Visa for United Kingdom from Saudi Arabia
Citizens of Saudi Arabia wishing to travel to the UK must be in possession of a UK travel permit. There are several types of travel authorization available for travel to the UK.
Do I need a visa to enter the UK from Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is a long-standing partner of the United Kingdom. Saudi Arabian nationals can obtain an English visa to travel to the UK. If the reason for the stay is tourism, a Saudi Arabian citizen can apply for an English tourist visa.
For stays of less than 6 months: Saudi Arabian citizens no longer require a visa. Since February 2024, a citizen of Saudi Arabia can travel by simply applying for ETA online.
Do I need ETA authorization from Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is one of the countries authorized to travel with an ETA. A Saudi Arabian national is therefore eligible to apply for a UK ETA. The turnaround time is very short. UK ETA authorization is valid for 2 years for stays of up to 6 consecutive months in the UK.
Do I need a visa to stop over in the UK?
There are two ways for a Saudi Arabian national to stop over in the UK:
- Saudi travellers can apply for a transit visa to make a stopover;
- Saudi travelers can now travel with an ETA UK authorization to stop over in England without a visa.
How much does a visa cost from Saudi Arabia?
The price of a UK visa from Saudi Arabia depends on the type of visa you choose. The fee for a tourist visitor visa of up to 6 months is £115. For longer stays, visa fees are higher.
For a citizen of Saudi Arabia, the cost of obtaining an ETA for the UK is therefore less than the cost of a visa: the price of an ETA is £10, or around 12 euros.
How do I obtain a visa for the United Kingdom from Saudi Arabia?
To obtain an English visa, Saudi nationals must follow an online visa application procedure. This process comprises several stages:
- Choose the type of visa according to the purpose of the trip;
- Gather the necessary supporting documents;
- Fill in the online visa application form ;
- Pay visa fees;
- Make an appointment with the British Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
- Submit documents to finalize visa application;
- Participate in a visa interview if required.