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Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This

Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This

Sep 30, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 29, 2025

Even if you don’t believe it, Canada has many locations and abandoned sites with ghostly stories and a dark history.

Haunted places like the Fort Edmonton Park and Princess Theatre in Edmonton or the Disaster-struck Alberta Frank Slide are a few examples of how dark tourism in Canada offers a vivid experience.

Further, sites like Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources) show how mining asbestos has caused long-term health hazards to Canadian people and victims beyond borders. Also, there is Halifax, where an explosion took the lives of around 2000 people in 1917.

So, let’s explore the sites that are scary and unusual.

THESE Are The Best Sites For Dark Tourism In Canada

In 2020, the small town of Asbestos changed its name to Val-des-Sources or the Valley of the Springs. However, the name change could not wipe off the history of diseases and suffering as it once had the largest asbestos mine in the world.

So, like the nuclear plantations that pushed numerous human lives to death, Asbestos in Canada was also a town of breathing poison. Today, it is one of the most prominent destinations for dark tourism in Canada.

Regarding dark tourism, Canada has many sites that tell the tale of human tragedy or are infamous for spooky experiences. Let me share brief accounts on these sites If you want to walk into the shadows.

Asbestos

Asbestos, a town in southern Quebec, once epitomized health-hazard horrors. Asbestos mining is not done here today, but breathing problems and other hazards caused by that “magic or miracle mineral” persist in the town.

The town had an open-pit mine for mining chrysotile asbestos, and it boomed for a century. However, in 2011, the mine stopped its operations.

Unfortunately, the use of asbestos became huge by the mid-20th century. It was a chosen material for roofing, insulation, and fireproofing. Slowly, it was discovered to cause many health hazards for people working in the industry or residing near an asbestos plant or mine.

Despite the drop in global demand and many other countries banning the use, import, and export of asbestos, Canada kept at it until 2018. Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, banned the use, sale, import, and export of asbestos in 2016, and the ban came into effect in 2018.

Nevertheless, today, the town of Asbestos, or Val-des-Sources, is a popular dark tourism site with an abandoned mine. The mine now looks like a gigantic playground.

Halifax

In June 2016, the Canadian Government designated the Halifax explosion as a “national historic event.” Halifax was a busy port for the loading and unloading of food, aid, relief, and other essentials during World War I.

On an unfortunate day, 6 December 1917, the French ship SS Mont-Blanc and SS Imo, a Norwegian ship, collided. Both were carrying explosives, and the collision caused a major explosion. Almost 2000 people died, and many were injured, registering it as the biggest manmade explosion before the atomic bomb disaster.

This human tragedy, however, was a milestone in changing the medical scenario of Halifax. The improvement in pediatric surgeries and the establishment of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind were the two most prominent examples in this regard.

Today, the Fort Needham Memorial Park is a prominent site for dark tourism in Canada. The commemorative plaque there gives you a brief account of the incident. Also, the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower here has an annual memorial service for the explosion on 6th December.

Edmonton: The Hub Of Dark Tourism In Canada

Edmonton has many destinations for paranormal encounters, and Fort Edmonton Park is one of them. At the paranormal tours here, you can explore many paranormal equipment and encounter many experts for some otherworldly experience.

You can also visit the haunted buildings of Edmonton. The stories of these buildings will scare you to the bit. Also, you never know when an unknown entity gets close to you, and you can feel the breath.

Princess Theater: The Most Haunted Place In Edmonton

Another important haunted landmark here is the Princess Theater. In the 1920s, the theater was about to have an additional rental space. A bride-to-be rented that space, but her fiance left her on their wedding day.

So, she committed suicide by hanging by the neck. When the staff of the hotel found her, her body was swinging from the rope.

She was wearing a beautiful wedding gown. Legends have it that her ghostly figure is still seen at the theater. She is seen climbing down the stairs, wandering the theater halls, and moving around the projection room.

Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum: Meet The Restless Spirit

Moreover, when in Edmonton to experience haunted activities, Historic Mackay Avenue School Archives & Museum should be your destination. Many people have experienced a sense of choking, being grabbed, or disturbed at this place.

It is said that a construction worker called Peter fell from a third-floor window during renovation work in 1912. His restless spirit still lives here, and many informal investigations have captured strange silhouettes and erratic electromagnetic fields recorded here, which also vouch for paranormal activities here.

