Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

This article contains the latest information on Saudi Arabian visa requirements for British citizens based on official and authoritative sources. Let’s get started.

Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements For British Citizens

1. Passport Validity

Your British passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Saudi Arabia. Overstaying with insufficient validity may result in denied entry
Saudi authorities have sometimes denied entry to travelers whose passports show evidence of travel to or birth in Israel.

2. Visa Types Available to UK Citizens

Saudi Tourist e‑Visa / Visa on Arrival

UK citizens are eligible to obtain a Tourist e‑Visa, which can also be issued on arrival at major international airports in Saudi Arabia
The e‑Visa is valid for 1 year and allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 90 days total within that year
Processing is typically instant or within 24–72 hours for online applications; arrival issuance may take longer

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)

An alternative for UK passport holders is the EVW, which allows single-entry stays for up to 6 months for tourism, business, medical or education purposes
Unlike the e‑Visa, the EVW does not include health insurance and must be applied for online at least 48 hours before travel, up to 90 days in advance.
Cost is typically lower—around £30–£35—as noted by users and informal sources.

3. Which Option Should You Choose?

Want more flexibility or multiple trips? Go for the 1‑year, multiple‑entry Tourist e‑Visa (max 90 days total stay over the year).
Need a single longer stay (up to 6 months) or a budget option? Consider the one-time EVW (no insurance included).
If you already hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa that’s been used once: You may qualify for Visa on Arrival—still valid for one year and up to 90 days stay

4. Application Requirements

General requirements (Tourist e‑Visa / Visa on Arrival):
- A British passport valid for at least 6 months and with a spare blank page.
- A recent passport-style photo.
- Payment via card.
- For e‑Visa: include health insurance (automatically linked).
- Provide flight and accommodation details (if requested).
Additional for EVW:
- Must apply via Saudi EVW portal at least 48 hours before departure.
- No insurance included; must bring your own coverage if desired

5. Staying Longer, Re-entry & Hajj/Umrah

Overstay in Saudi Arabia results in fines (SAR 100 per day), detention, deportation or future bans
The 90-day limit is cumulative over the 365-day visa validity, not per visit—multiple re-entries do not reset the clock
A separate Hajj visa is required for the Hajj season (not covered under Tourist e‑Visa or EVW)
For Umrah, you can use the standard Tourist e‑Visa or EVW (outside Hajj season). A dedicated Umrah visa is optional and generally used by people from countries without e‑Visa eligibility.

Summary Table

Visa Type	Entry Method	Validity	Max Stay	Insurance Included?	Best For
Tourist e‑Visa	Applied online or on arrival	1 year	90 days total	✅ Yes	Multiple entries & flexibility
Visa on Arrival	Airport-issued	1 year	90 days total	✅ Yes (with issuance)	Last-minute or alternative
Electronic Visa Waiver	Applied online only	From 48 h before travel	6 months (single entry)	❌ No	Cheap single long stay
Hajj Visa	Agency / Embassy	Seasonal	Per pilgrimage	Varies	Pilgrimage during Hajj season

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Saudi Arabia?

Yes — British citizens do need a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia.

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Saudi Arabia Visa?

For a British citizen, the time it takes to get a Saudi Arabia visa depends on the type of visa and the application method:

1. Tourist eVisa

Processing Time: Usually within 24 to 72 hours
How to Apply: Online through the official Saudi eVisa portal
Validity: 1 year, multiple entries, 90 days per visit

2. Business Visa

Processing Time: Around 2 to 7 working days
How to Apply: Through a Saudi sponsor (company) and a visa agency or the Saudi embassy
Additional Documents: Invitation letter, proof of business purpose

3. Work Visa

Processing Time: 2 to 4 weeks (can vary depending on employer sponsorship and document processing)
How to Apply: Through a Saudi employer, followed by embassy submission

4. Hajj/Umrah Visa

Processing Time: Around 5 to 10 working days
How to Apply: Through an approved travel agency (timing depends on Hajj/Umrah season)

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Saudi Arabia

Moving to Saudi Arabia as a British citizen involves navigating a unique cultural, social, and professional landscape. It’s not just about packing your bags and boarding a flight—relocating to the Kingdom means preparing for a lifestyle that may be vastly different from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. From its deeply rooted traditions to its evolving modern infrastructure, Saudi Arabia offers both challenges and exciting opportunities for expats.

