Saudi Arabia Visa for UK Citizens
Citizens of the United Kingdom who want to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia need to apply for a visa before their trip. A Saudi visa is an official travel document that allows UK citizens to enter Saudi Arabia for specific purposes, including tourism, business, religious pilgrimages, work, study, and visiting family and friends.
The most common type of Saudi visa is the Saudi eVisa. The Saudi eVisa allows UK travelers to enter Saudi Arabia for tourism-related activities, including Umrah pilgrimage, except during the Hajj season. The Saudi eVisa for British nationals is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days in Saudi Arabia. Applications for the eVisa can be completed online, prior to traveling to Saudi Arabia.
UK citizens also have other visa options available to them, including Employment Visas, Business Visas, and visas for performing Hajj or Umrah. The permitted activities and the permitted duration of stay vary depending on the visa type. 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.
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Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Saudi Arabia?
Obtaining a visa is a must, and UK citizens will not be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia without one, regardless of how long they plan to stay or why they are visiting the country. The type of visa that is required will depend on the applicant’s reason for visiting Saudi Arabia.
For short-term visits to Saudi Arabia for tourism purposes, attending events, certain business activities, and performing Umrah outside of Hajj season, UK citizens are eligible to apply for the Saudi eVisa. Although UK citizens are eligible to obtain a Saudi visa-on-arrival, it is always recommended to apply online prior to travel, in order to avoid long airport lines and delays.
As well as the tourist eVisa, other common visa options for visiting Saudi Arabia include:
- Business Visit Visa
- Employment Visa
- Student Visa
- Residence Visa
- Family Visit Visa
- Hajj and Umrah Visas
Saudi Visas for UK Citizens
UK nationals wishing to visit Saudi Arabia for short or long-term stays, such as employment, business activities, family visits, pilgrimage, or transit, should apply for the appropriate Saudi visa prior to their intended visit to Saudi Arabia. Depending on the purpose of travel to Saudi Arabia, UK citizens can apply for the following types of Saudi visas:
Tourist eVisa
The tourist eVisa is designed for UK nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia for tourism activities. It can also be used for business, visiting family and friends, and performing Umrah. UK nationals are eligible to apply online for the Saudi eVisa, which allows for multiple visits to Saudi Arabia within the one-year validity period, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days.
Business Visit Visa
Saudi companies can request a Business Visit Visa to Saudi Arabia, for a UK national in a managerial position who has a business relationship with the company, to enable that individual to visit Saudi Arabia for business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or corporate visits.
Employment visa
Employment visas are issued to UK citizens who have a signed employment contract from a Saudi company. To apply for the visa, the applicant must also provide a letter from the Saudi company sponsoring them to work and live in Saudi Arabia. Once the Employment visa is granted, the applicant can apply for a Saudi residence permit, which allows for long-term living in the country.
Student visa
For UK nationals who have been accepted into a school or university in Saudi Arabia. Student visas are valid for the duration of the academic program.
Residence visa
A Saudi visa for British citizens who wish to stay in Saudi Arabia for a long period of time.
Premium residency visa
Allows UK citizens and their families to settle in Saudi Arabia for a limited or indefinite amount of time. The visa requires an investment of 100,000 SAR per year, or 800,000 SAR for indefinite residency. It allows UK citizens to reside in Saudi Arabia, own property, invest, work, and conduct business.
Family visit visa
This visa allows Saudi nationals or legal residents to invite a first-degree relative to Saudi Arabia for a short-term visit.
Umrah visa
The visa for Umrah from the UK allows Muslims from the UK to visit Saudi Arabia to perform the religious pilgrimage of Umrah, as long as it is outside of the Hajj season. The Umrah visa allows the holder to visit Makkah and Madinah to perform the Umrah rituals.
Hajj visa
The Hajj visa is available to Muslims from the UK who wish to visit Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) and is mandatory for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to do it.
Transit visa
A transit visa is a temporary visa for UK travelers who are transiting through Saudi Arabia and will be in the country for more than 12 hours. There are different types of transit visas, depending on whether you are traveling by air, land, or sea.
Saudi Tourist eVisa for UK Citizens
The Saudi Tourist eVisa, also known as the electronic Saudi Arabia Tourist visa, is a type of electronic visa that gives UK citizens travel authorization to visit Saudi Arabia for specific purposes, including:
- Tourism
- Visiting family and friends
- Attending cultural events, festivals, concerts, and sporting events
- Performing Umrah, outside of Hajj
- Certain business activities
The eVisa program was introduced in September 2019 in an attempt to boost tourism to Saudi Arabia and make the visa process quicker and easier for applicants. The eVisa is available to citizens of many countries, including the UK.
The eVisa is the most popular visa option in the UK and has many advantages over more traditional visa options, including:
- The application is quick and easy and only takes a few minutes to complete.