The Museum of Fear and Wonder

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It is unusual to find a rural museum of horror in the Southern Alberta rural valleys. It is eerie to the bone with Ouija boards and ventriloquist dummies.

The little jack o’lantern dollhouse, Kiddo, leather doll, and the haunted doll, Robertina, are the most prominent collectibles here. Also, the artificial human body parts and life-like human bodywork made of wax are the creepiest things you will come across.

All the collectibles in the museum are carefully placed to create a sense of fear. The aim is to show how people emotionally react to certain things. Also, Brendan, one of the founders of the museum, does not believe that things can be haunted or they can be related to paranormal activities.

According to him, things, at the most, can cause a sense of uneasiness. Thus, all the items in the museum provoke discussion about the psychological impacts of different objects on different people. For example, an adorable doll can be an object of fear or discomfort for a person who has suffered childhood trauma.

Even dolls or toys can get old and develop an eerie appearance through wear and tear. They can look messy or dirty, creating repulsive feelings.

Thus, the Museum of Fear and Wonder is not about paranormal experiences or activities. It is a place to understand the human psychology behind fear and wonder.

Saskatchewan Ghost Towns – Insinger

As India has Kuldhara, Canada has Saskatchewan, where time stands still, and the deserted town lives in the shadow of the past. Unbearable winter in the Prairie region made the residents desert the place.

In the 1800s, many European people came to Canada and got free land to set up a working farm within a year. Thus, this prairie became a bustling residence of farmers and their families.

Visiting Saskatchewan And Its Many Wonders

In Saskatchewan, you will notice a Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The old church with a domed roof stands as a witness to the bygone era.

Do you know that Saskatchewan has so many ghost towns (more than 30) that there is a “Ghost Town Trail” here? You can drive around the route to explore the towns individually.

As you walk through the ghost towns of Saskatchewan, you will never feel alone. There is a constant feeling of someone following or walking with you.

Even looking at the most dilapidated structure, you will feel like someone will come out of it any moment.

I had plans to get inside some of the structures. However, a knotty feeling in my stomach stopped me. As hours passed, I started feeling anxious and left the place.

The Ghost Towns of Alberta – Rowley

If I were to decide, I would name Alberta the capital of dark tourism in Canada. If the haunted places of Edmonton are not enough, you can explore Rowley.

The small hamlet of Rowley in Alberta has deserted railway cars and buildings. However, it also tells some inspiring stories.

Rowley used to be a town with 500 inhabitants in the 1920s. The Great Depression hit the place, making the residents leave. A lack of rain led to the drying up of the crops.
Moreover, a fire destroyed many of the small buildings.
However, only eight surviving residents of Rowley did a commendable job of transforming Rowley into a heritage site in the 1980s. They transformed some of the buildings.

Very few people know that movies like Bye Bye Blues or Legends of the Fall have some of these buildings as their locations.

Visit Rowley in the summer, as it offers free tours in the season. Also, the pizza parties here on the last Saturday of every month are fun! These pizza parties are fundraisers for restoring the buildings and preserving history here.

THESE Are The Places You Can’t Miss At Rowley

The historical buildings to visit in the ghost town of Rowley are:

Rowley Trading Post (Built in the 1920s)
A Printing Press
A School
Now Abandoned Former Hospital
Abandoned Railway Tracks
A Saloon with Swinging Doors (Dedicated to the memory of a previous owner)
Municipality of Starland Office
Canada National Telegraphs Building

Along with these historical structures, you will also find a building labeled Funeral Home and Embalming. Going inside, you will find paraphernalia and historical artifacts used in Bye Bye Blues.

The only thing I find creepy about Rowley is the mannequins. The residents have used mannequins in many places to recreate the scenarios of the 1920s.

So, if you have a faint heart, avoid peeping through the glass windows of the historical buildings. It is not very pleasant to find a mannequin looking back at you.

However, overall, the experience was like being at the location of a classic Western movie.

Alberta Frank Slide

Alberta Frank Slide is one of the most tragic spots for dark tourism in Canada. 121 years ago, this place witnessed the deadliest slide in Canada. The tragic incident took the lives of 100 people.

What Happened At Alberta Frank Slide?

It was 4:10 am on 29th April 1903. The 600 people in the mining community were still asleep as Mount Turtle crumbled down and released 110 million metric tonnes of rock. This incident took the lives of around 100 people.