Saudi Arabia is a country with a strong Islamic foundation. Daily life is closely tied to religious practices, with prayer times observed five times a day and most public life slowing down or pausing altogether during those times. Friday is considered a holy day, and the weekend typically falls on Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday.

For British citizens, adapting to these rhythms is key. Respect for local customs and traditions goes a long way. Dress codes, especially in public spaces, are conservative. While recent reforms have allowed women more freedom in terms of attire and movement, modesty is still the norm and appreciated. Understanding gender roles and public etiquette will help you navigate social situations more smoothly.

Saudi Arabia has made significant efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents and expats alike. The country has seen an increase in entertainment options, shopping centres, parks, cinemas, and sports events under the Vision 2030 initiative. However, social gatherings are still often separated by gender, and alcohol is strictly prohibited.

The expat community in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam is large and supportive, often forming close-knit circles through social clubs, religious groups, or professional networks. It’s wise to connect with fellow expats early on to ease your transition and gain practical tips.

Most British citizens move to Saudi Arabia for employment opportunities, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, healthcare, construction, IT, and education. Work culture in Saudi Arabia is formal and hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on respect for authority. Meetings may begin and end with traditional greetings and may not follow the direct, efficiency-driven style common in the UK.

Patience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity are essential traits for succeeding in a Saudi work environment. It’s also worth noting that working hours can vary during the holy month of Ramadan, with shorter workdays and a shift in activity patterns.

There are two main types of housing for foreigners: compounds and standalone apartments or villas. Western-style compounds offer a more liberal lifestyle with greater privacy, social events, and often amenities like pools and gyms. They’re popular among Western expats but can be expensive.

If you choose to live outside a compound, you’ll experience more of the authentic Saudi lifestyle, which can be rewarding but requires a deeper understanding of local customs. Availability and pricing of housing vary greatly between major cities and smaller towns.

For families moving with children, education is a top priority. Saudi Arabia has many international schools, particularly in larger cities, offering British, American, and IB curriculums. Admission can be competitive, so it’s advisable to research schools and secure placements well in advance.

Family life in Saudi Arabia can be fulfilling, especially in expat communities. There are numerous family-friendly activities, from malls with indoor amusement parks to desert excursions and beach trips on the Red Sea coast. However, keep in mind that outdoor activities may be limited during the summer due to extreme heat.

Public transportation is still developing, although cities like Riyadh are investing heavily in metro systems. In most cases, expats rely on private vehicles. Roads are modern but driving styles can be aggressive, so many new arrivals opt for hired drivers initially.

Recent reforms now allow women to drive, which has been a significant shift in daily life. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely available and provide a reliable alternative for those who don’t want to own a car.

Saudi Arabia has a robust healthcare system, with numerous private and government hospitals that offer high standards of care. Most expats prefer private healthcare, which tends to be faster and more comfortable. Health insurance is usually provided by employers, but it’s wise to confirm coverage details before arriving.

Wellbeing can also mean mental and emotional adjustment. The pace of life, cultural differences, and even the climate—particularly the intense summer heat—can take some getting used to. Staying connected to your support network and engaging in leisure activities helps maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion

Moving to Saudi Arabia as a British citizen is a significant decision that involves much more than logistics. It’s about embracing a different culture, adjusting to a new rhythm of life, and finding your place in a society that balances ancient traditions with rapid modernization. While there are unique challenges, particularly in adapting to customs and societal norms, the experience can be enriching—offering professional growth, cultural discovery, and the opportunity to be part of a transformative time in the Kingdom’s history