your documents to be returned as quickly as possible, include an XPRESS CANADA POST envelope with your complete address and phone number. Keep a copy of the tracking number for future reference.
Send the envelope with your documents to the following address:
- Saudi Consular Section
  Legalization department
  201 Sussex Dr.
  Ottawa, ON, K1N 1K6
The above applies to all legalizations. Below, there are additional instructions related to different types of documents. Review these to see if any of the instructions apply to you.

Additional instructions

To legalize export documents:

(The consular section only legalizes documents pertaining to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

Documents related to goods being shipped to Saudi Arabia must be attested by a local Canadian Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade.
Fill in the Export Information Sheet (EIS) form.
Include a letter that explains the nature of the documents and the fact that you want them legalized.
Every set of commercial documents must also have a commercial invoice and a certificate of origin.
Include a copy of all the documents and attach them to the EIS form.

To legalize pet documents:

(The Consulate only legalizes Canadian issued documents)

A breed certificate must be prepared and signed by your vet.
Your vet must also provide you with a health certificate.
The breed and health certificate must be stamped by a notary, then by a relevant Canadian authority.
You’ll need a copy of your residency (IQAMA).
Attach one copy of each document to the legalization form.

Embassy of Saudi Arabia In Ottawa Legalization FAQ

How much does it cost to legalize my documents at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia?

Both Canada and Saudi Arabia can issue and recognize apostilles. If you’ve been specifically asked for a legalization, get in touch with the Embassy to check for updated pricing.

How long does it take to legalize my documents at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia?

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia typically takes 10 business days to process and legalize your documents.

This may seem like too long, and it can be, especially if you don’t submit the correct documentation. At Document Authentication Canada, we streamline the authentication process, saving you time and money. Get in touch with us on 1-855-700-5840 for a free document evaluation and quote.

Which documents can be legalized by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canada?

Before Canada became a member of the Apostille Hague Convention and started issuing apostilles, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia legalized the following types of documents:

Export documents
Pet documents
Patent registrations or applications
Power of attorney
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Pharmaceutical certificates
Registration statements
Declarations
Degrees
School records
Letters of experience
Medical reports
School and university registration letters, etc.
Saudi driver’s license

Since both Canada and Saudi Arabia recognize and issue apostilles, you have to request an apostille rather than an authentication and legalization.

Which documents CANNOT be legalized by the Saudi Embassies and Consulates?

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia reserves the right to refuse to legalize any document based on the Saudi Government rules and regulations.

Do I need to translate my documents for the Embassy of Saudi Arabia to legalize them?

No, you don’t need to translate your documents.

Do I need to legalize my Canadian educational documents for them to be accepted in Saudi Arabia?

Generally, you need to get your Canadian educational documents apostilled for them to be accepted in Saudi Arabia. This replaces the old legalization process as now both Saudi Arabia and Canada are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

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Other Consular Services offered by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canada

The Saudi Embassy in Ottawa provides services for Saudi Arabian nationals residing in Canada and for Canadians and other foreigners who are traveling or moving to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Embassy also offers consular services related to the provision of visas and renewal or issuance of Saudi Arabian passports, provision of proof of husband and wife, permission to travel without a mahram, and translation of a Saudi license.

These services include:

Visa provisions
Renewal or issuance of Saudi Arabia passport
Provision of proof of husband and wife
Permission to travel without a mahram
Translation of a Saudi license

Here’s a list of all the types of visas you can obtain from the Saudi Embassy, as well as how much each one costs:

Type of Visa	Fee in Saudi Riyal
	Single entry, 30 days period of stay	One year, Multiple entry, 90 days period of stay
Business Visit	300 SAR	300 SAR
Relatives & Friends Visit	300 SAR	300 SAR
Escort	300 SAR	300 SAR
Event Visit	300 SAR	300 SAR
Tourist Visit		300 SAR
Missions and Organizations Visa (non-diplomatic or special passports)	300 SAR	300 SAR
Diplomatic and Special visa	Free
Treatment (governmental)	Free	Free
Treatment (private)	300 SAR	300 SAR
Student (governmental)	Free
Student (private)	Free
Governmental Visit	Free
Employment	Paid by sponsor
Temporary Work	Paid by sponsor
Seasonal Work	Paid by sponsor
Residency	Paid by sponsor
Exit Re-Entry Extension	100 SAR for every month after the expiry date of the visa (penalty)
Transit	300 SAR for validity, and a period of stay of 96 hours
Hajj and Umra Visa	Processed through agents

Saudi Arabian Embassy FAQs

Does Saudi Arabia have an Embassy?