Even today, if you pass through Highway 3 of Alberta or visit Frank Slide, you will find bodies and various belongings still buried under rocks.

“It was loud enough they could hear it up by the town of Cochrane, 200 kilometers away,” said Joey Ambrosi, the facility supervisor of the Alberta Frank Slide Interpretive Center. This interpretive center, built in 1985, tells the true stories of human tragedy and dismisses the myths around it.

However, the intrigue around this biggest slide does not end here. The mountain moves a few kilometers from each other, and scientists suspect it will come down again.

Having said that, there is still time for such an incident, and it will not be as deadly as the one that happened in 1903.

When at Alberta Frank Slide, don’t forget to visit The Crowsnest Pass. A landslide and a mine explosion in 1910 badly hit the area. Again, at a stone’s throw away is the Hillcrest town where 189 miners died of a coal-dust explosion on 19th June 1914.

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Sibashree Bhattacharya

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Plan The Perfect Proposal: Romantic Yacht Charters In Cancun

BY Nabamita Feb 20, 2024

Imagine the enchanting allure of Cancun, where crystal-clear turquoise waters beckon and fiery sunsets paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. It's the perfect setting for an unforgettable romantic proposal. Picture yourself and your loved one on a private yacht charter, gliding through the pristine waters of the Caribbean, caressed by a gentle breeze. As the waves softly lap against the yacht's hull, a sense of serenity envelops you, creating an intimate and magical moment. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature and the tranquil embrace of the ocean, you have the opportunity to create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Choosing Your Yacht When it comes to selecting your perfect yacht, there are a few things to think about. Firstly, consider the size of the boat - do you fancy a spacious and grand vessel or a more intimate and cozy one? Also, take into account the range of amazing amenities available on board. Luxury cancun yacht rentals often boast gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs, plus personal staff to cater to your every need. Some may even have water sports equipment so you can enjoy thrilling aquatic adventures. However, it's worth noting that smaller vessels, while offering a more intimate experience, may not provide the same extensive range of services and facilities. Setting the Scene Once you've carefully chosen your dream yacht, it's time to make it truly yours and create an unforgettable ambiance. Think about adding your favorite flowers, curating a special playlist to set the perfect mood, and even including a cherished photograph that holds sentimental value. If your partner isn't a fan of surprises, it might be a good idea to let them in on the trip in advance, while keeping the proposal itself a delightful secret. By paying attention to these finer details, you'll ensure that the entire experience becomes even more memorable and magical. Timing Is Everything Picture this: timing your proposal with the breathtaking sunset. Watch as the sky gracefully transitions from a brilliant blue to a mesmerizing palette of pinks and oranges, creating an unparalleled and magical romantic setting. Feel the warm glow of the sun gently kissing the horizon, casting a romantic ambiance that envelops you and your loved one. Don't forget to check the local sunset times and meticulously plan this unforgettable moment, ensuring that every detail aligns perfectly with the natural beauty of the setting sun. When it comes to proposing, timing is crucial. It's not just about the time of day, but also the stage in your relationship and the unique context of that particular day. Outside of the classic sunset proposal, here are a few other ideas: Dawn Proposal: If you and your partner are early birds, a sunrise proposal can be incredibly romantic. The quiet tranquillity of the early morning, coupled with the stunning beauty of the sun slowly rising above the horizon, can make for a truly memorable moment. Under the Stars: If your partner is an astronomy enthusiast, consider a nighttime proposal under a starlit sky. A clear night, away from city lights, presents an opportunity for a private, intimate proposal under the blanket of the cosmos. Midday Cruise: A daytime proposal offers the advantage of excellent visibility. The dazzling blue sky and shimmering Caribbean sea create a vibrant backdrop for your special moment. Special Dates: Another timing aspect to consider is the date itself. Proposing on a significant date, such as the anniversary of your relationship, a birthday, or a special holiday, can add an extra layer of sentimental value to your proposal. Remember, the best time for a proposal is one that feels right to you and resonates most with your partner’s preferences and your shared experiences. The Perfect Dinner A romantic dinner is not just any detail, my friend, but a truly unforgettable and essential part of any yacht proposal. Picture this: a serene setting on the deck, with soft lights twinkling in the background, creating an enchanting atmosphere. You have the option to choose between an intimate picnic, where you can savor delectable delicacies while basking in the breathtaking views of the open sea, or a formal dining experience that oozes elegance and sophistication. Alternatively, imagine a cozy barbecue under the twinkling stars, where you can indulge in delicious grilled treats while being embraced by the gentle sea breeze. Whichever option you choose, make sure to personalize the meal, taking into account your partner's preferences and creating a culinary journey that will leave an everlasting impression of romance and love. Capturing the Moment Opting to hire a skilled professional photographer or videographer to capture the precious proposal is truly an outstanding idea. Their expertise lies in discreetly documenting the heartfelt moment, ensuring that you both can relive and cherish this extraordinary experience for many joyous years to come. With their exceptional ability to capture every intricacy and emotion, the photographs or videos will serve as a timeless reminder of the love and commitment shared during this significant milestone in your life. After the Proposal After the magical proposal, you can embark on an enchanting night aboard a luxurious yacht, gently swaying with the rhythm of the ocean waves. As you drift off to sleep, the tranquil sounds of the sea will serenade you, preparing you for a mesmerizing awakening. Picture yourself waking up to a breathtakingly beautiful sunrise, where the sky is painted with hues of gold and pink, creating a stunning backdrop against the vast horizon. Imagine this: a luxurious yacht proposal in the breathtaking destination of Cancun. It's an experience that will leave you spellbound. As the radiant sun dips below the horizon, casting a mesmerizing glow over the turquoise Caribbean Sea, you and your beloved find yourselves aboard a magnificent yacht. The gentle sway of the vessel enhances the romantic atmosphere, enveloping you in serenity and tranquillity. In that magical moment, you present your partner with a sparkling ring, a symbol of eternal love and commitment. As the waves dance beneath you and the stars twinkle above, the memories created on this extraordinary occasion become as infinite as the vast ocean itself. Prepare to be captivated! Read Also: 4 Things To Do When Visting The British Virgin Islands On A Yacht Spa Relaxation On A Charter Yacht In Dubai How Much Does Yacht Crew Make

