Saudi Visa for UK Citizens
UK citizens wishing to work and live in Saudi Arabia can apply for the Saudi work visa that allows a 90-day stay in Saudi Arabia, during which time the UK visitor can apply for a Saudi residence visa, which along with the Saudi work permit, or Iqama, allows the UK visitor to engage in more long-term work and living activities in Saudi Arabia. UK nationals wishing to engage in short-term commercial activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or corporate events, should hold a Saudi business visit visa, which should be applied for by a Saudi host company or entity on the UK national’s behalf. The Saudi business visit visa is issued as a single-entry visit visa valid for 3 months, allowing a 30-day stay (extendable), or as a multiple-entry visit visa valid for 6 months or 1 year, allowing a 90-day stay each visit (non-extendable).
It is important to note that overstays in Saudi Arabia may result in fines and deportation. Accordingly, please be aware of your Saudi visa validity dates and permitted duration of stay in Saudi Arabia.
Table of contents
Saudi visas for UK citizens
Tourist visa
A Saudi visa for UK nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia for tourism activities. UK nationals are eligible to apply online for the Saudi e-visa, which allows for multiple 90-day visits within the one-year Saudi e-visa validity period.
Business visit visa
A Saudi visa for Saudi companies wishing to host a UK national for business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or corporate visits.
Employment visa
A Saudi visa for UK nationals seeking employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
Student visa
A Saudi visa for UK nationals enrolled in a Saudi Arabia educational institution.
Residence visa
A Saudi visa for UK nationals, already in Saudi Arabia on a short-term visa, who wish to stay in Saudi Arabia for a longer period of time.
Premium residency visa
A Saudi visa for UK citizens wishing to live in Saudi Arabia and invest in Saudi business, allowing the UK national to reside, own property, invest, work, change jobs, hire foreign workers, sponsor their family, and enter and exit Saudi Arabia, all without the need for a Saudi sponsor.
Family visit visa
A Saudi visa for Saudi nationals or legal residents wishing to host a first-degree relative for a short-term visit to Saudi Arabia.
Companion visa
A Saudi visa for UK nationals wishing to accompany someone on their trip to Saudi Arabia.
Personal visit visa
A Saudi visa for Saudi nationals wishing to host a UK national in Saudi Arabia for a non-business, non-family, short-term related visit.
Newborn visa
A Saudi visa for UK parents, who have a valid Saudi work permit (Iqama), and the mother of the child has a valid re-entry visa into Saudi Arabia.
Government visa
A Saudi visa for UK visitors invited by a Saudi Arabian government institution, ministry, or department.
Diplomatic & official visas
A Saudi visa for official or diplomatic UK nationals.
Diplomatic missions & organizations
A Saudi visa to visit a Saudi Arabian mission or organization.
Extension of exit/re-entry visa
A Saudi extension visa for UK employees and their dependents wishing to travel to and from Saudi Arabia for a specific period of time.
Hajj visa
A Saudi visa for UK Muslims wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage purposes.
Umrah visa
A Saudi visa for UK Muslims wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for Umrah pilgrimage purposes.
Transit visa
A Saudi visa for UK travelers on layover in Saudi Arabia for more than 12 hours. UK travelers in Saudi Arabia for less than 12 hours do not need a transit visa.
Requirements
UK citizens should prepare the following when applying for the various Saudi visa types.
Saudi tourist visa for UK nationals:
Application
UK national should fill out a Saudi visa application form at SaudiVisa.com, complete with personal data and other requested information.
Passport
UK citizen must hold a UK passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entering Saudi Arabia or that meets the rules of reciprocity.
Personal photo
UK national must submit one recent color photo; against a white background; 2x2 inches; 5 to 100 KB natural facial expressions; 80% face; no eyeglasses; no head wear, except for religious reasons.
Saudi visa-on-arrival for UK citizens
UK foreign nationals can obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival at any Saudi port of entry. However, it is always advised to apply online for a Saudi e-visa before traveling to avoid possible airport lines and delays.
Saudi work visa for UK citizens
Employment visa
Saudi employer applies for the Saudi employment visa, with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Labor, on the UK national’s behalf.
If the Saudi work permit is approved, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will issue a visa authorization number
Sponsorship letter
UK national must have an invitation letter by a Saudi Arabian organization or company that is certified by MOFA and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
The sponsorship letter must indicate the UK citizen’s name, position, block visa number, and date.
Diploma
The UK national must have a certified and notarized copy of their university degree or training/technical diploma that is authenticated by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission.
Employment contract
An employment contract that is signed by both the UK employee and Saudi employer and certified by MOFA and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
Power of Attorney
Saudi MOFA shall issue digital power of attorney from the Saudi employer.
Visa referral note
A visa referral note must be issued by Saudi MOFA that states Saudi work visa number and date.
Health report
The UK citizen must submit 3 copies of a recent medical report, issued within the last 3 months by a licensed physician, bearing the doctor’s license number and address, complete with lab results that prove the UK citizen is disease-free.
Police report
The UK national must submit a recent police report, issued at least 6 months before applying for the Saudi work visa, that details the UK national’s criminal record or lack thereof.
Medical Insurance
The UK citizen should purchase health insurance from Saudi Arabia
Passport
The UK national must have a passport valid for 6 months from the date of travel to Saudi Arabia, with 2 blank pages for official use that are facing each other.
Application
The UK citizen should apply for their Saudi work visa by filling out the Saudi work visa application form on the Saudi MOFA portal and then submit the application and required documents by mail or in person at their nearest Saudi embassy or representation office abroad.
How to apply for a Saudi visa
Saudi tourist visa for UK citizens
Submit application form
The UK national fills out the online Saudi e-visa application form, complete with personal data, passport details, and other requested information.
Pay fees online
The UK citizen pays the Saudi e-visa fees securely online, with a valid credit or debit card.
Receive approved visa
If approved, the Saudi e-Visa will be sent directly to the email that was provided. Check that all Saudi e-visa information is correct and matches the passport
Saudi work visa for UK nationals
Apply for Saudi work visa
- Saudi employer applies to MOFA for a Saudi work visa on the UK national’s behalf
- UK worker fills out the Saudi work visa application on the Saudi MOFA portal, complete with personal data and other requested information. UK applicant should then print the Saudi work visa application form, sign it where necessary, and affix personal photos.
- UK applicant pays the Saudi work visa fees online on the Saudi MOFA portal, using a valid credit or debit card.
Submit work visa
UK citizen submits Saudi job visa application and required documents by mailing them or visiting the nearest Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office abroad.
Receive work visa
If approved, the Saudi work visa can be retrieved from the Saudi Arabia embassy or representation office where the UK citizen applied.
Check that all the visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.
Apply for residence permit
While traveling to Saudi Arabia, during the 90-day permitted stay, the UK worker should apply for a Saudi residence permit with the Saudi Ministry of Labor.
Processing time
Applying for a Saudi Arabia e-visa is a very fast process. Once approved, UK nationals can receive their Saudi Arabia tourist e-visa within 24 hours. Other types of Saudi visas can take up to several days or weeks, depending on the Saudi visa type being applied for. We advise you to start your Saudi visa application as early as possible, in order to avoid possible delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Visa extension
UK Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia
British Embassy Riyadh:
Address: PO Box 94351, 11693 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Telephone: +966 (0) 11 481 9100
British Consulate General Jeddah:
Address: P.O. Box 393, 21411 Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 (0)11 481 9100
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in United Kingdom:
Address: 30 Charles Street, London W1J 5DZ
Telephone: 00442079173000
Saudi visas for UK citizens FAQ
Is the Saudi visa open to British nationals?
Yes, UK nationals are eligible to apply online for the Saudi tourist e-visa at SaudiVisa.com. UK citizens wishing to work in Saudi Arabia can apply for the appropriate Saudi work or business visa, depending on the nature of work or employment in Saudi Arabia. Depending on the purpose of your visit to Saudi Arabia, British nationals can apply for several types of Saudi visit visas at their nearest Saudi Arabia embassy, consulate or VAC.
How can I get a Saudi visa from the UK?
UK nationals can apply online for the Saudi tourist e-visa at SaudiVisa.com. Depending on the purpose of your trip to Saudi Arabia, UK citizens can apply for other various short or long-term Saudi visit visas at their nearest Saudi Arabia embassy, consulate or VAC. Saudi transit visas can be applied for through the airlines on which you are traveling.