Embassy
Saudi Arabia visa requirements for British citizens
British citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to Saudi Arabia.
Passport
GBR
United Kingdom
Going to
SAU
Saudi Arabia
eTA needed
A short online form, not a full visa.
- Visa
- eTA
- Max stay
- 180 days (6 months)
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Check your passport stamps
Visa or entry may be refused if the passport contains an Israeli stamp, visa or if the holder also has Israeli citizenship (see Israeli stamps).
Special rules for British citizens in Saudi Arabia
British citizens can use an ETA for Saudi Arabia
- Get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) instead of a visa.
- The ETA allows one entry and stays up to 6 months.
- Use it for tourism, business, education or medical visits.
- You can also get an e-Visa or visa on arrival.
What to do
Apply for the eTA on Saudi Arabia's official government website, never a reseller.
Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
The eTA links to your passport number, so travel on the same passport.
Get your Saudi Arabia visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Saudi Arabia
Apply online if eligible, or through a Saudi embassy.
eVisa For your passportTourist eVisa by nationalityAn online tourist visa for people from countries on the official list.
- Stay
- 90 days
- Valid for
- 365 days
- Fee
- SAR 300
- Entries
- Multiple
How to apply
- Check your country on the official tourist eVisa site.
- Fill in the form; have an adult apply for children.
- Pay the charges shown.
- Save the emailed visa and carry a copy.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days from entry
- eVisa copy
- Proof of money for your stay
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Fingerprints
- The 90 days cover all visits combined; you cannot extend this visa.
- Use your application passport; work, study and Hajj are not allowed.
Visa not requiredVisa-free Gulf citizensCitizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can enter without a visa.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Check that your citizenship qualifies.
- Show your accepted travel document at the border.
Documents required
- Accepted travel document
- Living in a Gulf country does not give you this visa-free entry.
eVisaeVisa through foreign visaAn online tourist visa based on a qualifying foreign visa you have used.
- Fee
- Check the charges shown
How to apply
- Choose your foreign visa in KSA Visa's visa finder.
- Add your passport, visa and proof of previous use.
- Fill in the form and pay the charges shown.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days
- Current tourist or business visa
- Proof of entry using that visa
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Fingerprints
- Your foreign visa must still be valid and used to enter its country.
- Check the Saudi visa for stay, validity and number of entries.
eVisaeVisa through permanent residenceAn online tourist visa based on your right to live abroad permanently.
- Fee
- Check the charges shown
How to apply
- Choose permanent residence in KSA Visa's visa finder.
- Add your passport and proof of permanent residence.
- Fill in the form and pay the charges shown.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days
- Proof of permanent residence
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Fingerprints
- A temporary residence permit does not qualify.
- The rules also cover parents, children and spouses travelling with you.
eVisaeVisa for Gulf residentsAn online tourist visa for eligible people living in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
- Fee
- Check the charges shown
How to apply
- Choose Gulf residence in the official visa finder.
- Enter your passport and residence details.
- Check whether you qualify, including any job rules.
- Fill in the form and pay the charges shown.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days
- Gulf residence permit valid 90 days
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Fingerprints
- Confirm any job rules in the visa finder before applying.
- Gulf residence alone does not allow visa-free entry.
Visa on arrivalArrival visa by nationalityA tourist visa at the border for people from approved countries.
- Fee
- SAR 300
How to apply
- Check arrival eligibility in the official visa finder.
- Confirm with your airline before you leave.
- Bring your passport and required papers.
- Complete visa checks, fingerprinting and payment on arrival.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Fingerprints
- Do not assume the online eVisa country list also applies here.
- Check your visa for stay, validity and number of entries.
Visa on arrivalArrival visa through foreign statusA tourist visa on arrival based on a qualifying foreign visa or residence.
How to apply
- Check your visa or residence route before departure.
- Bring your passport and proof that you qualify.
- Show your papers and get your visa on arrival.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days
- Used US/UK/Schengen tourist or business visa
- Or US/UK/EU permanent residence proof
- Medical insurance
- Travel insurance
- Fingerprints
- Foreign visas must remain valid and have been used to enter their country.
- The rules also cover parents, children and spouses travelling with you.
Visa requiredEmbassy tourist visaA tourist visa for people who cannot use online or arrival routes.
- Stay
- 30–90 days
- Fee
- SAR 300
How to apply
- Check how to apply with your Saudi embassy.
- Fill in the form and gather your papers.
- Submit as instructed and pay the charges.