Things To Do In San Marcos – Top Activities To Enjoy!

BY sagnika Feb 9, 2023

Are you planning a trip to San Marcos? Are you wondering what are the best things to do in San Marcos? Do you worry about organising a pleasant trip? You don’t really need to worry because you have arrived at the right destination. We actually visited San Marcos recently. And guess what? It was a crazy trip - we met some amazing people, made some great memories, and came back home so happy. Keep reading, and you will soon have your trip planned - stay tuned! Things To Do In San Marcos - Top Activities To Enjoy Are you already typing ‘things to do in San Marcos tx’ on Google? Come on, stop! You know that one never really works out. There are just way too many search results - we were so spoilt for choice that we ended up wasting a whole lot of time. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the same - you can just save this article and plan your trip accordingly. So without wasting any time, scroll down and checkout the best things to do in San Marcos! 1. San Marcos River: choicehotels.com One of the most fun things to do in San Marcos is to visit the famous river. It’s not really a river - it’s one of those closed water supplies that are unique. Originating from a beautiful natural spring on one side, this river is a popular spot for snorkeling, inner tubing, and swimming. Review By NF2013_13: Beautiful river running through town for so many to enjoy. San Marcos River is spring-fed from the Edwards Aquifer. Who knew Texas had an aquifer? I'm from FL and thought we were the only ones. The river is clear with long flowing grasses growing in parts. We saw kayakers and paddle boarders enjoying their day. The town has adopted "mermaids" as its "known for" character. They are beautiful works of art located throughout the small city. If you're there, check out the Root Cellar Restaurant, and be sure to stop by Kissing Alley. 2. San Marcos Premium Outlets: choicehotels.com We love to shop, and we love buying from premium outlets. So we didn’t literally do the ‘san Marcos things to do’ search to find out all the top premium outlets. You will not just have fun, but you will come back with some crazy clothes! Review By Paul S: This place is HUGE, it is best to go there with a plan of which shops you want to go to. When I was there, it was not so busy, and I could drive from quadrant to quadrant with easy parking everywhere I went. I would not want to be there on a busy day and have to walk the entire place. The range of shops is supreme, but many of them are not outlet or discount shops, so expect to pay full price unless you are a size XS or XXL and can buy off the clearance racks! 3. Central Texas Wing Of The Commemorative Air Force: choicehotels.com There are 7 CAF aircraft in the Central Texas Wing. If you love aircraft or these sorts of activities, then you will have a blast here! You will literally forget about all the fun things to do in San Marcos CA - because this is so much better. You just have to take out words for now, but once you are there, you will know. Review By Liz E: My husband and I popped in here en route to San Antonio to pass an hour, I think we were there for about 4 hours in the end! The guys who volunteer here are so enthusiastic, and we were given our own private tour of the museum. We were even lucky enough to see one of the planes go out on a test flight. I cannot praise these volunteers highly enough for keeping this facility going, and we feel like we have made life-long friends! 4. Wonder World Cave And Park: choicehotels.com One of the best things to do in San Marcos TX, is to visit the beautiful Wonder World Cave! This is the first show cave here, and tourists have enjoyed visiting this cave for over a hundred years now. The place has only evolved, and you will even find a park with several entertainment zones. Review By Viorica: We had a great visit. The cave is beautiful. Our tour guide Olivia was awesome, she gave us lots of good information, and overall she is just a sweet person. I only wish we had a little more time in the cave rooms for pictures. If you wanted to take pictures, you had to stay back from the group and do so otherwise, the tour moved pretty fast. P.S if you plan to visit, make sure you wear nonslip shoes because the cave is wet and slippery. 