Saudi citizens can generally visit United Kingdom without a visa

As of 2026-08-16

Up to 6 months visa-free stay (verify entry conditions before travel)

Processing

Minutes

Fee

£20

Max Stay

6 months

Apply At

UK Visa & Immigration →

Last updated: 2026-08-16 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

United Kingdom Visa Overview for Saudi Citizens

Saudi citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit United Kingdom. UK ETA required. Saudi Arabia (GCC) added to ETA scheme.. The ETA costs £20 and can be applied for online before departure.

The application is a quick online process that typically takes only a few minutes to complete. Approvals are usually processed within Minutes. Once granted, the authorization is electronically linked to the passport — no need to print a separate document.

With an approved authorization, Saudi travelers can stay in United Kingdom for up to 6 months. Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds.

Entry Requirements

Documents and conditions you will need when entering United Kingdom

Passport valid for the duration of your stay in the UK (the UK does not require 6 months validity, but your passport must not expire during your visit)
Visa grant letter
Return or onward travel tickets
Proof of accommodation
Evidence of sufficient funds
Approved ETA/eTA/ESTA linked to passport (save confirmation email)

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Available Visa Types for Saudi Citizens

Standard Visitor Visa

For tourism, visiting family, business meetings (up to 6 months)

3 weeks£135

Student Visa

For studying at a UK educational institution

3 weeks£558 + £776/yr IHS

Work Visa (Skilled Worker)

For employment with a UK employer

3-8 weeks£819-£1,618

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How to Apply

Visit the official United Kingdom ETA/eTA website

Complete the online application with your passport details and travel information

Pay the ETA fee of £20 by credit or debit card

Receive confirmation by email (typically within Minutes)

The ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no printing required

Travel to United Kingdom and present your passport at immigration

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Stay Rules & Conditions

Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds
Maximum stay is 6 months per visit
Cannot switch to most other visa types from within the UK
Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — the UK requires validity for the duration of your stay, but airlines may enforce stricter rules
Forgetting to apply before departure — ETAs must be approved before you board your flight

Important Notes for Saudi Applicants

Apply at least 72 hours before departure to allow for processing
Saudi Arabia is on the UK ETA list — a £20 Electronic Travel Authorisation applied for online covers stays of up to 6 months, so no UK visa is needed
Germany routes all Schengen applications from Saudi Arabia through TLScontact (Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar) — most other member states use VFS Global in the same cities, so confirm the provider before booking
The UAE, Singapore, Thailand, China, Turkey, and Malaysia are visa-free for Saudi passport holders; the EU has discussed a visa-free arrangement but a Schengen visa is still required
Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds
Maximum stay is 6 months per visit

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Saudi citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?

Saudi citizens need an electronic travel authorization (ETA/eTA/ESTA) for United Kingdom, which can be applied for online. The fee is £20. This is not a full visa — it is completed online.

How long can Saudi citizens stay in United Kingdom?

With an approved visa, Saudi citizens may stay in United Kingdom for 6 months. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.

Can Saudi citizens work in United Kingdom on a tourist visa?

No. A tourist visa does not permit paid employment in United Kingdom, including freelancing or working for local employers. Remote work for overseas employers is a legal gray area that varies by country — do not assume it is permitted. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future visa bans. A separate work permit or visa is required for any employment.

Can Saudi citizens extend their UK visa?

Standard Visitor visa holders generally cannot extend their stay beyond 6 months or switch to another visa type from within the UK. If you need to stay longer, you would typically need to leave and apply for a new visa from your home country. Overstaying has serious consequences for future UK visa applications.