UK Visa for Saudi Citizens
Table of contents
- Table of contents
- What is a UK Visa for Saudi Citizens?
- What is a UK Visa for Saudi Citizens?
- What is the UK ETA for Saudi Citizens?
- UK Visa Types for Saudi Citizens
- UK Visa Requirements for Saudi Citizens
- UK Visa Application Process for Saudi Citizens
- UK Visa Processing Time for Saudi Citizens
- UK Visa Fees for Saudi Citizens
- UK Visa for Saudi Residents
- Visitor Statistics from Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom
- FAQs
What is a UK Visa for Saudi Citizens?
A UK visa is an official travel document that permits citizens of Saudi Arabia to enter, stay, or work in the United Kingdom for specific purposes and durations. Saudi nationals may apply for a UK visa for various reasons, including:
- Work
- Study
- Long-term stays
- Family reunification
A UK visa is always required for stays longer than six months, regardless of the reason for travel. For short-term visits of up to six months for specific purposes such as tourism or short-term study, Saudi citizens are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Saudi nationals have been eligible to apply for an ETA since February 1, 2024, for travel commencing on or after February 22, 2024.The ETA system for Saudi citizens replaced the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (UK EVW) system, which allowed for visits of up to six months without obtaining a traditional visa, provided travelers completed an online UK visa waiver application. The ETA system replaced the EVW to improve border security and entry processes into the UK.
What is a UK Visa for Saudi Citizens?
A UK visa is an official travel document that permits citizens of Saudi Arabia to enter, stay, or work in the United Kingdom for specific purposes and durations. Saudi nationals may apply for a UK visa for various reasons, including:
- Work
- Study
- Long-term stays
- Family reunification
A UK visa is always required for stays longer than six months, regardless of the reason for travel. For short-term visits of up to six months for specific purposes such as tourism or short-term study, Saudi citizens are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Saudi nationals have been eligible to apply for an ETA since February 1, 2024, for travel commencing on or after February 22, 2024.The ETA system for Saudi citizens replaced the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (UK EVW) system, which allowed for visits of up to six months without obtaining a traditional visa, provided travelers completed an online UK visa waiver application. The ETA system replaced the EVW to improve border security and entry processes into the UK.
What is the UK ETA for Saudi Citizens?
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital permission required for visa-exempt nationals, including Saudi citizens, to travel to the UK. It permits stays of up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
The ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple visits to the UK for up to six months per visit.
The UK ETA has many benefits, including:
- Cost-effective: The application fee is cheaper than applying for a traditional visa.
- Multiple entries: An ETA is valid for multiple journeys to the UK.
- Extended validity: The ETA remains valid for two years.
- Simplified application process: The application and approval process are completely online, with no need to visit a Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Quick approval: The ETA is easier and faster to obtain than a traditional visa and can be approved in a few short hours.
To apply for a UK ETA, Saudi nationals should follow the steps below:
- Complete the online application
Applicants can complete the online application form on our website and enter:
o Personal details, including full name, date of birth, and nationality.
o Contact information.
o Passport details, including the passport number, issue date, and expiry date, along with a photo of the bio page.
Applicants will also need to answer eligibility questions, such as security and background-related questions, including past travel history and any criminal record disclosures. - Upload a photo
The application requires a recent digital photo of the applicant’s face, taken within the last three months. The photo must comply with the specifications, including a color photo taken against a plain white background.
- Pay the fee
The total cost for the UK ETA is £79 and can be paid via debit or credit card. Google Pay and Apple Pay are also accepted.
- Receive the ETA
Most applications are processed within three working days, with many approved sooner. Confirmation will be sent to the email address provided in the application.
UK Visa Types for Saudi Citizens
Saudi citizens who wish to stay in the UK for extended periods or specific purposes must apply for the appropriate visa. Below are the most popular types of UK visas:
Work visa
For Saudi nationals seeking employment or business opportunities in the UK, several work visas are available:
- Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible skilled occupation.
- Health and Care Worker Visa: For medical professionals joining the UK’s healthcare sector.o Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: For workers doing an eligible job at a UK branch of their current employer.
Study visas
Intended for students who want to pursue education in the UK. Options include:
- Student Visa: For individuals aged 16 and over who have been offered a place in an approved higher education course.
- Child Student Visa: For children (aged 4-17) with an unconditional offer to an independent school in the UK.
- Short-Term Study Visa: For English Language courses between 6-11 months.
Family visa
Family visas are intended for Saudi nationals who are joining family members in the UK, including the spouses, partners, parents, and children of a UK citizen or resident.