Yes, it does. Saudi Arabia has an Embassy in Ottawa, Canada. These are the contact details:

The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa
Ottawa 201, Sussex Drive
K1N 1K6 Ottawa,
Ontario Canada

Tel: 001-613-2374100 / 001-613-2374101
Fax: 001-613-2370567
Email: [email protected]

How do I contact the Saudi embassy?

You can contact the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Canada via the contact details above or through the contact form available on the official Embassy website. There is no Saudi Arabia Embassy Toronto or Saudi Arabia consulate in Vancouver.

How can I work in Canada from Saudi Arabia?

Permits to reside, work and/or study in Canada are granted by the Canadian authorities and not the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.

For information on working in Canada, you should visit the Citizenship and Immigration website.

Can Canadians travel to Saudi Arabia?

Canadians can travel to Saudi Arabia. However, the Canadian government urges travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Saudi Arabia due to risk of terrorist attacks and security incidents. It advises to stay at least 80km away from the Yemen border due to rocket, missile, and mortar attacks. It also suggests avoiding non-essential travel to Abha International Airport and Al Qatif and its suburbs – the former because of missile and drone attacks, and the latter because of ongoing tensions that can create unrest. The border with Iraq and the towns of Hafr al Batin and Khafji are government-declared “out of bounds” zones.

Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?

Yes, you do, unless you’re a national of one of these countries:

Bahrain
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
United Arab Emirates

How much does a Saudi visa cost?

A full price list is available in the Types of Visa table above.

How can I get a visa for Saudi Arabia from Canada?

You can apply for a Saudi Arabia visa online. Simply follow the instructions as found on the portal. You’ll need:

A passport-style photograph
A passport with at least six months validity
A credit or debit card to pay the Saudi Arabia eVisa fee
An email address

What is the procedure to get a visa for Umrah?

Umra visas are issued every year, starting from the month of MUHARRAM till the end of SHAWWAL. Umra visa applications are processed through agents. You can find a list of travel agencies in Canada that are licensed to organize Umra visits on the official Embassy website.

What is the procedure to get a visa for Hajj?

The Ministry of Hajj and Umra has a full-service portal that enables pilgrims to register for Hajj season. Pilgrims can register directly via the portal.

How many days will it take for Saudi visa stamping?

It depends on the visa you apply for but general turnaround time is 10 days.

Is apostille accepted in Canada

Yes, Canada issues and recognizes apostilles because it is a party to The Hague Apostille Convention.

How do I get an apostille in Canada

You must follow a two-step process to get an apostille in Canada. First, you must prepare your documents by getting them notarized and translated (if applicable). Then you must submit your documents to Global Affairs Canada or a provincial competent authority.

Does Canada have an Embassy in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, it does. There is an Embassy in Riyadh and a Consulate in Jeddah. These are the contact details:

Embassy of Canada in Riyadh

Diplomatic Quarter,
P.O. Box 94321, Riyadh, 11693, Saudi Arabia

Tel: 966 (11) 202-3288
Fax: 966 (11) 488-0137
Email: [email protected]

Consulate of Canada in Jeddah

Ali Reza Tower, 12th Floor, Medinah Road,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Tel: 966 (12) 653-0434
Fax: 966 (12) 653-0538
Email: [email protected]

Who is the Saudi ambassador to Canada?

The Saudi Ambassador is H.E. Amal Yahya Almoalimi

How can I renew a Saudi Arabia passport in Canada?

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not make this information public on its website. Contact the Embassy via the contact details above to find out the latest requirements.

Can Canadians work in Saudi Arabia?

In principle, yes, but it’s a lengthy process. Canadian citizens seeking employment in Saudi Arabia need to apply for and be granted an employment visa prior to entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The process may take four to six weeks and involves multiple steps, including a thorough medical, education verification, and a police report.

IN CONCLUSION

You should now have a better understanding of the apostille and legalization process at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa, together with the other consular services offered at the Embassy.

Getting your documents ready for use abroad can be a complicated and lengthy process. There are multiple entities involved, as well as specific procedures to follow.

At Document Authentication Canada, we help facilitate the legalization of documents in Canada, including document authentication for Saudi Arabia. We navigate through the bureaucracy on your behalf so that you avoid unnecessary delays. Get in touch with our expert team on 613-229-6674 to request a quote and a free document evaluation.

About The Author

Lori, Director of Operations

Lori Shepherd is a licensed Paralegal, Notary and Mediator in the City of Ottawa and holds a B.A. from Carleton University. A native to the City, she has lived and worked across Canada and overseas. Lori is client focused and dedicated to clear and concise communication to ensure clients feel secure in using our services.