Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for UK Travellers: The Complete 2026 Guide

Visa Options Explained

Types and costs overview

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2026

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Quick answer — which visa do most UK travellers need?

Saudi Tourist eVisa or Electronic Visa Waiver

Tourism, Umrah, short business trips

Hajj Visa via Nusuk System

Official Hajj visa through UK operator

Single-entry

EVW Visa Feature
Visa Options for UK Residents

Multiple-entry

Saudi Tourist eVisa Feature
Non-UK passport holders living in the UK usually require this visa

Why Saudi Arabia in 2026?

Saudi Arabia’s tourism has expanded rapidly under Vision 2030, welcoming over 116 million visitors in 2024. The Kingdom now offers world-class hotels, vibrant cultural experiences, and access to historic sites like AlUla and Diriyah.

New attractions include the AROYA cruise line from Jeddah and improved access for Muslim travelers to Makkah and Madinah. Whether for pilgrimage, luxury family trips, or exploration, 2026 is an ideal year to visit.

The Visa Options for UK Travellers — A Quick Overview

UK travellers have five main routes into Saudi Arabia in 2026. Here they are, in order of how commonly we use them for our clients:

Visa on Arrival

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)

Saudi Tourist eVisa

Visa Options for Pilgrimage Travel

Explore the key visa types for your pilgrimage journey, focusing on the most commonly required options.

Hajj Visa

Umrah Visa

Visa Details Overview

The Saudi Tourist eVisa — The All-Rounder

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Transit — combined with onward travel

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Cost

The official Saudi Tourist eVisa fee for UK applicants ranges from £100 to £130, covering government fees and mandatory medical insurance. Travel agencies, including ours, offer application services with an additional fee of £20 to £50 to ensure smooth processing, especially for Umrah trips.

Validity and Length of Stay

Visa validity: 1 year from the date of issue. Type: Multiple entry. Maximum stay per entry: 90 days. Maximum total stay per year: 180 days.
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How to Apply

The official portal is visa.visitsaudi.com. The process is genuinely straightforward.

Create an Account

Register using your email address to start your application securely.

Complete the Application Form

Fill in your personal details, passport information, and purpose of visit online.

Upload a Recent Photograph

Submit a clear photo taken against a white background as part of your application.

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Pay the visa fee with a credit or debit card

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Receive your eVisa by email

Usually within minutes, sometimes up to 24 hours

Print your eVisa

Keep a printed copy and a digital version on your phone

Present at the Saudi border

You will need to show your eVisa upon entry

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Travel Document Requirements

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date to avoid travel disruptions.
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Provide a valid email address to receive your visa electronically without delay.
Submit Details
Payment Method
Pay Securely
Upload a recent passport-style photo that meets official travel standards for your visa application.
Upload Photo

The Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) — The Lesser-Known Bargain

Launched on 2 August 2023 for UK passport holders, the EVW offers a faster, more affordable alternative to the standard eVisa, yet remains underutilized by many travel agencies.

Travel and Medical Services in Saudi Arabia

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Cost — Where the EVW Really Wins

The EVW costs just SAR 150, approximately £32–£40 depending on the exchange rate.

Switching from eVisa to EVW can save a UK family of four nearly £400, money that can enhance your trip.

Validity and Length of Stay

EVW validity: 90 days from the date of approval (you must enter within this window). Type: Single entry only. Maximum stay: Up to 180 days (six months) on that single entry.

Single Entry EVW

Multi-Entry eVisa Option

Cost and Usage Comparison

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How to Apply

The EVW application is submitted through visa.mofa.gov.sa, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform, not the regular eVisa site.

Application Timing

Submit your application between 90 days and 48 hours before your travel date to ensure timely processing.

Required Information

Provide your biographical details, occupation, purpose of visit, and Saudi contact information accurately.

Supporting Documents

Upload a recent photograph and have your confirmed return flight booking ready, which is mandatory for EVW.

Fees and Approval

Pay the SAR 150 fee and expect to receive approval by email within 24 hours after submission.

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Every traveller needs their own EVW, including children.

Each child must have an individual application, and minors cannot travel alone — a parent or guardian must accompany them.

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EVW Eligibility

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eVisa vs EVW — Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is the comparison at a glance. Pick the one that matches how you plan to travel.

Tourist eVisa Cost

£100–£130 including insurance

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Cost

SAR 150 (approx. £32–£40)

Tourist eVisa Validity

Valid for 1 year with multiple entries allowed

EVW Validity

Single entry, must be used within 90 days

Tourist eVisa Stay Duration

Up to 90 days per entry, 180 days per year

EVW Stay Duration

Up to 180 days for a single entry

Confirmed Flight Requirement

Compare options based on your travel frequency and trip length to select the best visa type.

No Confirmed Flight Needed

Ideal for repeat visitors and Umrah families planning multiple trips within the year.

Confirmed Flight Required

Best suited for one-off long stays and business travelers seeking cost savings.

Choosing the Right Visa

For extended single trips, the EVW offers cost efficiency; for flexible multiple visits, the eVisa is preferable.

EVW Benefits

Cost-effective for long stays without the need for confirmed flights, suitable for single extended visits.

eVisa Advantages

Provides maximum flexibility for multiple trips, favored by families returning for Umrah.

