Do Saudi Arabians need a visa for the UK?
Saudi Arabian citizens no longer require a traditional UK Visitor Visa for short trips for tourism, business, medical treatment, visiting family/friends, or non-degree short studies. Instead, they are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for these purposes.
The ETA requirement came into effect on 22 February 2024, replacing the previous Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme for Saudi citizens. The UK ETA application opened shortly before that date.
Key features of the ETA:
- Valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first).
- Allows multiple entries during its validity.
- Allows each stay to be up to 6 months per visit under the ETA for eligible purposes (tourism, business visits, short‑term study, etc.).
For stays exceeding six months, for longer‑term education, work, or joining family permanently, a full UK visa is still required. The ETA does not cover these cases.
Overview of UK Visa Types for Saudi Arabian Citizens
Saudi nationals must obtain the appropriate UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) depending on the reason and duration of their stay.
1. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
(For short-term visits: tourism, business, short study, medical)
- Required for Saudi citizens visiting the UK for up to 6 months.
- Replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system as of 22 February 2024.
- Valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Allows multiple entries, each visit up to 6 months.
Apply online or via the UK ETA app.
2. Standard Visitor Visa
(For those not eligible for ETA, or applying with a family group)
- Also allows stays of up to 6 months.
- Suitable for tourism, business, medical treatment, short courses, etc.
- Requires a full visa application, biometrics, and documentation.
Saudi citizens typically use ETA, but this visa may be needed for those with complex cases, dependents, or travelling with a group.
3. Marriage Visitor Visa
(To get married or register a civil partnership in the UK)
- Valid for a maximum of 6 months.
- For Saudi citizens getting married in the UK or forming a civil partnership.
- Cannot extend or switch to another visa type while in the UK.
4. Student Visa (Tier 4)
(For academic study lasting longer than 6 months)
- For full-time courses at UK universities, colleges, or schools.
- Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution.
- Must show English language proficiency, financial means, and accommodation.
5. Child Student Visa
(For children aged 4–17 attending an independent UK school)
- Requires proof of school enrolment and suitable care arrangements in the UK.
- Must meet eligibility for funding, accommodation, and guardianship.
6. Short-Term Study Visa
(For English language courses lasting 6–11 months)
- For English language programs only.
- Not for general academic study or work placements.
7. Skilled Worker Visa
(For Saudi citizens with a UK job offer in an eligible occupation)
- Requires sponsorship by a UK-based employer with a Sponsor Licence.
- Must meet salary and skill thresholds.
- Visa is typically valid for up to 5 years and renewable.
- Can lead to permanent residency (ILR).
8. Health and Care Worker Visa
(A subcategory of the Skilled Worker Visa)
- For qualified doctors, nurses, and health professionals with job offers from the NHS or eligible providers.
- Lower fees and faster processing than general skilled worker route.
9. Family Visa
(To join close family living in the UK)
- For spouses, children, parents, or dependent relatives of UK citizens or residents.
- Can apply to join, remain with, or settle with a family member in the UK.
- Requires proof of relationship, income threshold, and English proficiency.
10. Transit Visa
(For layovers in the UK en route to another destination)
Needed if the traveler is passing through border control or changing airports/flights.
Two types:
- Visitor in Transit Visa
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)
Most Saudi citizens may not require a transit visa if they hold an ETA or meet the conditions for transit visa exemption.
11. Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa
(For short-term, paid work like lecturing, judging, or performing)
- Allows up to 1 month stay in the UK.
- For professionals invited by a UK-based organization for a specific paid engagement.
Cannot extend or switch to another visa.
Discover other types of UK Visa
UK Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia Applicants
Saudi Arabian nationals planning to visit, study, work, or join family in the UK must meet specific visa requirements based on their chosen visa type. Below is a summary of the general eligibility and documentation standards required during the application process.
Eligibility Criteria
The exact eligibility criteria depend on the visa category (e.g. tourist, student, work, family). However, general conditions include:
Age: Applicants must usually be 18 years or older. Minors may apply with additional documentation and a sponsor from a parent/guardian.
Education/Work Status:
- Student visas require proof of enrolment in a UK educational institution.
