United Kingdom
Saudi ArabiaDo United Kingdom citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
ETA required · 180 days per year (consecutive or cumulative across visits), multiple entries
For an ordinary United Kingdom passport visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or transit (short stay up to 30 days).
Reviewed and cross-checked· Last verified 5 July 2026
Short-stay rules at a glance
- Visa requirement
- ETA required
- Max stay
- 180 days per year (consecutive or cumulative across visits), multiple entries
- Entry type
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
- Passport validity
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Requirements
- Apply for the Saudi Electronic Travel Authorization online before travel
- Available to holders of all types of UK passports
- Does not cover work, residence, or Hajj — the relevant visa must be obtained separately
- Notes
- Announced by the Saudi MFA on 25 Jun 2026, in effect from 1 Jul 2026, reciprocal to the UK ETA for Saudi citizens. Covers tourism, short-term study, and business. The SPA release does not state that the SAR 480 eVisa is withdrawn for UK nationals; the ETA is the announced primary short-stay pathway.
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Frequently asked questions
Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia?
Based on GoMate's data verified against official and consular sources, the short-stay rule for an ordinary United Kingdom passport entering Saudi Arabia is "ETA required", for stays of up to 180 days per year (consecutive or cumulative across visits), multiple entries. This covers short visits for tourism, business, or transit. Entry requirements can change, so always confirm with the Saudi Arabia embassy before traveling.
How long can United Kingdom citizens stay in Saudi Arabia?
Under current regulations, United Kingdom passport holders may stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 180 days per year (consecutive or cumulative across visits), multiple entries per entry on a short-stay basis (tourism, business, or transit). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so plan to leave within the permitted period.
How do United Kingdom citizens apply for a Saudi Arabia visa, step by step?
United Kingdom passport holders must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before departure. Apply through Saudi Arabia's official ETA system, pay the fee, and travel once it is approved — approval is usually quick. Be ready to provide: Apply for the Saudi Electronic Travel Authorization online before travel; Available to holders of all types of UK passports; Does not cover work, residence, or Hajj — the relevant visa must be obtained separately.
What documents do United Kingdom citizens need to enter Saudi Arabia?
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Additional requirements: Apply for the Saudi Electronic Travel Authorization online before travel; Available to holders of all types of UK passports; Does not cover work, residence, or Hajj — the relevant visa must be obtained separately. Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, as these may be checked at the border.
Can United Kingdom citizens work in Saudi Arabia on this entry?
No. Short-stay entry to Saudi Arabia is intended for tourism, business meetings, and transit — it does not permit paid employment. To work in Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom citizens need a separate work visa or permit arranged in advance.
Can United Kingdom citizens extend their stay in Saudi Arabia?
The 180 days per year (consecutive or cumulative across visits), multiple entries short-stay limit is generally firm. Extensions are sometimes possible by applying to the Saudi Arabia immigration authorities before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so do not rely on it.
Is this Saudi Arabia visa rule for United Kingdom citizens up to date?
This rule was last reviewed on 5 July 2026. Visa policies change frequently — always confirm the final requirements with the Saudi Arabia embassy or government before you travel.
Visa policies change without notice. Always confirm the final requirements directly with the Saudi Arabia embassy or government before travel.