Saudi Visa for UK Citizens
A Saudi visa is an official travel document that UK citizens must obtain to enter KSA, whether for tourism, business, or religious purposes.
The Saudi government offers several visa options to accommodate different types of travelers. UK citizens can apply for a KSA eVisa, which is for tourism and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days per stay for up to a year, or a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days. This is the most convenient visa for Saudi Arabia from the UK.
For business trips, a Business Visa is required, while those traveling for religious purposes can apply for a Saudi Arabia Umrah Visa (outside of Hajj season) or a Hajj Visa (for the annual pilgrimage).
There are also Work and Residency Visas for those planning to live and work in KSA. Each visa type has its own requirements and application process, which we will cover in detail in this guide. There are multiple visa options, so travel to Saudi Arabia from the UK is super easy.
Do UK Citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, UK citizens must obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Luckily, a KSA visa from the UK is easy to apply for!
The most convenient Saudi Arabia visa for UK citizens is the KSA eVisa, which offers a faster and more streamlined application process. This electronic visa allows for multiple entries and remains valid for 365 days from the date of issue. UK travelers can stay in KSA for up to 90 days per stay within the visa’s validity period. For UK residents or UK visa holders, there’s also a single-entry option that is valid for 90 days and allows a stay of up to 30 days.
The eVisa also includes health insurance for the duration of the visit, making it a practical and hassle-free option for UK passport holders planning a trip to the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Visa Types
Here are the visa options for UK visitors to KSA:
KSA eVisa (Tourist eVisa)
The KSA eVisa is the most convenient Saudi Visa for British citizens traveling for tourism, attending events, visiting family and relatives, taking leisure trips, and performing Umrah (excluding the Hajj season).
This allows multiple entries and is valid for 365 days from the date of issue, so it is a great option for anyone looking for a KSA tourist visa. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days per stay throughout the visa’s validity period.
Business Visa
The Business Visa is intended for UK citizens who need to engage in business activities in KSA, such as attending meetings, negotiations, or corporate events.
It is available as a single-entry visa, valid for three months with a 30-day stay (which can be extended), or as a multiple-entry visa, which is valid for six months or one year. The multiple-entry visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days per visit but is non-extendable.
Family Visit Visa
The Family Saudi Arabia visit visa allows foreign nationals, including UK citizens, to visit their immediate family members (such as spouses, parents, children, and siblings) residing in KSA.
There are multiple options, from a Saudi Arabia single-entry visa for 6 months or multiple entries for up to a year. The Saudi Arabia Visa fees will differ depending on which one you want.
Employment Visa
UK nationals seeking a job in KSA must obtain a Saudi Arabia work visa.
This visa allows a 90-day stay, during which the individual must apply for a Saudi residence visa (Iqama) and a work permit. The Iqama is essential for legal employment and long-term residence in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah Visa
The Umrah visa from the UK is available year-round for visitors outside the Hajj season. This is a visa for those wanting to visit for religious reasons so you must be a Muslim to apply for it. It is valid for being in KSA for 90 days.
The Umrah visa price from the UK depends on the authorized travel agency you are applying through and the offered Umrah package you choose. UK citizens can also use a Saudi eVisa for Umrah. A separate Umrah visa is needed for certain nationalities who are not eligible for the Umrah visa.
Hajj Visa
This religious visa is available only during the Hajj season (the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah). This visa is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
This visa is only valid for the pilgrimage, and visitors must leave no later than the 10th day of Muharram.
Transit Visa
The KSA Transit Visa allows UK travelers to stay in KSA for up to 96 hours while passing through the country.
This visa is required if the layover or stopover exceeds 12 hours. It provides a great opportunity for travelers to explore Saudi Arabia during their transit.
Additionally, those holding a 96-hour transit visa can enter the country and perform Umrah, making it a convenient option for pilgrims who have a short stay before continuing their journey.
KSA eVisa for UK Citizens
The Saudi eVisa for UK citizens is an electronic travel authorization designed to facilitate entry into KSA for tourism and other approved activities. Introduced in 2019, the eVisa has simplified the visa application process, making it easier for UK nationals to visit the Kingdom without the need for embassy or consulate visits.