5. Tanger Outlets San Marcos: choicehotels.com From crazy designer brands to crazy merchandise, you will save so much if you shop from Tanger outlets. If you love shopping as much as we do, then this is perhaps one of the first spots to hit. Yes, you can bargain - isn’t that what you need to save a few bucks? And whatever you save, you can use to shop some more. Review By Traveler Mom: Tanger outlets are the best outlets, and the San Marcos location is no exception. Great options of stores that fit variables ages and badges. Guess and Disney stores were my favorites, and their employees are very kind, active, and helpful. There is no real kids' area, so be aware of this if you are visiting with young kids. 6. The Wittliff Collections: choicehotels.com The Wittliff Collections was first founded in 1986, dedicated to collect and preserve the legendary Southwest’s creative legacy. This was done to foster ‘the spirit of place,’ so there’s no way you can miss out on this legendary spot. One of the best things to do in San Marcos, you can’t miss out on The Wittliff Collections. Review By Shelly R: Once we understood where to park. Being in the college library was quiet and not crowded. We went for the Lonesome Dove Exhibit, and you get to see the original clothing on mannequins and some behind glass, but you basically get a personal walk-through. The room was small, but the student who let us in to view it said they would be expanding the collection. Absolutely amazing to see original stuff from this movie, especially if you're a Texan, Western, and Lonesome Dove fan! 7. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Wanna go on a safari ride? There is a San Diego Zoo but there is the safari park which is situated in Escondido which is about 20 minutes far from San Marcos! If you are visiting any of the cities such as Poway, Temescula, Vista and Carlsbad, you can easily visit this zoo because this is the closest. The visiting hours are from 9 am To 6 pm while you will have to pay $69 as adults for entry while $59 for kids below 11 years of age! Review By Bill E Lots of areas to cover. Realistic settings for most of the animals. The "extras" were pricey. Open Truck safari wasn't really worth it although the animals were in a more natural setting. Zipline was a lot of fun but expensive for a 4 minute ride. If you have the bucks go for it. With the construction going on I would skip the balloon ride. 8. Trek Bicycle North County There are many trails across San Marcos so you can just rent a bike and travel around the place! You can rent the bicycle which costs around $75 to $100 from 11 am to 6 pm. The North County in San Marcos is perfect for bike treks hence, it is convenient for outdoorsy people. You can go on a beachside adventure, events or culinary experience on your electric bike! There are many trails across San Marcos so you need to just go! Review By Sheree C A fabulous ride peddling or not! As a family we really enjoyed it. All the little interesting stories along the way made it really fantastic. I would definitely recommend this experience. 9. Legoland Visit the iconic amusement park in San Diego when you have a trip planned to San marcos! If you have a child-like personality or have children accompanying you on the trip, this place will be perfect in the itinerary. Only a 20 minutes ride from San Marcos, you can experience the best rides, races and building attractions. It is a fun park which also has an aquarium so you can easily make bookings at Legoland California Resort in one of their themed rooms! It will be open from 10 am to 6 pm everyday while the tickets are charged somewhere between $89 to $150. It will take about 2 days to cover the whole of the experience. Reviews By Daria Singer Clean, safe. Very understanding staff. Not particularly busy on weekdays during the winter, weekends tyou will have to que up. Food in the park is nothing special and obviously overpriced but that was expected. It is definitely convenient to buy a yearly… 10. Blissful Goat Yoga Craving for some fun things to do while visiting San Diego? How about experiencing the one-of-a-kind yoga class while interacting with baby goats. The experience is a customized adventure for anyone who wants to attend the classes. Situated at a private property, Blissful Goat Yoga is quite close to Sunshine Mountain Winery and Buena Creek Gardens. It is quite funny, I agree but imagine such a unique experience where you can interact with strangers and goats as the owner, Star Bailey, guides you through the Yoga. You can take funny pictures of the goats and selfies with goats thus having an experience which is so interesting and fun! Going to a yoga session can actually be helpful and relaxing! Reviews By Taylor My boyfriend and I decided to try goat yoga and although we are not great at yoga ourselves, we still had a blast! Loved the passionate insights from the owner and the atmosphere of balancing yoga practice with having fun with the goats… And It’s A Wrap! And it’s a wrap on the best things to do in San Marcos. So what are you even waiting for? Plan your trip to san Marcos already! We can’t wait - and while doing so, don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below! Read Also: Best Group Friendly Restaurants In Las Vegas Tips For Planning The Most Amazing Texas Trip Ever! 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Do I Need a VISA to Visit Saudi Arabia?

