🇸🇦 → 🇬🇧
Do Saudi citizens need a visa for UK?

Saudi citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter UK.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

From 2025, Saudi citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits.

Last verified: 2026-05-24 · Source: official government page

At a glance

Visa type	UK ETA
Maximum stay	Up to 6 months
Processing time	Usually minutes, up to 3 working days
Application fee	£20 (raised April 2026)
Passport validity required	Valid for stay
Where to apply	UK ETA app or gov.uk
Apply up to	At least 3 working days before travel; valid 2 years

How to apply, step by step

Download UK ETA app or apply via gov.uk.
Scan passport.
Take selfie.
Answer suitability questions.
Pay £20.
Receive ETA by email.

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Document checklist

Saudi biometric passport
Credit/debit card
Email

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Frequently asked questions

Is ETA a visa?

No — a pre-travel authorisation, similar to US ESTA.

What happens if I overstay?

Fines, possible re-entry bans, and complications for future applications.

About this page

Cross-checked against the official government source linked above and the Wikipedia article on visa policy of UK. Verified weekly against three independent sources.

See what changed in UK entry rules in the last 90 days →

Plan your trip to UK

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🇸🇦 → 🇬🇧 Do Saudi citizens need a visa for UK?