Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for United Kingdom Citizens – How to Apply in 2026
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From the rainy streets of London and the historic docks of Manchester to the pristine coral reefs of the Red Sea and the vibrant stadiums of Riyadh, the connection between the UK and Saudi Arabia has never been more exciting. Whether chasing "Winter Sun," watching global football icons in the Saudi Pro League, or performing a spiritual Umrah journey, British travelers are flocking to the Kingdom. Under "Vision 2030," the Saudi Arabia visa for UK passport holders has been fully digitized, allowing Brits to skip the embassy queues and manage everything from their smartphones.
This guide explains how UK citizens can apply for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa in 2026, including eligibility, requirements, costs, processing times, and permitted activities.
Quick Overview for UK Citizens:
Visa Type: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Validity: 1 Year (90 days per visit)
Application Method: 100% Online (No Embassy Visit)
Processing Time: 2–5 business days (Standard)
In 2026, the journey from the British Isles to the Arabian Peninsula is seamless. UK citizens can now apply for a Saudi e-visa from the UK entirely online. Whether you are planning a "DIY Umrah" from Birmingham, a business trip to Riyadh, or a luxury escape to NEOM, this Saudi Arabia online visa for UK citizens serves as your official entry authorization issued by the Kingdom.
At eviSAudi, we specialize in assisting travelers from the UK. Our application checks follow the latest MOFA and Saudi Tourism Authority guidelines, ensuring British applicants receive accurate, up-to-date visa approvals without delays or rejections.
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Traveling from the UK to Saudi Arabia with an E-Tourist Visa (Flight Routes)
Connectivity between the UK and Saudi Arabia is world-class, with options catering to travelers from both the South and the North of England:
From London (LHR & LGW): This is the primary route. Saudia Airlines and British Airways operate multiple daily direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED). Additionally, Saudia operates from Gatwick (LGW), offering flexibility for those living south of the capital.
From Manchester (MAN): Crucial for travelers in the North and Midlands. Saudia Airlines operates direct flights from Manchester (MAN) to Jeddah. This is a favorite route for the large British Muslim community in the North performing Umrah, as well as leisure travelers avoiding the trek to London.
Via Middle East Hubs: For premium service or better fares, many Brits choose to fly via Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) from regional airports like Birmingham, Newcastle, or Glasgow.
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Financial Insights: British Pound (GBP) to Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Understanding the currency landscape is crucial before you apply for Saudi e-visa UK. The strength of the Sterling is a major advantage for British travelers.
Exchange Rate: As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 GBP ≈ 4.80 - 5.00 SAR. This strong rate makes dining and shopping in Saudi Arabia excellent value for money.
Banking Advice (The Fintech Advantage): British bank cards are widely accepted. Monzo / Revolut / Starling: These cards are incredibly popular among UK travelers for a reason—they typically offer perfect interbank exchange rates with zero fees. They work flawlessly in Saudi Arabia for contactless payments. Traditional Banks: If using Barclays, HSBC, or Lloyds, be aware of foreign transaction fees (usually around 2.75%) unless you have a specific travel account.
Visa Payments: Please note that while your bank account is in GBP, our portal processes global visa fees in USD. Your bank (or Monzo/Revolut) will automatically handle the conversion at the current real-time rate.
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Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa Cost & Processing Time for UK Citizens
We offer a transparent, All-Inclusive fee structure specifically designed for the Saudi e-visa requirements for UK citizens. Our fees cover the Government Visa Fee, Mandatory Medical Insurance, and our Professional Processing Service.
We provide two tailored options depending on your travel urgency:
Standard Processing ($185.00 USD): The ideal choice for travelers with planned itineraries. This service ensures your visa is processed and issued within 2–5 business days.
Express Priority Service ($250.00 USD): Designed for urgent travel needs or last-minute business trips. We fast-track your Saudi Arabia online visa UK application directly to the Ministry via our Urgent Express Visa service. Approvals are typically granted within 12–24 hours, and in many cases, even sooner.
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How to Apply for a Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa from the UK
Applying for a Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa from the UK is a straightforward digital process. UK citizens are required to complete an online application form, upload the necessary documents, and submit the visa fee securely. Once approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Saudi e-visa is issued electronically and sent directly to the applicant’s email address.
Critical Note on Passport Type: Ensure you select "United Kingdom" as your nationality.
GBR Code: Your passport must be a standard "British Citizen" passport (Code: GBR).
Validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry.
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Saudi Arabia E-Visa Requirements for UK Passport Holders
To ensure a 100% approval rate and avoid rejection due to strict Ministry standards, British citizens must provide the following digital items:
Valid Passport: Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into the Kingdom.
Biometric Photograph: A recent, clear, color photo with a white background. (Selfies or photos with filters are not accepted).
Travel Information: A confirmed hotel booking or the address of your host in Saudi Arabia is required to complete the Saudi e-visa UK form.
Email Address: A valid email to receive the PDF visa file.
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What Can UK Citizens Do with a Saudi E-Tourist Visa?
The Saudi Arabia e-tourist visa for UK citizens allows travel for tourism, business meetings, family visits, leisure activities, and Umrah. It is a flexible document designed for modern travelers. However, please note that employment, journalism, long-term study, or permanent residency purposes are strictly prohibited under this visa category. Hajj pilgrimage requires a separate, specific visa procedure.
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FAQ: Saudi Arabia E-Tourist Visa for UK Citizens
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Can UK citizens apply for a Saudi e-visa online in 2026?
Yes. The UK is listed as a "Group A" eligible country. This means British citizens can complete the entire process online through our portal without visiting the Saudi Embassy in London. The Saudi Arabia visa for UK passport holders is delivered as a PDF via email.
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Do UK citizens need a return ticket for a Saudi e-visa?
A return or onward ticket is recommended but not mandatory at the application stage. However, Saudi border officials may request proof of onward travel upon arrival, so having a return flight itinerary is strongly advised for smooth entry.
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How long is the Saudi Arabia visa valid for UK citizens?
The E-Tourist Visa is valid for 1 full year (365 days) from the date of issuance. It is a Multiple Entry visa, meaning you can fly from London or Manchester to Jeddah as many times as you like. However, the maximum duration of stay per visit is 90 days.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the Saudi e-visa UK?
Yes, it is a requirement by Saudi Law. However, you do not need to buy it separately. We include the mandatory medical insurance recognized by the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) automatically in your $185 or $250 application fee.