What is a UK ETA for Saudi Citizens?

The UK electronic travel authorization is a digital permit that permits citizens of Saudi Arabia to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, and short-term study purposes streamlining the visa process quickly and efficiently for Saudi citizens. With the UK ETA Saudi nationals are also permitted to travel to the UK for a permitted paid engagement, if they are transiting through the UK, or for a stay of up to 3 months with the Creative Worker visa.

This is fairly new to Saudi Arabian nationals, only being introduced in February 2024. The United Kingdom ETA is an alternative to the Electronic UK Visa Waiver (EVW) so that travel to the UK is more accessible to Saudi Arabians. The accessibility of the ETA will also help to prevent issues regarding illegal immigration and organized crime.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Saudi Citizens

The UK ETA for Saudi citizens is revolutionizing travel to the United Kingdom. This quick and simple process makes visiting the UK much more accessible than it previously was with the EVW.

Quick and Easy Application Process

The ETA reduces the amount of time and effort required for a Saudi national to apply to visit the UK. When compared to the previously required UK EVW, the ETA is much more user-friendly.

Cost Effective

The price of the UK ETA is very cost-effective for Saudi nationals. It offers lower processing and administration fees than the previously required EVW, making it a much better option overall.

Multi-Entry Validity

The ETA allows for flexibility when travel planning thanks to the multi-entry validity. Unlike the single-entry limitation from the electronic visa waiver, you can enter and exit the UK multiple times during the validity of your ETA.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Citizens

In order to qualify for a UK ETA visa, Saudi citizens need to meet a few eligibility requirements.

  • Saudi Arabia Citizenship In order to apply for the UK ETA from Saudi Arabia, you must have Saudi citizenship.
  • No Longer Than 6 Months in the UK You cannot spend longer than 6 months in the UK with the ETA. If you are planning on spending a longer period of time, you should apply for a traditional UK Visa.
  • No Criminal RecordYou must have a clean criminal record to obtain an ETA. If you have been incarcerated or have any immigration breaches, it is best to apply for a traditional UK Visa.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA allows Saudi citizens to enter and exit the UK multiple times over the course of 2 years. The validity lasts for 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Within the 2-year validity period, Saudi citizens are eligible to stay in the UK for up to 3 or 6 months.

It’s extremely important to adhere to the validity restrictions. If you overstay past what you are permitted, you risk legal issues. Whether you are visiting the UK for tourism, business, or studies, you may not stay longer than 6 months.

UK ETA Requirements for Saudi Nationals

There are a few requirements you must have in order to obtain the UK ETA. You must have these documents and requirements prepared and ready to submit when you apply for your ETA. When compared to the EVW, there are much fewer UK visa requirements needed for the ETA.

Valid Passport

You must have a valid passport in order to visit the United Kingdom. Your passport must have eligibility for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from the UK.

Valid Passport

Valid Payment Method

As the process is entirely online, you must have a valid payment method that you can use online. This includes credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Valid Payment Method

Digital Passport Photo

When applying for an ETA, you must submit a digital passport photo. There are certain guidelines this photo must adhere to, including being recently taken and having a clear shot of your face with a white background.

Digital Passport Photo

Email Address

You will receive notifications about your application via email so it is required to have a valid email address.

Email Address

Applying for a UK ETA for Saudi Citizens

The process to apply for a UK ETA is relatively simple and straightforward. The UK ETA application should only take you a few short minutes to complete and submit.

1

Fill Out the Application Form

There are only a few simple steps needed to complete the UK ETA online application form. It is important to pay close attention when filling this out, as all fields must be filled out completely and accurately. You risk rejection if the information you provide is not accurate.

2

Attach Required Documents

The required documents must be uploaded, this includes a copy of your passport and your digital passport photos. It is important to make sure your digital uploads adhere to the official size and format guidelines.

3

Pay the Application Fee

After you have completed the online application form and uploaded your supporting documents, you must pay the online application fee. This fee can be paid using a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

4

Submit the Application

Make sure to double-check all of the required fields within your application. You should verify that everything is accurately filled out and that you have completed all required sections. After you double-check, you can submit your application.

5

Receive Your ETA

After your ETA has been processed, you will receive the results via email. If your ETA was approved, you can now visit the UK for a short stay of up to 6 months. If your application was not approved, you will be notified of the next steps you can take regarding the denial.

UK ETA Processing Time for Saudi Citizens

The UK ETA has a quick turnaround time. Once you submit your application, you can expect results within 3 business days. This fast processing time makes travel planning simple and efficient for Saudi citizens planning a trip to the UK.

UK ETA Fees for Saudi Citizens

The UK ETA fee for Saudi citizens is very cost-effective, especially compared to the previous EVW. Using our services, the governmental fees and our professional service fee are only 70 pounds.

Travel with a UK ETA

Departure
to the UK

The UK ETA is linked to the passport you used to apply for it. If you have 2 passports, it is important that you enter and exit the UK with the passport used to apply for the ETA. If you travel with a different passport, you will be denied entry. Additionally, if your passport expires during the validity period of your ETA, you will need to reapply with your new passport.

The ETA is entirely digital, meaning it is not necessary to have a physical copy of it. However, It is recommended to bring a printed copy of your ETA in case any unforeseen circumstances arise. You cannot travel to the UK unless you have an approved ETA. If you are still waiting for your ETA to be processed, you will be denied access to board your flight to the UK.

Arrival and Entry
Procedures in the UK

Once you arrive in the United Kingdom, you will have to pass through immigration. Immigration employees will go through a thorough check of your documents, making sure that you have an approved ETA, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. If you do not have the necessary documents, you may not be granted entry into the United Kingdom.

After your documents have been checked and you are granted entry into the UK, you are permitted to freely travel between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. When traveling between these countries, you will not be asked for any documents other than your valid form of identification.

FAQs

You are only eligible to travel to the United Kingdom with an ETA if you are a citizen of one of the countries eligible for the ETA. These countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The UK electronic visa, ETA, and UK tourist visa from Saudi Arabia all facilitate travel to the United Kingdom but have different application processes, validity periods, and travel purposes. The UK Tourist Visa has a lengthy application process and can take several weeks to be processed. There are various validity periods you can apply for. THE UK E-Visa is a much simpler process, as the process is entirely digital. The E-Visa is often valid for a shorter period of time than traditional visas. The UK ETA is for purposes such as tourism, business, and short-term study and it is only valid for visits of up to 6 months.

No, staying longer than 6 months with an ETA is not possible. If you wish to stay longer, you should apply for a different UK visa for Saudi citizens.

It is not required to be physically in Saudi Arabia to apply. You can apply from anywhere outside of the UK as the entire application process is online.

GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries as well as Jordan are eligible to apply for the UK ETA. Countries within the GCC include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

We will assist you 
in every step

Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.

Apply now