BY Ankita Jun 7, 2024

You should purchase the visit to most of the countries in the world except for a few. Saudi Arabia is encouraging international travelers to visit their country and explore the beauty of their cities and Islamic landmarks in their country with the purpose of Umrah or booking an adventurous trip because there are a lot of places where you can enjoy the most. In fact, tourism contributes a significant portion of the Saudi economy nowadays. People from different parts of the globe plan to visit Saudi Arabia to have a good time. That's why, Saudi Arabia is focusing on providing facilities to visitors so that they can enjoy at best. The same goes with pilgrims as well. Pilgrimage also contributes to the Saudi economy and helps the government to maintain the spirituality of the land. This is a reason the Saudi government ensures that pilgrims have a fulfilling experience during their stay. Umrah packages also help pilgrims in this regard. The purpose is to make pilgrims free from tackling management and focus on Ibadah. However, the question is whether visitors can enter Saudi Arabia without a visa. If not, what type of visa should they consider before proceeding with their plan? Well, read ahead. Why Do I Need a VISA When Visiting Saudi Arabia? KSA is a hub for Islamic landmarks. Because the kingdom is significant both in terms of spirituality and modernity, it has become a top priority of visitors nowadays. Some of them want to explore Saudi heritage, while others seek closeness to Allah and his house, the Kabbah. But it requires you to have a relevant VISA anyway. A VISA document is a legal issuance certificate that outsiders need to enter a foreign country. Just like other countries, Saudi Arabia also requires you to have a VISA. For pilgrims, it's easier to get VISA approval through Umrah packages. Providing VISA application assistance and ensuring VISA approval is part of these Umrah and Hajj deals. The same happens with cheap plans like the 12 Nights 4 star Umrah package. You just have to arrange the required documents and enter personal details on the VISA application. Then, the travel agencies take care of application submission and approval. Though visitors don't have to apply for VISAs through Umrah package deals, they require a VISA to enter Saudi Arabia. However, these VISA requirements and details are different under different conditions. So, let's see what type of visa you should consider according to your plans. Who Needs a VISA? Just like in other countries, entering Saudi Arabia also requires a VISA. A VISA refers to a travel document or a legal statement. The main purpose of requiring a VISA is to define your purpose for visiting the country of Saudi Arabia. If you are a business traveller, tourist, or pilgrim, you need to apply for a specific type, for instance. In addition, visa documents are also necessary for countries to keep checks and balances on the entry and take-off of tourists. Through a VISA, tourists can claim their rights to their respective country's government. Similarly, it also guarantees the safety and integrity of the country. The same policy is for Saudi Arabia. You should apply for a specific type of VISA to enter the KSA. However, Saudi Arabia also has exceptions. Our honourable customers who are living in some of the Gulf countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar can enter the boundary of Saudi Arabia without a VISA. Similarly, the VISA Waiver Agreement allows some travelers to apply for a VISA on arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In general, visitors must need a VISA to enter Saudi Arabia. However, it is better to research whether you need a VISA or not. And if so, what type of visa do you need? Types of VISA for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia earns a lot of money from tourism. It includes pilgrims and tourists alike. Therefore, Saudi Arabia focuses on enhancing the experience of visitors. The VISA process and requirements also reflect the simplification of visiting Saudi Arabia. For instance, Saudi Arabia issues different types of VISA documents to travellers according to their needs. This way, the process of entry into the kingdom works. In general terms, the price of all these VISA types varies depending on the purpose of the visit. For example, travellers apply for tourist VISAs and can stay in the country for up to 90 days. Tourist visas, Umrah