United Kingdom passport → Saudi Arabia

Do British citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Electronic travel authorisation (eTA)180 days

British passport holders need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Saudi Arabia for up to 180 days. It is a short online application, not a full visa.

Apply on the official site: visa.visitsaudi.com

Heads-up: some sources list this route as visa on arrival (90 days).

What this means for your trip

Apply only on the official government site; third-party sites charge extra.
Apply a few days before travel; most approvals are quick but some take longer.
The authorisation is linked to your passport. A new passport needs a new application.

Get trip-ready for Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia eSIMData the moment you land. Skip the SIM queue and roaming bills.See data plans →Things to do in Saudi ArabiaTours, attraction passes and airport transfers, often cheaper booked ahead.Browse experiences →Flights to Saudi ArabiaCompare hundreds of airlines and agencies in one search.Find cheap flights →Flight delayed or cancelled?You could be owed up to €600. Check your flight in two minutes.Check compensation →

Partner links: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Saudi Arabia at a glance

Capital: Riyadh
Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR)
Languages: Arabic
Calling code: +966
Region: Western Asia

More about Saudi Arabia →

Saudi Arabia for other passports

IndiaVisa required
United StatesVisa on arrival90 days
United KingdomeTA180 days
United Arab EmiratesVisa-free
ChinaVisa on arrival90 days
SingaporeVisa on arrival90 days
PakistanVisa required
BangladeshVisa required
Sri LankaVisa required
NepalVisa required
NigeriaVisa required
PhilippinesVisa required

Nearby in Western Asia for British passport holders

ArmeniaVisa-free180 days
CyprusVisa-free90 days
GeorgiaVisa-free365 days
OmanVisa-free14 days
PalestineVisa-free
QatarVisa-free30 days
TürkiyeVisa-free90 days
United Arab EmiratesVisa-free90 days

Common questions

Do British citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

British passport holders need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Saudi Arabia for up to 180 days. It is a short online application, not a full visa.

How long can British citizens stay in Saudi Arabia?

Up to 180 days under the current eta rule. Longer stays need a different visa.

Can British citizens get a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia?

Not under the standard rules.

How many countries can British citizens visit without a visa?

156 destinations allow entry without a visa arranged in advance (visa-free, visa on arrival or eTA). The United Kingdom passport ranks #8 of 94 (passports with equal scores share a rank).

Source: Wikipedia contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0). Updated weekly. Rules can change, so give the official site a quick look before you fly.