Visiting Saudi Arabia as a foreign tourist is much easier than its ever been before. Since the launch of the eVisa program for Saudi Arabia in 2019 the process of obtaining a Saudi visa much easier and quicker than it used to be.
This measure has opened up the country to international tourism for the first time in its history and allows foreign visitors to easily apply for travel authorization before a trip to the country. The new electronic visa for Saudi Arabia allows citizens of 49 nationalities, including the United Kingdom, to spend up to 90 days in the country.
Travel To Saudi Arabia From the UK With An Online Visa
Up until the launch of the Saudi Arabia eVisa, it was quite difficult for UK citizens to obtain a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. Moreover, most temporary visas issued by the country were granted for religious or business purposes.
However, the new eVisa eliminates the need to visit a Saudi embassy in person to obtain a tourist visa. This means obtaining a travel authorization for Saudi Arabia entirely online, reducing fees and waiting times.
Visa Requirements From The United Kingdom
Travelers who wish to visit the Kingdom for tourism purposes must meet the following Saudi visa requirements for UK citizens. In doing so, they will be able to successfully complete their eVisa application and obtain their Saudi eVisa online. This includes:
- A current passport issued by the UK with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia
- A current email address to receive the Saudi Arabia eVisa and notifications regarding an application
- A debit or credit card to pay the application fee
Additionally, British tourists applying for a Saudi Arabia eVisa will need to provide details of an accommodation address in the Kingdom. This doesn’t mean, however, that you will need to provide proof of having booked accommodation.
How to Apply For a Saudi Visa As A UK Passport Holder
The eVisa online application for Saudi Arabia is designed to only take minutes. Applicants will find it a quick and straightforward process that can be completed from anywhere in the world with a reliable internet connection.
Brits can apply for a visa to Saudi Arabia for UK citizens for tourism purposes online, ahead of their trip to the country. Tourists are advised to request their eVisa at least 72 hours prior to their intended date of departure from the UK, in order to account for processing time.
Once you have the required supporting documents at hand, you can begin the application.
The online application form will ask applicants for personal information such as:
- Surname
- First name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Country of birth
- Country of citizenship
Remember that providing accurate and complete information on the application form is essential to prevent delays and even rejections of your eVisa.
You will also need to include passport information including:
- Country of passport
- Passport number
- Date of issue
- Expiry date
Finally, you will be asked to provide the following contact details:
- An email address
- A mobile phone number
Applicants can then review the application and pay the relevant fees via debit or credit card. The price of a visa for Saudi Arabia from the United Kingdom includes the purchase of medical insurance, which will be approved for the traveler once the visa is accepted and transmitted. All partner health insurance companies are licensed and certified in Saudi Arabia and the insurance will only cover emergency cases.
Once your application is processed, you will receive information regarding the Saudi immigration authorities’ decision via email. Most eVisas for Saudi Arabia are approved within 24 hours, although some applications may take up to 72 hours, or more.