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3. Visa on Arrival

Saudi Arabia offers visa on arrival at major airports for eligible travelers, including UK passport holders and residents of the EU or US with valid Schengen, US, or UK visas. Use self-service kiosks at Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam airports or apply at passport control. While convenient as a backup, we recommend arranging your visa in advance to avoid delays after long flights.

The Umrah Visa — Now Built Into the eVisa System

Saudi Arabia has integrated the Umrah visa into its general visa system, allowing pilgrims to use the Tourist eVisa or Electronic Visa Waiver for Umrah travel.

While the visa process is straightforward, booking through a UK agency offers added benefits like hotel arrangements, flights, transfers, and guided support. Early application is advised during peak seasons due to visa quotas.

The Hajj Visa — Don't Confuse This with the Above

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This is the one visa that is completely different. You cannot perform Hajj on a Tourist eVisa or an EVW. Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa, issued through Saudi Arabia's official Nusuk platform and arranged exclusively through approved Hajj operators. If you are planning to perform Hajj — whether for 2027 or beyond — you must book through a Saudi-authorised UK operator. The visa is issued as part of the package; you do not apply for it yourself. This is one of the main reasons Hajj is regulated so carefully: the quota system, the Mina tent allocations, the logistics on the days of Hajj itself — all of it depends on the operator network. Trying to find a workaround is neither possible nor a good idea.

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Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding small errors in your visa application can save you days of stress. Check these key points before you apply.

Passport Validity

Photograph Format

Name Spelling

Official Application Sites

EVW Flight Requirement

Application Timing

After You Arrive — A Few Practical Tips

Carry your passport with you — random checks happen and you will need it for hotel check-in and certain transactions
Download the Tawakkalna app — Saudi Arabia's national digital identity and entry app, useful for accessing many services
Buy a local SIM card on arrival — STC, Mobily, and Zain all sell tourist SIMs at the airport for very reasonable prices
Know prayer times — businesses and shops close briefly during the five daily prayers; plan around them
Use Careem or Uber — both work reliably across major Saudi cities and are often cheaper than airport taxis
Save your visa as a PDF on your phone — passport control will scan it, and having it offline saves you from chasing airport Wi-Fi
Dress modestly — Saudi Arabia has relaxed dress rules considerably in recent years, but modest clothing is still appreciated and expected, especially around religious sites

Save your visa as a PDF on your phone — passport control will scan it, and having it offline saves you from chasing airport Wi-Fi

Saudi Visa FAQs

Answers to common questions about Saudi visas for UK citizens, including costs, durations, and eligibility.

  • How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a tourist visa?

    The Tourist eVisa allows up to 90 days per entry and 180 days per year across visits. The EVW offers a single entry up to 180 days but cannot be extended.

  • Can I extend my Saudi visa once I'm in the country?

    Neither the Tourist eVisa nor the EVW can be extended. To stay longer, you must exit and re-enter with a new visa. The eVisa’s multiple entries allow split visits within one year.

  • Do I need a Saudi visa if I have a UK residence permit but not a UK passport?

    Yes. The EVW is only for UK passport holders. UK residents with foreign passports should apply for the Tourist eVisa. Visa on arrival may be available depending on nationality and existing visas.

  • Can children get a Saudi visa?

    Yes. Every traveler, including newborns and children, requires an individual visa. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and cannot travel alone.

  • Which visa is better, the eVisa or the EVW?

    The choice depends on travel plans. The Tourist eVisa suits multiple visits with its multiple entries. The EVW is cheaper for a single long trip. For Umrah families, the eVisa offers more flexibility.

  • Do UK citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

    Yes. All UK citizens need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. UK passport holders can apply for the Saudi Tourist eVisa (1-year multiple entry, around £100–£130) or the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) (single entry, up to 6 months, around £32–£40).

  • How much does a Saudi Arabia tourist visa cost from the UK?

    The Tourist eVisa costs about £100–£130 including mandatory medical insurance. The EVW costs SAR 150 (roughly £32–£40) but is single entry only. Travel agencies may charge an additional £20–£50 service fee.

  • How long does it take to get a Saudi eVisa?

    Most applications are approved within minutes, though some may take up to 24 hours or 1–3 days if flagged for review. Applying at least a week before travel is recommended.

  • Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist eVisa?

    Yes. Umrah is allowed on both the Tourist eVisa and EVW. The standalone Umrah visa is now included in these types, but seasonal quotas apply during peak periods like Ramadan and after Hajj.

  • Can I perform Hajj on a Saudi tourist visa?

    No. Hajj requires a separate visa issued only through the official Nusuk platform and approved operators. Tourist eVisa and EVW do not permit Hajj.

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Make Your Saudi Trip Effortless

Visas are the gateway, but the trip itself is what matters. At Marhaban Travel we have been helping UK travellers visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj, Umrah, cruises, and leisure for years. We take the visa hassle off your shoulders, find you the right hotels close to the Haram or by the Red Sea, arrange transfers and trains, and build a complete itinerary that works for your family and your budget.

Whether you are planning an Umrah, a Red Sea cruise on the AROYA, a combined spiritual-and-leisure journey, or simply a holiday to explore one of the most exciting destinations in the world, we are based in London and just a message away.