Applying for Saudi Arabia visa from UK is simple and straightforward process. You have a few different options available when it comes to obtain a Saudi visa. If you are going to Saudi Arabia from UK you do need a visa to enter the country. You can apply for an e-visa online or you can get a visa on arrival at Saudi Arabia airport using self-service KIOSK.
Applying For Saudi Visa – UK passport holders
If you are a UK passport holder then the process of obtaining a Saudi Arabia visa is quite straightforward. When it comes to visa application you have three options which are explained below:
- Apply for an e-visa online
- Apply for an e-visa waiver
- Obtain a visa on arrival
Saudi Arabia E-Visa From UK
An e-visa allows multiple entries to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and you can perform Umrah on an e-visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months when entering the country. If you are under the age of 18 you will need parent, grandparent or a sibling over the age of 18 accompanying you. Below is the more information regarding the e-visa:
- eVisa Price: SAR 395 which is around £85
- Application Fee: SAR 10 which is around £2
- Medical Insurance Fee: This fee is included in the eVisa price
- Entry: You can enter the country multiple types if you have an e-visa
- Validity: The multiple entry visa is valid for a 365 days from its issue date. You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days every time you enter the country during the validity of the e-visa.
You can apply for an e-visa online.
Saudi Arabia e-visa waiver from UK
If you are a UK passport holder and visiting Saudi Arabia, you can get an e-visa waiver instead of an e-visa. E-visa waiver is only valid for single entry to Saudi Arabia. Unlike an e-visa which allows multiple entries during its validity period, if you opt for e-visa waiver you will have to apply for a new e-visa waiver every time you enter the country.
You can apply for an e-visa waiver here.
- Visa Waiver Price: SAR 150 which is around £35
- Entry: Single-entry
- Validity: Maximum 180 days
You can apply for an e-visa waiver up to 90 days before your arrival date. The approval process takes approximately 24 hours. You should apply for an e-visa waiver at least 48 hours prior to you arrival at the Saudi airport. You can not obtain an e-visa waiver if you have already arrived at Saudi Arabia, you will have to obtain visa on arrival instead.
Saudi Arabia visa on Arrival for UK passport holders
If you are British citizen and hold a British passport, you can get a visa on arrival when you arrive in Saudi Arabia to preform Umrah. Visa on arrival can be obtained using the self-service KIOSK.
- Visa of arrival Price: SAR 300 which is around £65
- Application Fee: SAR 0
- Medical Insurance Fee: SAR 95 which is around £20
- Entry: You can enter the country multiple types
- Validity: The multiple entry visa is valid for a 365 days from its issue date. You can stay in Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days every time you enter the country during the validity of the visa
Visa on arrival and e-visa is only available if you are a passport holder from certain countries. You can see the list of countries here. If your country is not in the list then you will have to contact Saudi embassy in your country. However, if you are a UK passport holder then you can apply for an e-visa or can get a visa on arrival.
Applying For Saudi Visa – Non-UK passport holders with permanent UK residency
If you are a permanent resident in UK but do not hold a British passport you can still apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival. However, you can not apply for an e-visa waiver. You can apply for an e-visa here.
- Once on the page, Select ‘visit’
- On the popup window where it says: ‘What is the purpose of visit?’ – Choose ‘Umrah‘
- Then chose your nationality Such as ‘Pakistani’
- From the next option choose: Permanent resident of US/UK/EU
- This will take you to the next page where you can register and apply for Saudi e-visa.
Umrah Visa FAQs
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi Arabia visit visa?
Yes, you can perform Umrah on a Saudi Arabia visit visa. However, you can not perform Umrah during the Hajj season and a few weeks before the Hajj season begins.
You can obtain the e-visa online if you hold a British passport or if you are a permanent resident of. You can see the full list of countries who are eligible for e-visa here.
Do I need Umrah visa to perform Umrah?
No, you do not need a separate Umrah visa to perform Umrah. Any type of visa will allow travelers to perform Umrah. However, you may be asked to show the proof of Umrah appointment when you enter AlHaram to perform Umrah, which you can book using the Nusuk platform.
Can I apply for Saudi visa myself if I’m performing Umrah or do I need to go through a travel agent?
Yes, you can apply for a Saudi Arabia visa yourself. You do not need to go through a travel agent as long as you have a British passport or a permanent residence permit.
How long does the visa process take?
The application process is quick and easy. You can apply online through the official website of Saudi Arabia for e-visas.
How long does it take to process Saadia Arabia e-visa?
As long as there are no errors in information provided, the e-visa is approved and issued very quickly. Sometimes it is approved in less then an hour. However, we highly recommended to allow plenty of time before your travel date incase of any unexpected delays. We recommend to apply at least 48-72 hours before your departure date and time. If you are applying for an e-visa waiver, then it takes around 24 hours to approve. Therefore, make sure to apply at least 48 hours before the departure.
How much do a Saudi e-visa and e-visa wavier cost?
The e-visa costs SAR 395 which is around £85, while e-visa waiver cost around £35. The e-visa is valid for 365 days and allows multiple entries. The e-visa waiver is only valid for 90 days and only allows a single entry to the Saudi Arabia.
Can I apply for an e-visa waiver if I am permanent resident of UK but do not hold a British passport?
If you are a permanent resident of UK but do not hold a British passport, then unfortunately you can not apply for an e-visa waiver. However, you can still apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival. If you opt for visa on arrival, make sure to carry all the necessary documents with you. However, we strongly recommend to apply for an e-visa to make sure there are no unforeseen delays when you reach Saudi Arabia.
Can I apply for an e-visa if I hold a Pakistani passport?
If you hold a Pakistani passport and you are a permanent resident of UK, then you can apply for an e-visa here. If you are not a permanent resident of UK, then you will have to obtain Saudi Arabia visa through an authorised travel agent.
Can I apply for an e-visa waiver if I hold a Pakistani passport and I am a permanent resident of UK?
If you are a permanent resident if UK and hold a Pakistani passport, unfortunately you can not apply for a e-visa waiver. However, you can still apply for an e-visa.