There are several ways to get an entry visa to Saudi Arabia. The correct option depends on your passport, the reason for your journey, the number of times you want to enter and how long you plan to stay.
For British passport holders, the main options include the Saudi ETA, tourist eVisa, electronic visa waiver, visa on arrival and transit visa. A separate visa is required for Hajj.
This guide explains each option in simple language. It also covers the Saudi visa cost, validity, insurance and whether the visa can be used for Umrah.
Important: Saudi visa rules and fees can change. Check the official application website before paying or booking non-refundable travel.
The following table gives you a simple starting point.
| Your travel plan | Visa that may suit you |
|---|---|
| Several visits over the next two years | Saudi ETA |
| Tourism or Umrah with multiple entries | Tourist eVisa |
| One journey with a stay of up to 180 days | Electronic visa waiver |
| Last-minute arrival without applying online | Visa on arrival, where eligible |
| A stopover of up to 96 hours | Transit or stopover visa |
| An organised Umrah journey | Umrah visa or eligible tourist visa |
| Performing Hajj | Official Hajj visa through Nusuk |
British citizens can use certain online visa routes for tourism, business, medical treatment, study and Umrah outside the Hajj season. A Hajj journey always requires separate official permission.
The cost of a Saudi visa depends on the visa type you select.
For many UK travellers, an online tourist eVisa may cost approximately £80 to £120, depending on the current exchange rate, insurance and processing charges. Agency support may cost extra.
The final amount can be affected by:
Some visa types include basic health insurance. Others require you to arrange insurance separately. Always check the complete amount before making payment.
| Visa type | Entries | Validity and stay | Insurance | Suitable for Umrah? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi ETA | Multiple | Valid for 730 days, with up to 180 days in total | Not included | Yes, outside Hajj season |
| Tourist eVisa | Multiple | Valid for 365 days, with up to 90 days in total | Included | Yes, outside Hajj season |
| Electronic visa waiver | Single | One stay of up to 180 days | Not included | Yes, outside Hajj season |
| Visa on arrival | Depends on approval | Conditions are confirmed when issued | Normally added to the cost | Yes, outside Hajj season |
| Transit visa | Single stopover | Up to 96 hours | Charges may apply | Possible with careful planning |
| Umrah visa | Normally single entry | Depends on the visa issued | Often included in processing | Yes |
| Hajj visa | Hajj journey only | Valid for the official Hajj period | Depends on the package | Hajj only |
Current UK guidance states that the ETA is valid for 730 days and permits multiple entries, with a maximum of 180 days in total. The tourist eVisa is normally valid for 365 days, with up to 90 days in total.
The Saudi ETA is an important option for people travelling on a full British citizen passport.
It can be used for:
The ETA is valid for 730 days from the date it is issued. It allows multiple entries, but you can spend no more than 180 days in total in Saudi Arabia during that period.
Who should choose the Saudi ETA?
The ETA may be suitable when:
Is insurance included with the ETA?
No. The ETA does not include health insurance. You should arrange suitable travel insurance before leaving the UK.
Applications are made through the official KSA Visa platform.
The Saudi tourist eVisa is one of the most popular options for British travellers.
It is a multiple-entry visa that is normally valid for one year. It allows visitors to spend up to 90 days in Saudi Arabia during its validity.
The tourist eVisa can be used for:
It cannot be used for employment, long-term study or Hajj.
The United Kingdom is included in the official list of nationalities eligible for the tourist eVisa.
What is the Saudi eVisa fee?
The exact Saudi eVisa fee is displayed during the official application process. For UK travellers, the total commonly falls around £80 to £120, although exchange rates and processing services can change the final amount.
Basic health insurance is included with the tourist eVisa. Current UK guidance states that this provides medical cover of up to SAR 100,000, but additional travel insurance is still recommended.
Who should choose the tourist eVisa?
It may be a good option when:
The electronic visa waiver is also known as the Saudi EVW.
It allows one entry into Saudi Arabia and a stay of up to 180 days. It may be used for tourism, business, medical treatment, study and Umrah outside the Hajj season.
When can you apply for an EVW?
You can normally apply:
You will need to provide your flight details when applying.
Does the Saudi EVW include insurance?
No. Health insurance is not included, so suitable travel insurance should be arranged separately.
Who should choose the EVW?
The Saudi visa waiver may suit someone who:
The EVW can be useful, but the traveller must enter using the journey details given in the application. Check every name, date and flight number carefully before submitting it.
Saudi ETA vs eVisa vs EVW
Many travellers are confused about the difference between these three options.
Choose the ETA when:
Choose the tourist eVisa when:
Choose the EVW when:
The cheapest option is not always the best option. Compare the number of entries, permitted stay and insurance before deciding.
Eligible travellers may be able to obtain permission to enter Saudi Arabia after arriving at an international airport.
However, applying online before travelling is usually safer. An online application gives you time to correct errors or deal with technical problems before your flight.
What do you need for a visa on arrival?
You should normally have:
Approval is always decided by the Saudi immigration authorities.
Who may prefer a visa on arrival?
It may suit an eligible traveller who:
Do not depend on a visa on arrival without checking your eligibility first. Airlines may ask for evidence that you meet Saudi entry requirements before allowing you to board.
Current UK guidance says eligible tourists may apply online or upon arrival at Saudi Arabia’s international airports.
A transit or stopover visa may be available when you are flying through Saudi Arabia on the way to another country.
Saudia offers a stopover visa that allows eligible passengers to remain in the Kingdom for up to 96 hours. The visa is connected to the passenger’s flight booking.