- There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate to get your visa approved.
- Applications are processed quickly, typically within 72 hours.
- The eVisa has a long validity period of one year.
- It allows multiple visits to Saudi Arabia within the validity period.
Requirements
When applying for a Saudi eVisa, UK citizens should prepare the following documents to support their application:
Saudi Tourist Visa for UK Citizens
The eVisa online application requires applicants to provide the following documents:
A completed application form
UK nationals can complete the Saudi visa online application form on our website. It is essential that the application form is completed fully and that the applicant is as honest and accurate as possible.
Passport
Applicants must hold a UK passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entering Saudi Arabia. A scanned copy of the passport must be uploaded as part of the application process.
Personal photo
UK nationals must submit one recent color photo taken against a white background. The applicant should ensure the photo was taken recently and reflects their true appearance, they have a neutral facial expression, and no headwear except for religious reasons.
Saudi Work Visa for UK Citizens
As well as the above documents, the Saudi Employment Visa has additional documentation requirements that applicants must comply with, including:
Original letter from the Saudi company
An original letter from the Saudi company that is sponsoring the applicant is required. The letter must indicate the name of the applicant, the position within the company, the date, and the block visa number. The letter must be certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Employment contract
A signed copy of the employment contract, certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is required. The contract must be signed by the sponsor and the applicant.
Certificate of degree and/or diploma
Certified and notarized copies of relevant university degrees or diplomas must also be provided. The copies must be authenticated and notarized before they are submitted.
Medical report
Three copies of a signed medical report and any relevant lab results must be submitted. The report must be from within the last three months and must be issued and signed by a licensed authorized medical professional. The report must also include three passport-sized photographs.
Police report
A police report issued within the last six months must be submitted with details regarding any criminal background.
Employment visa 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 submitting the application and required documents by mail or in person at their nearest Saudi embassy or representation office abroad.
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 submitting 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 from the UK
The application process for a Saudi visa varies, depending on the type of visa that is being applied for. It is important to ensure you follow the correct process, depending on the type of visa:
Saudi Tourist Visa for UK Citizens
Citizens of the United Kingdom wishing to travel to Saudi Arabia from the UK for tourism activities can apply online in four simple steps:
Complete the application form
The applicant should complete the online Saudi eVisa application form with all the requested information, including their personal information, passport information, contact information, and details about their visit to Saudi Arabia.
Upload the required documentation
The applicant must upload a scanned copy of their passport and a personal photograph that complies with all the specifications. Uploads should be a maximum of 5MB and be in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or PDF format.
Pay the Saudi Arabia visa fee
The applicant must then pay the application fee of USD199. Payment can be made using debit or credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Submit the application
Once the application is complete and you have checked carefully for errors, the application can then be submitted. A tracking reference number will be sent to the email address, and once the application has been approved, the eVisa will be sent to the applicant electronically, via email.
Saudi Arabia Work Visa for UK Nationals
Unlike the eVisa, which is completed solely by the applicant, for an Employment Visa, the Saudi employer applies to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the UK national’s behalf.
However, the UK applicant is required to fill out the Saudi work visa application on the Saudi MOFA portal. The applicant should log into the MOFA portal, choose “single entry”, and carefully complete all parts of the application with personal data. The UK applicant should then print the Saudi work visa application form, sign it where necessary, and affix personal photos. It is also necessary to pay the relevant visa fees.
The applicant will then need to prepare all the documents listed above. The documents should be printed out and mailed or given in person to the Saudi Arabian embassy. For individuals applying from the UK, this would be the Consular Section of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London.
If approved, the Saudi work visa can be retrieved from the Saudi Arabian embassy or sent back to you by post. It is important to check that all the visa information is correct and matches the information on your passport.
British citizens working in Saudi Arabia will also need an Iqama (residency permit) to allow them to live and work in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi company sponsoring the visa will need to apply for the Iqama within three months of the employee arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Processing Time
Applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa is a very fast process. The majority of applications are processed within 72 hours, and once approved, UK nationals typically receive their Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa within 24 hours.
If applying for another type of Saudi visa from the UK, the process can be longer and can take several days, weeks, or even months, depending on the Saudi visa type being applied for and the complexity of the application. It is recommended to start your Saudi visa application as early as possible to account for any possible delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Saudi Visa Fees
The cost of a Saudi Arabia visa for UK citizens can vary, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. If you apply for the eVisa on our website, the cost is $199, which encompasses both the Saudi government fees and our professional service fees.
Visa Extension
The Saudi eVisa is usually issued to UK citizens as a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, permitting stays in Saudi Arabia of up to 90 days. The visa is not extendable, and if you use up the 90 days, you have to exit Saudi Arabia and re-enter. If your visa has expired, you must leave Saudi Arabia. You can then apply for a new eVisa online and re-enter the country at another time.