UK Visa Requirements for Saudi Citizens
Saudi nationals applying for a UK visa from Saudi Arabia need to provide documentation to support their application. This includes:
Valid passport
Applicants require a valid passport that is valid for the entire length of stay in the UK. The passport must have at least one blank page.
Completed application form
Applicants must complete and sign the relevant UK visa online application form. Each type of visa has a different application form.
Passport-sized photograph
The application must include a recent photograph that meets the UK Visas and Immigration standards. The photo must reflect the applicant’s true appearance.
Proof of financial means
This could include bank statements, payslips, or financial sponsorship documents proving sufficient funds to cover expenses.
Travel itinerary
Some applicants will be asked to provide their travel itinerary, including confirmation of flight bookings (if applicable), accommodation details, and their planned activities.
In addition to the general UK visa requirements, specific UK visa categories require additional documents. For example, the UK work visa requirements specify that applicants must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer, along with proof of qualifications, relevant work experience, and in some cases, an English language proficiency test (e.g., IELTS). Those applying for family visas will need to provide a marriage certificate (for spouse visas) or birth certificate (for child or parent visas) to prove the relationship.
UK Visa Application Process for Saudi Citizens
The UK visa application process from Saudi Arabia is relatively straightforward. Applicants should follow the steps below.
- Determine the appropriate visa type
Applicants must first identify the correct visa category based on the purpose of travel (e.g., work, study, or family visa). They must also identify the specific type of visa within the category.
- Complete the online application
Applicants can complete the online application form on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. The application must include accurate personal details and travel information.
- Pay the visa fee
UK visa fees can be paid online during the application process, using a debit or credit card. Fees vary depending on the visa type and duration.
- Schedule a biometric appointment
Applicants need to book a biometric appointment at a VAC in Saudi Arabia to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Submit supporting documents
Applicants need to upload documents online or bring them to the VAC appointment. Documents may include a valid passport, proof of financial means, and sponsorship letters.
- Receive a decision
Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa. If approved, the visa will be stamped in the passport or issued as a digital document.
UK Visa Processing Time for Saudi Citizens
When you apply for a UK visa, the processing time can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances, but applicants can typically expect:
- Student Visa: 3 weeks
- Skilled Worker Visa: 3 weeks
- Family visa: 12 weeks
UK Visa Fees for Saudi Citizens
UK visa fees vary depending on factors such as the type of visa and the duration of stay. Below are the current application fees:
are the current application fees:
| Visa Type | Current Fee (USD) |
| Study Visas | |
| Student Visa Child Student Visa Short-Term Study Visa (English language) | $659 $659 $269 |
| Work Visas | |
| Skilled Worker Visa Health and Care Worker Visa Senior or Specialist Worker | $967 (3 years or less) $1,909 (more than 3 years) $382 (3 years or less) $741 (more than 3 years) $967 (up to 3 years or less) $1,909 (more than 3 years) |
| Family Visas | |
| Partner, parent, proposed civil partner, or child Adult dependent relative Parent of a Student Child Visa (up to 12 months) | $2,482 $4,370 $857 |
UK Visa for Saudi Residents
Saudi residents must apply for a UK visa if they are not eligible for the ETA. Residency in Saudi Arabia does not exempt individuals from UK visa requirements as eligibility depends on nationality rather than residency status.
For short-term stays of less than 6 months, including tourism, business, and family visits, Saudi residents can apply for a UK visit visa from Saudi Arabia. Alternatively, Saudi residents can apply for a different type of visa, such as a work, student, or family visa.The UK tourist visa price from Saudi Arabia, also known as the UK standard visitor visa, is currently $151. You can apply for it if you’re not a national of an ETA-eligible country and want to visit the UK for tourism or other allowed activities.
Visitor Statistics from Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom
In 2023, there was a record 286,000 visits to the UK from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian visitors to the UK spent a total of £704.4 million, making them an important contributor to the UK tourism economy. The majority of travelers from Saudi Arabia flew from Riyadh to London Heathrow.
FAQs
Saudi citizens can apply for a UK ETA online, through the application form on our website. It only takes a few short minutes and most applications are approved in a few days.
The UK government does not specify a fixed minimum bank balance required for a visitor visa. Visitors must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their entire stay in the UK (e.g. the cost of accommodation, food, and travel).
No, you only need to apply for either a UK ETA or a UK visa, depending on the purpose and length of your stay. If you are a Saudi citizen traveling to the UK for short visits, you must apply for a UK ETA instead of a visa. However, if you plan to work, study long-term, join family, or settle in the UK, you must apply for the appropriate UK visa.
The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so no physical document is issued. Your application decision will be emailed to you, making the ETA process fully digital.
Check if you need a visa for your next destination
Secure and protect your travels with Travel Medical Insurance. Get insured now
