UK citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia to meet the Kingdom’s entry requirements. The visa system serves as a way to control the flow of international travelers by the Saudi authorities.
The visa application process is straightforward thanks to various options available to UK citizens, such as Saudi eVisa, Visa on Arrival, Transit Visa, and Regular Visa.
The time you can spend in the Kingdom depends on the Saudi visa type you’ve applied for. For example, the eVisa is issued for a year and allows a 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, visitors from the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for a Saudi Visa Waiver Program as the only nationality worldwide.
To enter Saudi Arabia, UK citizens must provide certain documents, such as a passport valid for 6 months, an approved visa, and health insurance covering medical care in the Kingdom.
Saudi Visa Waiver Program for UK Citizens
The Saudi Visa Waiver Program is an exclusive option available only to UK travelers which allows for a single entry with a maximum permitted stay of 180 days (6 months).
The VWP enables UK citizens to apply for travel authorization without securing a conventional visa, streamlining the process, saving travelers time and effort.
United Kingdom nationals must fill out the Visa Waiver application on the MOFA Unified Visa Platform.
NOTE: To obtain a Saudi Arabian Visa Waiver Program, the application must be submitted outside the Kingdom.
Saudi Visa Application Online for UK Citizens
The Saudi eVisa is a visa that UK citizens can easily obtain online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy. It’s valid for one year and allows multiple entries.
The Electronic Visa permits nationals of the United Kingdom to spend 90 days in Saudi Arabia – this period can be used during one travel or divided into several visits.
You can use the Saudi eVisa to engage in tourism-related activities, such as sightseeing, attending cultural events, or seeing family members. Religious travel for Umrah is also permitted.
To apply for a Saudi Arabian Electronic Visa, visit the official portal at www.visa.visitsaudi.com. Fill out the application form with your details and trip purpose, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee securely online.
During the online application, you’ll be required to add health insurance to your Electronic Visa (it’s mandatory for all international visitors).
Applying online is convenient, fast, and eliminates the need for in-person appointments. The average processing time for a Saudi eVisa is 24–72 hours.
Saudi Visa Applications Through the Embassy
For travelers from the UK who seek an alternative to the online application process (for example, for travel related to work or studies), a Saudi Regular Visa can be obtained through the embassy.
UK citizens should schedule an appointment at the office, complete an application form, submit supporting documents, and attend an interview if required.
Applicants from the United Kingdom are recommended to verify the exact visa requirements with their local Saudi Embassy, as documentation can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Types of Regular Visas to Saudi Arabia include:
- Diplomatic Visa: For diplomats conducting government-related work.
- Tourist Visa: For travelers visiting a country for leisure or sightseeing.
- Business Visa: For professionals attending business meetings or trade events.
- Work Visa: For individuals employed in Saudi Arabia temporarily or long-term.
- Residency Visa: For people establishing permanent residence.
- Family Visit Visa: For visiting immediate family members residing in Saudi Arabia
- Extend Return Visa: For extending stay before returning to home country.
- Escort Visa: For accompanying individuals requiring assistance during travel.
- Student Visa: For those studying at Saudi educational institutions.
- Hajj Visa: For pilgrims traveling to Mecca for the annual Hajj.
- Umrah Visa: For pilgrims performing Umrah outside the Hajj season.
Processing times for Saudi Regular Visas vary but usually take 2–8 weeks, depending on the type.
Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
The Saudi Arabian Visa on Arrival allows UK citizens to obtain a visa upon entering the country without prior application or formalities.
The VOA is valid for tourism or religious purposes, such as visiting Mecca and Medina, and typically permits a stay of up to 90 days (it’s decided upon arrival).
Travelers from the UK should have a passport with at least 6 months of validity and show it to the immigration officers at the passport desk (or scan it at the self-service machines). They also must be 18 years or older to enter Saudi Arabia alone.
NOTE: Minors can get a Saudi Visa on Arrival only if they’re traveling with an adult (parent, grandparent, brother, or sister).
Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia
A Transit Visa for Saudi Arabia is intended for British travelers passing through the Kingdom on their way to another destination, allowing a short stay for a duration of up to 96 hours.
The Saudi Transit Visa application can usually be completed online or at a Saudi Embassy, depending on the traveler’s nationality. The online method is available when buying flight tickets via airline websites like www.saudia.com or www.flynas.com.
It is an excellent option for those who wish to experience Saudi Arabia’s culture and attractions during a layover.
NOTE: A Transit Visa is not required for those UK travelers who don’t leave the airport transit zone.
Documents Required to Enter Saudi Arabia
To enter Saudi Arabia, travelers must carry a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry – it’s a mandatory requirement for all nationalities to ensure compliance with the immigration regulations of the Kingdom.
Additionally, UK citizens should obtain an appropriate visa based on their planned activities and the purpose of the visit.
British travelers visiting Saudi Arabia need to have valid health insurance to cover medical expenses during their stay. This is a critical requirement to ensure access to healthcare services in case of emergencies, illness, or injuries.
No vaccines are required for British tourists visiting Saudi Arabia; however, it is recommended that all routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including those for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
Pilgrims from the UK visiting Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj should be vaccinated against meningitis.
Staying informed about entry rules to Saudi Arabia will lead to a safe and enjoyable trip.
Saudi Embassy in the UK
The Saudi Embassy in the UK serves as the official diplomatic representation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Great Britain, providing services like visa processing, legal assistance, and guidance on travel regulations.
If you have any questions regarding your travel plans to Saudi Arabia, want to check the current visa requirements, or wish to learn more about tourist attractions, head to the embassy.
- Address: 30 Charles St, London W1J 5DZ, Great Britain
- Phone: +442 079 173 000
- Email: med.ukemb@mofa.gov.sa
Frequently Asked Questions about Saudi Visas
- How long can UK citizens stay in Saudi Arabia with an eVisa?
The eVisa allows stays of up to 90 days within its one-year validity period.
- Is the Saudi Visa Waiver Program only for UK citizens?
Yes, the Visa Waiver Program for Saudi Arabia is exclusive to UK citizens.
- Can I work in Saudi Arabia on every visa?
No, paid employment in Saudi Arabia is permitted only for travelers with a Work Visa or a Residence Visa.
- How quickly can I obtain a Visa on Arrival to Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi VOA is issued immediately upon submission, so the process should take no longer than 15–30 minutes upon arrival.
- Do I need a separate Saudi visa for Umrah?
For Umrah outside of the Hajj season, the Saudi Arabian eVisa or Visa on Arrival is the best choice.
- Can I apply for a Saudi Transit Visa online?
Yes, but Transit Visas are arranged through specific airlines like Flynas or Saudia.
- Is there an age restriction for Saudi eVisa applicants?
No, travelers of all ages must have a visa to Saudi Arabia, though minors may need parental consent.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a Saudi Arabian visa is accessible for UK citizens through various systems like the eVisa and Visa on Arrival. These options suit different travel purposes, ensuring flexibility.
For UK citizens, the Saudi Visa Waiver Program offers a convenient choice, exclusive for this nationality only and allowing a single visit for up to 6 months.
British travelers can also apply for a Regular Visa via the Saudi Embassy or a Transit Visa to spend the layover exploring the Kingdom.
Each visa type comes with its own set of requirements and restrictions, and understanding these distinctions helps ensure smooth travel planning and compliance with Saudi regulations.
Sources:
- https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
- https://www.mofa.gov.sa/en/Pages/default.aspx
- https://www.my.gov.sa/wps/portal/snp/main
- https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/plan-your-trip/visa-regulations
- https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index2?service_type=1
Hello, I’m Sara Ali, and I have dedicated my career to navigating the intricacies of immigration and visa processes. With over a decade of experience in the field, I have assisted countless travelers in achieving their travel and relocation goals. My expertise lies in simplifying complex procedures and ensuring seamless visa applications for clients from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about facilitating international travel, I continually stay updated with the latest immigration policies to provide reliable guidance and support.
