Saudi Arabia entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · July 10, 2026
eVisa or visa on arrivaleVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders can travel to Saudi Arabia with an eVisa, which you apply for online before you fly. The process is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes to complete. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.
Apply for Saudi Arabia eVisaTourist eVisa for eligible nationalities. Valid 1 year, multiple entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia eVisaYou must obtain this visa before you travel; it is not issued on arrival for UK passport holders. Tourist eVisa | British citizens are eligible for the Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa. Apply online at the official Visit Saudi portal (https://visa.visitsaudi.com/) before travel. The eVisa is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before your trip to avoid being denied boarding. At least 6 months | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a clean, unmarked page for immigration officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound ticket as proof you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Saudi Arabia within the allowed visa period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of funds in case an immigration officer asks how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient financial means | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Saudi Arabia, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for UK citizens entering Saudi Arabia. | Not required |
eVisa is not extendable
The Saudi eVisa cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential deportation. Keep track of your entry date and leave before the 90-day limit.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa — otherwise, you may be denied boarding.
Apply early, even if it's fast
While eVisa approvals are usually instant, technical glitches or additional checks can cause delays. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ and complete the application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and a way to pay the fee (credit/debit card). The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Most eVisa applications are processed within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours. You'll receive an email with your approved eVisa. Print a copy or save it on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Saudi Arabia
At airports like Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), or Dammam (DMM), proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport and eVisa ready. The officer will scan your passport, check your eVisa, and stamp you in.
4
Clear immigration and collect your luggage
After the stamp, you'll proceed to baggage claim and then customs. The whole process usually takes 20-30 minutes if you have your documents ready.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year (multiple entry)
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500)
Requires invitation letter from Saudi sponsor; processed via Saudi embassy or online.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
Validity1–2 years (renewable)
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires employment contract and sponsor; medical exam and fingerprinting required.
Resident visa (Iqama)
Max stay1–2 years (renewable)
ValidityLinked to employment or family sponsorship
CostVaries (sponsor pays fees)
For long-term residence; requires sponsor and biometric registration.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer sponsor. Requires valid job offer and medical tests. Allows residency and multiple entries.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) plus university fees
For international students enrolled at a Saudi university. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement Category)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Offers residency without a sponsor. Includes healthcare and family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (single or multiple entry)Valid for 1 year from issue, multiple entries, stay up to 90 days per visit. | $107 (SAR 400) plus $10.66 (SAR 40) insurance fee |
| Visa fee for Umrah (if applying via official channels)Umrah visas are now issued as tourist eVisa for most nationalities; check official channels. | Varies (approx. $100–$200) |
| Visa extension fee (for tourist visa)Extensions may be granted for up to 90 days; apply before current visa expires. | SAR 100 (approx. $27) per extension |
| Exit fee (if overstaying)Pay at airport or via Absher before departure to avoid fines. | SAR 100 (approx. $27) per day of overstay |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Saudi Arabia do not need a visa if staying airside and not leaving the airport. For land or sea transit, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport (e.g., for a hotel or connecting city transfer), you must obtain a transit visa in advance.
- Saudi Arabia offers a free 96-hour transit visa for certain airlines (e.g., Saudia, Flynas) – check eligibility with your airline.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons; recommended for all travellers.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in some areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in the southwestern highlands (Jazan, Asir) during rainy season; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and proof of funds.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Road, Al-Nuzha District, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most eVisa applications are approved within minutes, but it's wise to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to allow for any delays. The official portal is https://visa.visitsaudi.com/.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days per visit, and is usually valid for one year from the date of issue. However, the eVisa is not extendable, so you must leave before the 90-day limit.
No, British citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. The eVisa is the easiest way to get one, but you must apply online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival for UK passport holders.
If your eVisa is rejected, you'll need to apply for a traditional visa through a Saudi embassy or consulate. The eVisa portal will give you a reason, and you can address it and reapply, or contact the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission for guidance.
As of 2026, Saudi Arabia has lifted most COVID-19 entry restrictions. However, requirements can change, so check the official Visit Saudi website or your airline for the latest health entry requirements before you fly.
The eVisa is for tourism purposes only. You cannot work or conduct business activities on this visa. If you plan to work, you'll need a separate work visa sponsored by an employer in Saudi Arabia.
The currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or tips. ATMs are readily available at airports and in cities.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.