visas, Hajj visas, business visas, and work visas are the most common types of VISAs that are availed from Saudi Embassies by global travellers. This VISA type comes with a validity of one year with multiple visits in a year. Umrah VISA and Hajj VISA An Umrah VISA tells everything. Pilgrims apply for an Umrah VISA to perform the Umrah pilgrimage. Umrah packages also help them engage with Ziarat tours. This VISA type offers a short validity period, usually equal to the duration of the Umrah pilgrimage only. Similarly, pilgrims get a Hajj VISA to perform Hajj. Hajj VISA also comes up with short validity, often for the duration of Hajj. Business VISA Business VISA allows people to visit Saudi Arabia for work activities. For instance, with a business VISA, you can attend meetings or conferences in Saudi Arabia. However, it's a dynamic type of VISA that comes up with multiple entries as well as a single entry, depending on your work requirements and duration. Employee or Work VISA Another type of Saudi VISA is a work VISA. It's for individuals who have a job offer from Saudi Arabia and want to live there as an employee. Work VISAs remain valid up to the job contract or need renewal frequently. In short, Saudi Arabia streamlines the process of entry into the kingdom. So, define the purpose of your visit and apply for a relevant visa. VISA Requirements Now, you will find out what type of VISA you have to get. After all, it's easier to spot until the purpose of your visit is clear to you. Here, a question hits your mind: how to you apply for a Saudi VISA? You should collect all the necessary documents. These include: a valid passport passport size photographs VISA application form proof of hotel accommodations in KSA non-refundable tickets. In some of cases, it is also important to avail yourself of travel insurance, health insurance, and relevant additional documents. After making sure you have the necessary documents on hand, proceed with the application process. Note that pilgrims have to apply for an Umrah VISA through Umrah packages. The same goes for affordable deals like the 12 Nights 4-star Umrah. However, travellers, visitors, and working employees can apply for Saudi VISAs through the eVISA portal. To proceed, follow these steps: Go to the eVISA official page and fill out the application form with personal and travel details. Upload the necessary documents and pay the VISA fee. Submit the form and look for approval. Visitors can also apply for a VISA in person through the embassy. Take an application form and the necessary documents. Fill out the application form, attach the documents, and visit the Saudi embassy to submit the documents in person. Also, pay the fee there as they will guide you and wait for the approval. Tips to Ensure VISA Approval Applying for a Saudi VISA document is straightforward. This is because Saudi Arabia streamlines the whole process to promote tourism. However, some people still find the whole process challenging, and it has some reasons. For instance, leaving the application form incomplete is a common mistake that ends up with a VISA rejection. To avoid it, read every section of the application form carefully and fill in all the required fields. Also, double-check the form before submitting it. On the other hand, some people add inaccurate information to the application form, which can also cause visa rejection. For instance, avoid spelling mistakes, wrong passport numbers, and incorrect travel dates in the application form. The best solution to avoid these mistakes is to cross-check all the information with your official documents and details. Conclusion Following this, make sure to avoid missing documents while submitting the application form. So, be careful with your documents and make a list of required documents in the first place. After that, as you upload the document, mark that one on your list, and that's it. Similarly, providing poor-quality photos and submitting late application forms also lead to VISA rejection. So, follow the photo guidelines beforehand and also submit the application form in advance. It will save you from approval delays all the way. Additional Reading: From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Viva Las Vegas: Your Ultimate Travel Itinerary For An Unforgettable Trip! Ensuring Approval: The Power Of A Well-Crafted Two-Way Itinerary For Visas

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