--- title: "UK Visa and ETA: Documents and Steps from Saudi Arabia and Egypt" id: "6164" type: "post" slug: "uk-visa" published_at: "2026-11-02T04:52:59+00:00" modified_at: "2026-11-02T05:05:02+00:00" url: "https://travelosca.com/english/uk-visa/" markdown_url: "https://travelosca.com/english/uk-visa.md" excerpt: "UK travel requirements: the ETA for Saudi and Gulf citizens, its fee and validity, and the Standard Visitor visa for residents and Egyptians, with its steps and supporting documents." taxonomy_category: - "Travel Tips & Guides" - "Visa Guides" --- # UK Visa and ETA: Documents and Steps from Saudi Arabia and Egypt # UK Visa and ETA: Documents and Steps from Saudi Arabia and Egypt - [Travel Tips & Guides](https://travelosca.com/english/category/travel-tips/) , [Visa Guides](https://travelosca.com/english/category/visa-guides-en/) [https://travelosca.com/#ServicePrices](https://travelosca.com/#ServicePrices) Contents of the Guide Your route to the UK depends on the nationality of your passport, not your country of residence. Saudi citizens and citizens of the other Gulf states don’t need a visa for short visits, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) issued online. Residents of Saudi Arabia of other nationalities, and Egyptians, need a Standard Visitor visa, because Saudi residence does not make you eligible for an ETA. This guide explains both routes in detail. ## The ETA for Saudi citizens | Item | Details | | --- | --- | | How to apply | The UK ETA app or gov.uk | | Official fee | £20 per person, non-refundable | | Validity | Two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first | | Length of visit | Up to 6 months per visit, for multiple trips | | Purpose | Tourism, family visits and short business trips, not work or long study | Each family member, including children, needs a separate ETA linked to their passport. Airlines will not let an eligible traveller board without an approved ETA, so apply well before you travel. Bookings are not required for the ETA, but border officers may ask where you are staying and when you are returning. Check the current fee on gov.uk before applying, as it may change. ## The Standard Visitor visa for residents and Egyptians 1. **Fill in the application online** on gov.uk and pay the fee. 2. **Book an appointment** at the authorised UK visa application centre in your country of residence for biometrics. 3. **Upload your documents** or submit them at the centre, as instructed. 4. **Wait for the decision**, usually within 3 weeks, with paid priority services at some centres. ### Documents that strengthen your application - A valid passport, and a valid iqama for residents. - A bank statement, usually for the last 6 months, with normal activity. - An employer letter or commercial register. - Trip and accommodation details, or an invitation letter for family visits. The full official list and current fees are on the UK government website. ## Do you need flight and hotel bookings for a UK visa? The UK government advises against buying tickets or paying for accommodation before a decision, and does not require bookings in the application. But the form asks for your travel date and accommodation, and a clear plan strengthens your application and helps you answer accurately. That is where [flight reservations](https://travelosca.com/english/flight-reservation/) and a [UK itinerary](https://travelosca.com/english/travel-itinerary-uk/) help as supporting documents, without risking the cost of tickets. ## Common mistakes - Believing Saudi residence is enough for an ETA. - Travelling on a new passport not linked to your ETA; the authorisation is tied to the passport used in the application. - Applying through unofficial intermediary websites that add extra fees. - Buying paid tickets before the visa is issued. **Make your UK travel plan clear:** a flight and hotel reservation and a day-by-day itinerary from Travelosca, delivered within 24 hours. [Browse our services](https://travelosca.com/english/our-services/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Do Saudis need a visa for the UK? Not for short visits, but they need an approved ETA before travelling, and the airline will not let them board without it. ### Does a child need an ETA? Yes. Every eligible traveller needs an authorisation in their own name, including children and infants. ### Is Saudi residence enough for an ETA? No. Eligibility depends on nationality only, and residents of ineligible nationalities apply for a visitor visa. ### How long does it take to get an ETA? Usually within hours or a few days, but apply at least a week before travelling to be safe. ## Sources - [UK government – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)](https://www.gov.uk/eta) - [UK government – Standard Visitor visa](https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor) [https://travelosca.com/english/author/mohamed-samir/](https://travelosca.com/english/author/mohamed-samir/) [Mohamed Samir](https://travelosca.com/english/author/mohamed-samir/) [All Author's Articles](https://travelosca.com/english/author/mohamed-samir/) [PrevAustria Visa for Saudi Citizens and Residents](https://travelosca.com/english/austria-visa-from-saudi-arabia/) [Turkey Visa for Residents of Saudi Arabia and Booking a Turkish Embassy Appointment in RiyadhNext](https://travelosca.com/english/turkish-embassy-riyadh-appointment/) Prepare Your Travel Documents Flight bookings and travel insurance with matching dates, delivered to your email within 24 hours. - [Flight Booking PNR](https://travelosca.com/english/flight-reservation/) - [Hotel Booking](https://travelosca.com/english/hotel-reservation/) - [Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa](https://travelosca.com/english/travel-insurance/) - [Day-by-Day Travel Itinerary](https://travelosca.com/english/travel-itinerary/) [Browse Services & Prices](https://travelosca.com/english/our-services/) ## Related [https://travelosca.com/english/travel-insurance-qatar/](https://travelosca.com/english/travel-insurance-qatar/) Services ### [Health Insurance for Visiting Qatar: Mandatory for Visitors and How to Get It](https://travelosca.com/english/travel-insurance-qatar/) Health insurance has been mandatory for visitors to Qatar since 1 February 2023: what the mandatory policy covers, the official premium, where to buy it from approved insurers, and common mistakes. 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