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
- Fill in the application online on gov.uk and pay the fee.
- Book an appointment at the authorised UK visa application centre in your country of residence for biometrics.
- Upload your documents or submit them at the centre, as instructed.
- 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 and a UK itinerary 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.
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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.