A transit visa can be useful for:
Is the Saudi transit visa free?
The stopover visa itself may be offered without a visa charge through participating airlines. However, administration, insurance, accommodation and transport costs may still apply.
When might a transit visa be required?
You may need one when:
Always check with your airline before travelling.
A traditional Umrah visa is commonly arranged through an authorised travel company as part of an organised journey.
It can be useful for:
The price varies because it may be included with flights, hotels, transfers and other Umrah services.
British passport holders can usually perform Umrah using an eligible ETA, tourist eVisa or EVW outside the Hajj season. However, a package-based Umrah visa may still be easier when you want professional support.
A tourist visa, ETA, EVW or Umrah visa cannot be used to perform Hajj.
Hajj requires separate official permission. British pilgrims can only book an authorised Hajj place through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.
Hajj visas are issued for a fixed period and cannot normally be extended. Visitors attempting to perform Hajj without the correct permission may face fines, removal from Saudi Arabia or future entry restrictions.
Yes. Eligible visitors can perform Umrah using a tourist eVisa, ETA or electronic visa waiver outside the Hajj season.
However:
Check the latest rules before travelling because access to Makkah, Madinah and nearby airports can be restricted during the Hajj period.
UK Residents With Pakistani, Indian or Other Passports
Living in the UK does not automatically give you the same visa eligibility as a British passport holder.
Your eligibility is normally based on:
For example, a person living in London with a Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi or Nigerian passport should check the rules for that passport rather than relying only on guidance for British citizens.
The official Saudi eVisa portal provides a list of eligible nationalities. Travellers whose country is not listed are advised to contact a Saudi embassy or an authorised visa provider.
Most applicants should prepare:
Your name on the visa application must match your passport exactly.
Saudi Arabia requires British travellers to have at least six months remaining on their passport from the date of arrival.
Applying for a Saudi visa is usually simple when you prepare the correct information. Follow these steps to reduce mistakes and delays.
Step 1: Check Your Passport
Make sure your passport is valid and has enough time remaining before it expires. Check that your full name, passport number, nationality and date of birth are correct.
Saudi Arabia normally requires travellers to have at least six months of passport validity from the date of entry.
Step 2: Decide Why You Are Travelling
Choose the main reason for your visit. This could be:
Your reason for travelling will help determine which Saudi visa you need.
Step 3: Compare the Visa Options
Compare the available visas before applying. Check:
Do not choose a visa based only on price. Choose the visa that matches your travel plans.
Step 4: Use the Correct Official Platform
Apply through the correct official Saudi website.
The Saudi ETA, tourist eVisa and electronic visa waiver can be applied for through an official Saudi visa platform. Hajj bookings and applications must be completed through the official Nusuk Hajj platform.
Avoid unofficial websites that may charge unnecessary fees.
Step 5: Complete the Application Carefully
Enter all information exactly as it appears on your passport. Check the following details before submitting the application:
A small spelling or number mistake may delay your application or make the visa invalid.
Step 6: Pay the Saudi Visa Fee
Check the full amount before making payment. The total price may include:
Keep your payment receipt after completing the transaction.
Step 7: Save Your Visa Confirmation
After approval, download and save your visa or travel authorisation.
Keep:
You may be asked to show it at the airport or when entering Saudi Arabia.
Step 8: Recheck the Rules Before Departure
Check the latest Saudi entry requirements a few days before travelling.
Visa and entry rules can change, especially before and during the Hajj season. Also confirm any vaccination, insurance, permit or airline requirements.
Avoiding simple mistakes can help prevent visa delays, rejected applications and travel problems.
Choosing a Visa Only Because It Is Cheaper
The cheapest visa may not be the best option for your journey.
For example, a cheaper single-entry visa may not be suitable if you plan to visit Saudi Arabia several times. Compare the visa benefits as well as the price.
Entering Incorrect Passport Information
Your application details must match your passport exactly.
An incorrect name, passport number or expiry date may delay the application or make the approved visa unusable. Check everything carefully before submitting the form.
Applying Too Late for an EVW
Do not leave your electronic visa waiver application until the last minute.
An EVW should normally be submitted at least 48 hours before your flight. Applying earlier gives you more time to solve any problems.
Assuming UK Residence Gives British Passport Eligibility
Living in the UK does not automatically mean you can apply under the rules for British passport holders.
Saudi visa eligibility is usually based on your passport nationality. UK residents with Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi or other passports should check the requirements for their own nationality.
Using a Tourist Visa for Hajj
A tourist visa, ETA, EVW or Umrah visa cannot be used to perform Hajj.
Hajj travellers must have an official Umrah visa and Hajj visa for UK and the required permit. Travelling for Hajj without the correct permission may result in fines or other penalties.
Forgetting Travel Insurance
Some Saudi visas include basic medical insurance, but others do not.
The Saudi ETA and electronic visa waiver normally do not include medical insurance. Arrange suitable travel insurance before leaving the UK.
Ignoring the Total Permitted Stay
Visa validity and permitted stay are not the same thing.
A visa may be valid for one or two years, but this does not mean you can remain in Saudi Arabia for the entire period. Always check how many days you are allowed to stay during each visit or in total.
For many British passport holders, the decision can be simplified:
Your passport and personal travel plan should guide your decision—not the visa price alone.
Visa rules can feel confusing, especially when you are planning Umrah for the first time.
Al Huda Travel can help you understand your available visa options and arrange a complete journey with flights, hotels, transport and visa support. Our team works with individuals, families and groups travelling from across the UK.
Contact Al Huda Travel before booking if you are unsure which visa is suitable for your passport or travel dates.