Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for Saudi Citizens

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What is a UK ETA for Saudi Citizens?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre‑clearance that citizens of Saudi Arabia will need for short visits to the United Kingdom. The ETA streamlines entry for eligible travellers coming for tourism, business, short courses and transit.

The UK began rolling out the ETA for Gulf countries in 2023–2024. Saudi passport holders who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online and usually receive a decision quickly when there are no issues to flag.

An approved ETA permits multiple short visits to the UK — typically up to six months per trip — but it does not replace standard visas for work, long study or settlement. Read on for a concise, easy‑to‑follow summary of who can apply, what you need, and how to submit a successful application.

Why the ETA matters for Saudi travellers

The ETA makes travel planning faster and less paperwork‑heavy for eligible short stays. It is digital (linked to your passport) and removes the need for a sticker or stamp in most routine short‑stay cases. Immigration checks still apply on arrival, and officers may ask for proof of onward travel or sufficient funds.

Key benefits for Saudi citizens

Below are practical advantages the ETA offers compared with older paper or waiver systems.

Apply Online

The entire process is completed online — no embassy visit required for short visits — and the form can be submitted from anywhere.

Fast Decisions

Many applications receive an automated decision within a few days when there are no security or immigration flags. Complex cases may take longer.

Multiple Entries

The ETA typically allows multiple short visits while it remains valid, making repeat travel simpler.

Who can apply for a UK ETA from Saudi Arabia?

Saudi citizens holding a valid Saudi passport who plan short stays (tourism, business, short study or transit) are generally eligible. Residents of Saudi Arabia who are not Saudi nationals should check whether their nationality is ETA‑eligible or apply for a standard UK visa if it is not.

1

Valid Saudi Passport

Your passport must be valid for the intended period of travel; please check passport validity rules before applying.

2

No Major Immigration Breaches

Applicants should not have a recent history of overstaying or serious immigration violations in the UK.

3

Clean or Minor Criminal Record

Serious criminal convictions may make you ineligible. Minor, spent convictions may still be assessed case by case.

4

Comply with UK Rules

You must be able to show you intend a short visit (e.g., return ticket, sufficient funds, and accommodation details when requested).

Validity and permitted stay

A UK ETA granted to a Saudi passport holder is normally valid for up to two years or until the passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that validity period you can usually make multiple short visits, with each visit limited to a maximum stay of six months unless a different limit is specified for a specific category of visit.

If you plan to work long‑term, study for longer periods, settle or marry in the UK, you will need the appropriate visa rather than an ETA.

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UK ETA requirements

To apply for a UK ETA, all eligible travelers are required to meet certain basic criteria. Below are the mandatory requirements that every applicant must provide:

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1

Passport

Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country, preferably with two years of validity.

Personal Photo

Applicants must submit a recent upper-body photo that meets official specifications.

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3

Payment Method

Applicants must have a valid card or access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.

Email address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive their UK ETA upon approval.

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How to apply for a UK ETA from Saudi Arabia

Applying for a UK ETA is a fully online process. Follow the simple steps below and make sure you have the documents and payment method ready.

  • Step 01
    Complete the online application form

    Open the ETA application page and enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your Saudi passport — full name, date of birth, passport number and expiry date.

  • Step 02
    Upload required documents

    Upload a clear scan or photo of your passport and a recent passport‑style photograph that meets the specified dimensions and background requirements.

  • Step 03
    Pay the application fee

    Pay securely online using a card or supported digital wallet. Keep your payment receipt or confirmation reference.

    • Credit or debit card
    • Apple Pay
    • Google Pay

  • Step 04
    Check and submit

    Review every field carefully before submitting. The system may not save a partly completed form, so complete the session in one go where possible.

  • Step 05
    Receive your ETA

    Decisions are often sent by email. If approved, the ETA will be linked to the passport you used when applying — travel using that passport only.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a Saudi citizen travelling to the UK for a short stay (tourism, business, short study or transit), you will generally need an ETA. For longer stays or other purposes you should apply for the appropriate UK visa.

The ETA does not allow long‑term paid employment. Short business activities, meetings or permitted paid engagements may be allowed — check the rules for your specific plans or apply for a work visa if you will be employed in the UK.

Many applicants receive a decision within a few business days. Some applications that require further checks can take longer; apply well before planned travel to avoid stress.

If an ETA application is refused you may still be able to apply for a standard UK visa. A refusal does not necessarily ban you from future travel but you should check the reasons for refusal and follow the correct application route.

Yes. The ETA application is online and can be submitted from anywhere in the world. What matters is your nationality and passport.

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