Saudi Arabia to United Kingdom visa requirements

Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holders do NOT need a traditional visa for short tourist visits to the UK, but they MUST obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs £20, is valid for 2 years (or until the passport expires), allows multiple entries of up to 6 months per stay, and is applied for online or via the UK ETA app. Since 22 February 2024, Saudi nationals have been able to travel to the UK for short stays under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which replaced the earlier Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). For tourism, business, study, or visits of up to 6 months, a Saudi ordinary passport holder does not need a visit visa — instead they must secure an ETA before boarding. The ETA is a digital pre-travel authorisation linked electronically to the passport; airlines verify it before boarding, and since 25 February 2026 travellers without one risk being refused boarding. The fee is £20 per person (raised from £16 on 8 April 2026), and it covers everyone including babies and children. The authorisation permits multiple journeys for up to 6 months at a time over a 2-year period, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most decisions are issued quickly (often within minutes to hours via the UK ETA app), but applicants are advised to apply at least 3 working days before travel. The UK is NOT part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to UK entry. A full UK visit visa is only required for stays longer than 6 months or for activities not permitted as a visitor (e.g. paid work).