- Check your visa's dates, stay and number of entries.
Documents required
- Passport valid 180 days from entry
- Return flight booking, unless entering overland
- Flight plan, unless entering by sea
- Place to stay
- Home address and personal details
- Proof of employment
- Bank statement or salary proof
- Medical insurance
- Hotel booking
- Travel insurance
- Fingerprints
- The embassy's service page directs visitors to KSA Visa.
- Single entry: stay 30 days; visa valid 90 days.
- Multiple entries: stay 90 days total; visa valid 365 days.
Sources (36)Last updated 11 November 2026
- General Directorate of Passports — official agency portal; direct retrieval was unavailable during this check
- Ministry of Interior service — Extension of Visit Visa
- Official Saudi tourist eVisa portal
- Official tourist eVisa terms and conditions
- KSA Visa — Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa platform
- KSA Visa — Visa category overview
- KSA Visa — Other visa options and residency
- KSA Visa — Electronic Travel Authorization
- KSA Visa — Package Visa
- Ministry of Tourism — Tourist Visa Regulations
- Saudi Embassy in the United States — Services and KSA Visa link
- Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom — Services and KSA Visa link
- Saudi Embassy in India — Services and KSA Visa link
- National Portal — Visa and Tourism
- National Portal — Visit Visa Journey
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Transit Visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Business Visit Visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Business Visa Request
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Educational Visa
- National Portal — Educational Visa Journey
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Short-term Educational Visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Permanent Work Visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Temporary Work Visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Family Visit Visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Medical Treatment Visa Request
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs service — Personal Visit Visa
- Saudi Press Agency — New Instant eVisa Options
- Saudi Press Agency — Visitor eVisa Expansion and Stopover Visa
- Saudi Press Agency — Launch of Electronic Travel Authorization for UK Citizens
- Saudipedia — Stopover Transit Visa
- Red Sea International Airport — Immigration and Visas
- Nusuk Umrah — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah platform
- Nusuk Umrah — Terms of Use
- Nusuk Hajj — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah platform
- Ministry of Health — Pilgrim Health Requirements
- Ministry of Health — Umrah Health Requirements, 1447H (2026)
Embassies for this trip
For lost passports and emergencies.
Consulate
British Consulate General Jeddah
Jeddah
Coming from United Kingdom
- Plugs GAdapter for some
- MoneySAR ر.س
- Time+11h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageArabic
- Emergency911 police
Planning your Saudi Arabia trip
Best time to go: Winter is cooler than the very hot May–September period. Nights can fall below freezing, and rain is possible.
- MeccaOne of Islam’s holiest cities and a major pilgrimage destination. The surrounding area is closed to non-Muslims.
- MedinaA major Islamic holy city with the Prophet’s Mosque. Non-Muslims may view it from outside the perimeter fence outside the Hajj season.
- Desert landscapes and ancient ruinsThe country has extensive deserts, ancient ruins and natural landscapes to explore.
- Ta’ifThis mountain resort city has cooler summer temperatures than much of the country.
Scams to watch for in Saudi Arabia
About Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy covering most of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia.
- Capital
- Riyadh
- Money
- Saudi riyal (ر.س)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Time zone
- UTC+03:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +966
Other Europe passports
Going to Saudi Arabia
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Saudi Arabia with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for British citizens visiting Saudi Arabia?
British citizens can use an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for one entry and a stay of up to 6 months.
Do british citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
British citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to Saudi Arabia.
How long can british citizens stay in Saudi Arabia?
Up to 180 days each visit with the eta needed rule. Staying longer can mean a fine or a ban from coming back.
Where do I apply online for Saudi Arabia?
Only on Saudi Arabia's official government website. Avoid agents and look-alike sites that add fees. Apply before you book anything you can't cancel.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia with Israeli stamps in my passport?
Visa or entry may be refused if the passport contains an Israeli stamp, visa or if the holder also has Israeli citizenship (see Israeli stamps).
Do saudi arabian citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Saudi Arabian citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to the United Kingdom.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to Saudi Arabia?
North Macedonia, Russia, Albania, Andorra Austria, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Saudi Arabia are easier for british citizens?
Armenia, Georgia, Oman, Palestine Qatar, and 3 more let british citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Saudi Arabia?
Apply for the eTA on Saudi Arabia's official government website, never a reseller. Apply before you book non-refundable travel; most approvals come back quickly.
What money is used in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi riyal (ر.س). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Saudi Arabia?
Arabic.
Reviewed by @snuck