The eVisa is the most popular and easiest option for anyone traveling to KSA. It is also known to many as the Saudi Arabia tourist visa. So in this section, the focus will be everything eVisa to make the process a lot easier!
With a Saudi eVisa, UK citizens can engage in various activities, including tourism, attending events, visiting family and relatives, leisure travel, and performing Umrah (excluding the Hajj season).
This visa provides a hassle-free way for travelers to explore Saudi Arabia’s cultural, historical, and religious sites. So if you want a visa for Umrah from the UK, this is the best option!
Unlike the Umrah visa price from the UK which depends on the authorized travel agency you choose, with this option, it comes under the eVisa fee which is discussed in detail a bit further down on this page.
One of the key benefits of the eVisa is its streamlined online application process, allowing UK travelers to apply from the comfort of their homes!
Additionally, the eVisa includes health insurance, ensuring medical coverage throughout the stay. By eliminating the need for in-person applications at a Saudi embassy or consulate, the eVisa significantly reduces the time and effort required for UK citizens to obtain travel authorization.
The KSA eVisa is valid for one year from the date of issuance and allows multiple entries or a single entry into the country. Each visit under the multiple-entry option can be up to 90 days within the one-year validity period, while the single-entry option allows for a stay of up to 30 days within a validity period of 90 days. This makes the eVisa a flexible option for frequent travelers to KSA.
KSA eVisa Requirements for UK Citizens
To apply for a Saudi eVisa, UK citizens must meet the following requirements:
Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth application process, allowing UK citizens to obtain their Saudi eVisa quickly and easily.
How to apply for a Saudi eVisa as a UK Citizen
There is a lot of information out there about applying for the Saudi eVisa for anyone in the UK. Luckily, the electronic KSA visa for UK citizens makes it super easy.
Here is a detailed, easy-to-follow guide on the application process for a UK citizen applying for an eVisa for Saudi Arabia:
Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the online Saudi visa form for UK visitors with your personal details, travel information, and passport details. You will also need to provide contact information in the form of your phone number and your email address, on which you will receive your visa. Make sure to provide accurate information and a valid email address to avoid any delays or rejections.
Upload Required Documents
Upload a scanned copy of your valid passport (with at least six months of validity from the date of entry into KSA and two blank pages) and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Provide Accommodation Details
Enter the details of your accommodation in KSA, such as a hotel booking confirmation or information about staying with relatives.
Pay the Visa Fee
Use a valid payment method, such as a debit or credit card, to pay the visa fee. Ensure that your payment method has sufficient funds.
Submit the Application
Review all the information you have provided to ensure it’s accurate. Once you are satisfied, submit your application.
Receive eVisa Approval
After submission, you will receive updates on your application status via email. Once approved, you will receive your eVisa in your email inbox.
Print Your eVisa
Print a copy of your eVisa to carry with you during your travel to Saudi Arabia. You may be required to present it upon arrival.
Saudi eVisa Processing Times & Fees
Are you wondering “How much does a Saudi eVisa cost?” and “How long will it take to be processed”?
If so, this section will help you out!
The typical processing time for a KSA eVisa for UK citizens is from as little as a few hours to 3 business days. This makes it a super convenient option to apply for a Saudi Visa from the UK!
It costs $195 to apply, and this has to be paid for during the application process.
Entry Requirements & Rules for UK Citizens
Here are the Saudi Arabia entry requirements and rules for UK citizens visiting KSA:
- Valid Passport Must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry into KSA and two blank pages.
- Purpose of VisitTravel must be for tourism, visiting family, attending events, leisure, or performing Umrah.
- Length of StayEach visit allows a stay of up to 90 days within the visa’s one-year validity period.
- Multiple EntriesThe eVisa permits multiple entries into Saudi Arabia.
- Health InsuranceMandatory health insurance is included with the eVisa.
- No Work Allowed Employment under an eVisa is strictly prohibited. Those seeking work must apply for an Employment Visa.
- Return Ticket and AccommodationProof of return or onward travel and accommodation details may be required upon arrival.
- No Criminal or Security ConcernsVisitors must not have any travel bans or security restrictions imposed by Saudi authorities.
If you are only transferring through Saudi Arabia and will pass through immigration control, you may need a transit visa if you are there for longer than 12 hours.
KSA Visa Extension
The Saudi eVisa for UK citizens cannot be extended.
It is typically issued as a multiple-entry visa, valid for one year, allowing a stay of up to 90 days per visit. However, travelers who wish to stay in KSA for a longer period have alternative options.
One option is the Saudi Arabia visa waiver, which allows UK citizens to stay in KSA Arabia for up to six months (180 days).
The Saudi Arabia electronic visa waiver permits entry for various purposes, including tourism, medical treatment, and short-term studies. Those seeking employment in KSA must apply for an Employment Visa, which grants a 90-day stay during which the applicant can obtain a residence visa (Iqama) and work permit to live and work legally in the country.
For business-related visits, UK nationals can apply for a Saudi Business Visa, which is available in two formats. The single-entry business visa is valid for three months and allows a 30-day stay, which can be extended. The multiple-entry business visa is valid for six months or one year, permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit, though it cannot be extended.
Depending on the purpose of travel, these alternative Saudi Visa for British Citizens options provide flexibility for those who need a longer stay.
Can UK Residents apply for a Saudi eVisa?
Yes, most UK residents can apply online for a Saudi eVisa, provided they meet the nationality eligibility criteria.
Certain nationalities—such as citizens of Chad, Ethiopia, Iran, Libya, Palestine, and Syria—are excluded from applying for a KSA eVisa, even if they reside in the UK or hold a UK visa.
Individuals from these countries must instead apply for a traditional Saudi visa through an embassy, consulate, or authorized visa office.
For UK residents who are eligible, the online Saudi visa application process is the same.
Applicants must hold a valid UK residence permit or a UK visa. Additionally, they may be required to provide proof of their legal residence in the UK, such as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
Meeting these conditions ensures that UK residents who are not British citizens can still apply for a Saudi eVisa, provided they do not fall under the restricted nationalities list.
It is always advisable to check the latest eligibility criteria before applying for an online Saudi Arabia visa for UK residents.
Traveling to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an incredible travel destination. As the birthplace of Islam, it houses the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, attracting millions of pilgrims each year.
Visitors can explore ancient sites like the Nabataean tombs at Hegra while also enjoying wonderful cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. The country’s diverse natural beauty also draws so many visitors. From the vast deserts of Riyadh to the coral reefs of the Red Sea and the cool mountain retreats of Abha, you will not be disappointed.
For UK travelers, it’s important to plan ahead.
Modest dress is expected, and visitors should respect local customs, including avoiding public displays of affection and alcohol consumption.
The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is cooler. The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and credit cards are widely accepted. Being aware of these details will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
FAQs
If your Saudi eVisa application is rejected, you should contact the Saudi Embassy or Consulate for further assistance. They can provide information on the reasons for rejection and guide you on the next steps, which may include applying for a traditional visa.
Yes, all UK citizens, including children, require a separate Saudi eVisa. Parents or guardians must apply on behalf of minors and provide necessary supporting documents.
You can get a traditional Saudi Visa on arrival when you arrive at the airport. However, it is much quicker and more convenient to apply for the eVisa online before you arrive.
There are so many amazing places to visit in this part of the world. However, if you are short on time, explore Riyadh’s Edge of the World, Jeddah’s Al-Balad, AlUla’s Hegra, and Abha’s mountains. Enjoy Red Sea diving and desert safaris if you want a unique experience. Also, don’t forget to sample the amazing Saudi cuisine!
Yes, this Saudi Arabia visa for UK citizens is legit!
It is officially issued by the Saudi Arabian government. It is an electronic visa that allows travelers from eligible countries to visit KSA for specific purposes, including tourism.
We will assist you in every step
Apply for your KSA Visa today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.