UK travel visa for Saudi Arabian nationals

Are you a citizen or resident of Saudi Arabia and would like to travel to the UK? Find out about the formalities to be complied with, the ETA system, the types of visa available and the steps involved in submitting your application.

Do I need a visa to travel from Saudi Arabia to the UK?

As of February 22, 2024, Saudi nationals no longer need a UK tourist visa to travel to the UK. Saudi citizens can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization which allows them to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

To obtain this authorization, they must complete the online ETA form.

This electronic travel authorisation allows you to stay in the United Kingdom for :

How do I apply for an ETA for the UK from Saudi Arabia?

Applying for an ETA in the UK is simple and 100% online:

  1. Go to the official portal: gov.uk/eta
  2. Fill in the form with the traveler’s personal information.
  3. Upload a photo (selfie type) directly via the form or mobile application.
  4. Pay the fee of around £16 (€19) by credit card.
  5. Receive your ETA by e-mail within a few minutes to a maximum of 3 days.

The ETA is valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires. It allows multiple entries into the UK during this period.

Who can request an ETA from Saudi Arabia?

The ETA is only available to Saudi citizens holding a biometric passport. Foreign residents in Saudi Arabia who are not citizens of an eligible country must apply for a British visa at the British consulate.

Do I need a visa if I don’t meet the ETA requirements?

Yes. If you are :

you need to apply for a classic British visa.

Where can I apply for a UK visa from Saudi Arabia?

Visa applications can be made on the official website www.gov.uk. After submitting the form and payment, you will need to make an appointment at a TLScontact or VFS Global center at :

You will need to present your original documents and take biometric fingerprints.

What types of visa are available?

If you are unable to obtain an ETA, you may apply for one of the following visas:

Can I travel to the UK from Saudi Arabia without a visa?

No, even for simple airport transit without exit, Saudi citizens must obtain ETA authorization before departing to a destination via the UK.

There are two ways for a Saudi Arabian national to stop over in the UK: