Getting a UK Visa from Saudi Arabia: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding the UK ETA and UK Visa for Saudi Citizens

If you are planning to travel to the United Kingdom, you must apply for the relevant travel permits. Whether you’re staying short-term or long-term, for tourism or study, work or leisure, you can’t enter the country without them!

This blog contains everything you need to know about the UK ETA and UK visa for Saudi citizens. We’ll explore the UK visa requirements, the different types of visas, and how to apply.

But first, do you need a visa or an ETA? The UK visa waiver (EVW) was discontinued for Saudi Arabian citizens last year. From February 2024, Saudi citizens need the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short-term tourism, business, and transit visits.

Let’s explore getting the ETA or UK visa from Saudi Arabia.

Understanding the UK ETA for Saudi Travelers

The UK ETA is now replacing the UK EVW. However, it is important to understand that the UK ETA is not a visa but rather a digital permission slip that allows you to travel to the UK without a visa for specific purposes.

Saudi citizens can travel on the ETA for purposes like:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Business
• Short-term study
• Transit, if going through border control
• Creative Worker visa concession (3 months)

If you intend to stay in the UK for other purposes, apply for the relevant visa instead.

Benefits of the UK ETA

The UK ETA was introduced to make travel safer and easier.

• The entire process is completed online.
• It’s quick and easy with shorter processing times.
• You don’t need to visit an embassy to apply.
• You’ll receive confirmation via email.
• The ETA is applied digitally to your passport - no paperwork!

For the UK border control, this allows them to prescreen travelers. It also means wait times are reduced and the entire process is more affordable, efficient, and safe.

Validity and Duration of Stay

Saudi citizens eligible for the UK ETA can stay in London (or any place in the UK) for up to 6 months at a time. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires—whichever comes first.

How to Apply for a UK ETA from Saudi Arabia

Applying for the ETA is straightforward. You apply online by providing your details, passport, recent photo, email, and valid payment method. Most applications are processed within 3 working days and can be processed even quicker most of the time.

Types of UK Visas for Saudi Citizens

Before you apply for a UK visa, make sure you are applying for the right type. If you are traveling for tourism, the ETA is a perfect option.

UK Skilled Worker Visa

If you are traveling to the UK to work for longer than 6 months, you can apply for this visa.

Occupation-specific visas include:

• Health and care work visa (5 years)
• International sportsperson visa (3 years)
• Religious worker visa (2 years)
• Minister of religion visa (3 years and 1 month)
• Charity worker visa (1 year)

If you are coming to the UK for a government-authorized exchange scheme, you need a government-authorized exchange visa (2 years). If you work for another government or authority body, you need an International Agreement visa (usually valid for 2 years).

If you have a qualification from a listed university, you might be eligible for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for work.

You can also apply for the Global Talent Visa (3 to 5 years) if you are nominated as a world leader in:

• Arts and culture (film star, fashion designer, architect, etc.)
• Academia or research (medical researcher, engineering, etc.)
• Digital technology (fintech, AI expert, gaming professional, etc.)

If you work in a creative industry but aren’t a world leader, there’s the Creative Worker visa (1 year).

Finally, if none of the previous visas apply to you, and you have a job offer from an employer in the UK, you need to apply for the Skilled Worker visa allowing you to work in the UK for 5 years.

UK Student Visa

If you are traveling to the UK to study for longer than 6 months, you need the relevant student visa:

• Short-term study visa: English language course for up to 11 months.
• Student visa: further or higher education course.
• Child student visa: independent school study for travelers aged 4 to 17.

UK Business Visa

If you are an employee at a company, there are various Global Business Mobility visas you can apply for:

• Graduate trainee visa (1 year)
• Secondment worker visa (1 year)
• Senior or specialist worker visa (5 years)
• Service supplier visa (1 year)
• UK expansion worker visa (1 year)

If you are a business person, you might need one of these visas:

• Innovator founder visa
• UK Expansion Worker visa
• Scale-up worker visa

UK Family Visa

If you are coming to the UK to join your family for more than 6 months, you need a Family visa. The family member must be a British citizen, a settled resident, or have refugee or humanitarian protection status.

If you want to get married in the UK, you can apply for a Marriage Visitor visa for up to 6 months.

Required Documents for UK Visas

The requirements vary, but most visas require:

• Passport: valid for the duration of your stay.
• Personal Details: name, date of birth, parents’ details, home address, income, criminal history, and details of your stay.
• Visa Application Centre: identity verification, biometrics, and document submission.

Specific requirements may include:

• Employer’s address and phone number
• Partner’s details
• Family details in the UK
• Travel history
• Parental consent
• School admission letter
• Certificate of Sponsorship

UK Visa Application Process for Saudi Citizens

• Start Online Application: Fill out the online form.
• Book an Appointment: Visit the visa application center.
• Pay the Fees: Required for all applications.
• Wait for Confirmation: The UK Home Office will email the decision.

Current UK Visa Fees

To get a UK visa from Saudi Arabia, you’ll need to pay the fees when you apply. These vary depending on the visa type and purpose of your visit.

UK Visa Fees

How much you pay depends on the length of your stay and whether you’re applying from within the UK. You may also need to pay a healthcare surcharge. The fees listed above are in USD and can change based on the exchange rate to GBP or updates made by the UK Home Office.

Processing Times for UK Visas

After submitting the required documents for your UK visa, the processing time varies by visa type.

• Skilled worker and student visas typically take 3 weeks.
• Family visas usually take 12 business weeks.

You can pay £500 for priority service, which reduces the processing time to 5 business days for work and student visas, and 30 business days for family visas.

What to Do if Your UK Visa Application is Rejected

If your visa application is denied, the UK Home Office email will explain the reason. Common causes include:

• Finances: You couldn’t prove you have sufficient funds for your stay.
• Documents: Your documents were incorrect, not translated properly, or didn’t meet eligibility criteria.
• Credibility: There were inconsistencies between your interview and paperwork, or other concerns such as past immigration issues or a criminal record.

If the issue is missing documents, lack of funds, or incorrect information, correct the problem and reapply. If the issue relates to eligibility or credibility, consider seeking help from an immigration lawyer.

UK Visa for Saudi Iqama Holders

If you hold a Saudi Iqama, you must apply for either the ETA or the appropriate UK visa to visit the UK.

Your eligibility depends on your citizenship:

• If your nationality is eligible for the ETA scheme, you can use the ETA for visits under 6 months for tourism, business, or study.
• If your nationality is not ETA-eligible, you must apply for a UK visit visa from Saudi Arabia or another visa type if you intend to stay longer.