- Skilled Worker visas require a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Visitor visas and ETAs require clear demonstration of intent to return home after the visit.
- Good Character: Applicants may need to provide a police clearance certificate, especially for long-term visas.
Required Documents
Core documents required for most visa types include:
- A valid Saudi passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay).
- Completed visa application form, submitted online via gov.uk.
- Passport-sized photograph(s) meeting UK specifications.
- Financial documents proving you can support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, salary slips).
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary (for visitors).
- Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family or attending business events).
- Letter of acceptance (for students) or Certificate of Sponsorship (for work visas).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if staying in the UK for more than 6 months.
- Police clearance certificate (for certain visa types, especially work or family visas).
For the most up-to-date guidance, visit the UK Government’s visa and immigration official website.
Certified Translation Requirements
Documents that are not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation, including:
These translations must meet UK Home Office standards (certified, signed, and include the translator’s contact information).
Translayte offers certified translations in the UK, accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and embassies worldwide.
How to Apply for the UK Visa From Saudi Arabia
- Determine the Visa Type
Assess the appropriate UK visa type based on the purpose of your travel (e.g. tourism, business, study, work, or family visit). Visit gov.uk/check-uk-visa to determine which visa you need. - Gather Required Documents
Ensure all necessary documents are collected and organised. These typically include a valid passport, bank statements, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, and supporting letters (e.g., an invitation or sponsorship letter). - Get Documents Translated
Translate any non-English documents (e.g. birth certificates, police clearance) using certified translation services. Use Translayte to provide UKVI-accepted certified translations. - Submit Application Online
Create an account and complete the visa application form on the official UK Visas and Immigration website. Pay the required visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if applicable. Apply at: www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa - Book and Attend Biometrics Appointment
Schedule an appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photo. Bring all original documents and your appointment confirmation. - Attend Visa Interview (if required)
Some visa categories (especially work, study, or family visas) may require an interview.
Prepare by reviewing your application details and being ready to answer questions about your travel plans, finances, and intent. - Receive Visa Decision
After processing (which typically takes from a few days to several weeks), you will receive an email or notification to collect your passport or view your visa decision online. Processing times vary by visa type and service level (standard vs priority). - Prepare for Travel
Once approved, check your visa vignette or digital status to confirm accuracy. Pack all necessary documents for border entry and ensure compliance with UK entry rules.
Can Iqama Holders in Saudi Arabia Apply for a UK Visa?
Yes. If you are a resident in Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama (residency permit), you can apply for a UK visa from within Saudi Arabia. However, your eligibility, visa type, and application process will be based on your passport nationality — not your Iqama status.
This means that while you can submit your application and attend your biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Saudi Arabia (such as Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar), you must meet the UK visa requirements specific to the country that issued your passport.
For example:
- An Indian citizen with an Iqama must apply under the UK visa rules for Indian nationals.
- A Philippine passport holder with Saudi residency must follow the UK visa process for Filipino citizens.
Your Iqama serves only to confirm your legal residency in Saudi Arabia and your right to apply from that location — it does not affect visa eligibility or grant you access to the UK’s ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system, which is only available to nationals of certain countries (e.g., Saudi citizens, UAE, Kuwait, etc.).
Certified Document Translation for UK Visa Application
When applying for a UK visa, any supporting documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation. This is a strict requirement enforced by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Why Certified Translations Are Important
Certified translations ensure that UK visa officers can accurately assess your application, regardless of the language in which your documents were originally written. Missing or improperly translated documents may result in delays or visa refusal.
Common Documents That Require Translation:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage or divorce certificates
- Academic transcripts or diplomas
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical reports
- Financial documents or letters from employers (if not in English)
Translayte offers certified translations that meet the requirements of the UK Home Office and UKVI. Their document translation services are fast, reliable, and widely accepted by UK embassies and visa processing centres worldwide.
Learn more about UK visa translation requirements
Tips for a Successful UK Visa Application
- Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and up-to-date to avoid delays.
- Double-check the specific requirements for your chosen visa type.
- Using certified translation services like Translayte can enhance your application's credibility.
- Additionally, be honest and consistent in your visa interview; practising with common questions can increase confidence.