UK Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia
Address: Diplomatic Quarter British Embassy PO Box 94351 11693 Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966-11-4819100
Fax: +966-11-4819350
Email: [email protected]
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom
Address: 30 Charles Street London W1J 5ZD United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7917 3000
Email: [email protected]
Entry Points and Arrival Process
- King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)
- King Fahd International Airport (Dammam)
- Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (Madinah)
- Select entry points at seaports and land borders
- Passport and eVisa verification: Immigration officers will verify your passport and electronically issued eVisa.
- Biometric capture: Fingerprints and facial recognition may be collected at immigration counters.
- Health checks (if required): Depending on current health regulations and the type of visa, you may be asked to present vaccination records or undergo health screening.
- Customs clearance: Standard baggage and customs inspection before exit.
Can UK Citizens Perform Umrah with the eVisa?
UK citizens can perform Umrah using the Saudi tourist eVisa, as long as it is outside the Hajj season. The eVisa allows entry for tourism and religious purposes, including visits to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah.
Alternatively, you can opt for a specific Umrah visa. With the Umrah visa, travel is restricted to Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, and visiting other cities is not allowed. The cost of the Umrah visa from the UK can vary, but it is typically more expensive than the eVisa. The Umrah visa price from the UK can vary depending on the travel agency and the type of Umrah package you choose.
It is important to note that the tourist eVisa cannot be used for Hajj. Hajj requires a special Hajj visa, which is only issued through authorized travel agencies and under strict quotas and conditions set by the Saudi government.
Saudi Arabia Visa for UK Residents
UK residents with permanent residency status or UK business or tourist visa holders are eligible for the Saudi eVisa, based on their residency or visa status in the UK. This means they can apply for the eVisa using their UK visa or residency status. UK residents or visa holders can apply for a single-entry visa for Saudi Arabia or a multiple-entry visa.
Applicants will need to provide evidence of their residency or visa status in the UK. This could be a biometric residence permit (BRP) for those who were granted residency status before 31st October, 2024, a UK residence card, an eVisa, or physical visa documents. The visa or residency permits must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry into Saudi Arabia. To be eligible for the Saudi eVisa, UK visa holders must have used their UK visa at least once and have an entry stamp in their passport from the UK.
Most UK residents or visa holders are eligible for the Saudi eVisa. However, some nationalities are excluded from the eVisa program, even if they have UK residency or a UK visa. Instead, they must apply for a different type of visa through traditional channels, such as an embassy, consulate, or authorized visa office. These nationalities include:
- Chad
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Libya
- Palestine
- Syria
Tips for UK Travelers Visiting Saudi Arabia
- Respect local customs and Islamic traditions. For example, dress modestly (especially in public) and be aware of prayer times.
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited, and possession, consumption, or importation can lead to severe penalties.
- Avoid public criticism of religion, the government, or the royal family.
- Public displays of affection are discouraged and may be considered offensive.
- Carry your passport and a copy of your eVisa at all times, as random ID checks may occur.
- The meningitis vaccine is mandatory for Hajj pilgrims. Other vaccination requirements may also apply.
- Avoid restricted areas, such as Mecca and Medina, unless you are a Muslim (non-Muslims are prohibited).
FAQs
Do UK citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, UK citizens need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia, regardless of their reason for visiting the country, and will need to complete the relevant Saudi visa application. UK nationals are eligible to apply online for the Saudi tourist eVisa. Alternatively, British nationals can apply for the specific type of Saudi visa required at their nearest Saudi Arabian embassy, consulate, or visa application center. For example, UK citizens wishing to conduct business or work in Saudi Arabia can apply for the appropriate Saudi business visa or employment visa.
Is the Saudi visa on arrival for UK BRP holders?
Biometric residence permits (BRPs) are residency cards that were previously used in the UK to prove the individual’s immigration status, for example, living or working in the UK. Although the BRP system is being replaced by eVisas in the UK, BRP holders can currently still apply for an eVisa or a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia using their BRP card.
How much is the Saudi Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Tourist visa costs $199 on our website, which includes the Saudi government fees and our professional service fees.
How long does it take to get a Saudi visa?
UK nationals applying online for the Saudi eVisa will receive their approved Saudi eVisa within 24 hours. Other Saudi visas take longer to be fully processed and issued, depending on the Saudi visa type being applied for.
What is the Saudi Arabia electronic visa waiver?
The eVisa waiver (EVW) allows eligible visitors from the UK to travel to Saudi Arabia without a visa. It allows for a single entry into Saudi Arabia for up to six months. It is designed for people who need to stay in Saudi Arabia for longer than the 90 days permitted with the eVisa.