The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rapidly become one of the most sought-after destinations for British travelers. Whether you are planning a spiritual journey to Mecca, a business trip to Jeddah, or a luxury holiday in the Red Sea, the entry process has been completely transformed. Gone are the days of mailing your passport to an embassy in London. Today, the Saudi Arabia eVisa for UK citizens offers a seamless, 100% digital pathway to the Kingdom. But with different visa options available, which one is right for you? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know—from visa types and entry privileges to how you can get your travel document approved in just 1 hour.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, all British nationals require a valid travel authorization to enter Saudi Arabia. However, as a UK citizen, you are in a privileged position. You can skip the embassy queues entirely by opting for the online Saudi eVisa or the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).
What are the different types of visas in Saudi Arabia?
While most travelers simply refer to it as the “Saudi eVisa,” it is important to understand that this digital category covers several specific travel purposes. When you apply online, your eVisa generally authorizes you for the following activities:
Tourist eVisa
This is the most common type selected by UK travelers. It is designed for leisure travel, sightseeing, and exploring the Kingdom’s cultural heritage sites like AlUla and Diriyah.
Umrah eVisa
Ideally suited for Muslim travelers from the UK. You do not need a specific “religious visa” to perform Umrah. The standard eVisa allows you to enter Mecca and Medina to perform Umrah rituals at any time of the year (excluding the Hajj season).
Business & Events eVisa
This type is perfect for professionals attending conferences, trade shows, or short corporate meetings in Riyadh or Dammam. Note: This does not permit paid employment or long-term work contracts.
Family Visit eVisa
If you have relatives residing in Saudi Arabia, this visa type facilitates family reunions without the complex paperwork required for traditional family visas.
What is the difference between single entry and multiple entry visas in Saudi Arabia?
One of the most critical aspects of your visa is the Entry Type. This determines how many times you can cross the Saudi border on a single document.
Multiple Entry (The Standard eVisa)
The standard Saudi eVisa issued to UK citizens is a Multiple Entry document.
What this means: You can enter and leave Saudi Arabia as many times as you like while the visa is valid.
Benefit: This is perfect if you plan to combine your trip with visits to neighboring countries (like Dubai or Bahrain) and then return to Saudi Arabia.
Single Entry (The Electronic Visa Waiver)
The Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) available to UK nationals is typically a Single Entry authorization.
What this means: Once you leave Saudi Arabia, the document becomes invalid. If you wish to return, you must apply for a new one.
Benefit: It is often cheaper but offers less flexibility than the Multiple Entry eVisa.
UK Special: eVisa vs. Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
Choosing between these two depends on your travel plans:
Choose the eVisa if: You want a Multiple Entry visa valid for 1 Year that allows stays of up to 90 days. It provides maximum flexibility.
Choose the EVW if: You are making a one-off, short trip (Single Entry) and want to save on costs. However, you must apply between 90 days and 48 hours before travel, and strict flight details are required.
Which documents are required for a Saudi Arabia visa?
Valid UK Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of entry.
Digital Photo: A recent passport-style photo with a white background.
Email Address: To receive the approved visa PDF.
Payment Card: A debit or credit card to pay the fees online.
How long does it take for a Saudi eVisa to be approved?
We understand that travel plans can change instantly. That’s why there are three specific processing tiers tailored to your schedule:
Normal Processing
Timeframe: Decisions are generally made within 1-2 Working Days.
Best For: Travelers with a confirmed itinerary booking weeks in advance.
Rush Processing
Timeframe: Ideal for urgent trips, receiving a decision in 6 – 12 Hours.
Best For: Business travelers with short-notice meetings.
Super Rush Processing
Timeframe: The fastest route available. You can receive your approved visa within 1 Hour or even less.
Best For: Emergency travel or last-minute airport situations.
I just realized I made a typo in my application. Can I fix it, or do I have to pay again?
Government Website: You cannot fix it. Once you press “Submit” on the official site, the application is locked. A typo in your name or passport number usually means the visa is invalid, and you must pay the full fee to apply again from scratch.
saudi-arabia-evisas.com: We can help. Because we review your data before final submission, we often catch these typos for you. If you spot a mistake yourself shortly after applying, simply email us, and we can correct it before it is processed by the authorities.
Who can I talk to if I get stuck or have a question late at night?
Government Website: Likely no one. Government support channels are often limited to email forms with slow response times. There is typically no live chat for immediate help with confusing questions.
saudi-arabia-evisas.com: You can talk to us instantly. We have a 24/7 support team available via WhatsApp, Live Chat, and Email. Whether it’s a technical issue or a simple question, a real human is ready to help you in your language.
How much is a Saudi eVisa for UK citizens?
The total cost of your visa is transparent and consists of two parts:
Government Fee: This is the mandatory fee paid to the Saudi authorities. It includes the visa issuance cost and mandatory medical insurance (which covers emergency health issues, including COVID-19, while in the Kingdom).
Processing Fee: This is the service fee for the agency handling your application, verifying your documents, and providing 24/7 support.
Note: Higher processing speeds (Rush/Super Rush) attract a higher service fee.
Is a Visa on Arrival Available for British Citizens?
Yes, UK citizens are eligible for Saudi Arabia Visa on Arrival (VoA). However, we strongly recommend the eVisa for these reasons:
Certainty: With an eVisa, you are approved before you fly. With VoA, rejection at the airport means an immediate return flight home.
Speed: VoA kiosks can have long queues. eVisa holders go straight to passport control.
Airline Checks: Some airlines may deny boarding if you cannot show a valid visa before takeoff.
Approved Entry Points for UK Travelers
Your eVisa is valid for entry at all major international ports, including:
Airports: King Khalid (Riyadh), King Abdulaziz (Jeddah), Prince Mohammad (Medina), King Fahd (Dammam).
Land Borders: King Fahd Causeway (Bahrain border) and Al Batha (UAE border).
How long can an UK citizen stay in Saudi Arabia?
Validity: The eVisa is valid for 1 year (365 days) from the date of issue.
Duration of Stay: You can stay for up to 90 days consecutively or in total spread across multiple visits.
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabia eVisa for UK citizens is your key to exploring a land of untold heritage and modernization. By choosing the online route, you gain the flexibility of Multiple Entries over a full year, perfect for both spontaneous getaways and planned pilgrimages. Whether you need your visa in 1 hour via Super Rush processing or have time for Standard processing, the Kingdom is ready to welcome you. Check your passport validity today and start your application!
FAQ for UK Travelers
Q: Can I convert my Tourist eVisa to a Work Visa? A: No, you cannot convert a tourist visa into a residency or work permit while inside the Kingdom. You must exit and apply for the appropriate work visa from the UK. Q: What if I have dual citizenship? A: You must use the same passport to apply for the visa and to enter the country. If you have a UK passport, it is best to use it for the eVisa privileges. Q: Do children need their own visa? A: Yes, every traveler, including infants, must have their own individual visa. Guardians can apply on their behalf.
