The Saudi Guides

Saudi Arabia Launches ETA for UK Passport Holders

· 2 min read Travel News
Passport and boarding pass on a white surface

Contents

  1. What the ETA Covers
  2. Who Qualifies
  3. How to Apply
  4. What This Means for Visitors

Saudi Arabia has extended its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to UK passport holders from 1 July 2026, streamlining entry for one of the country’s growing European visitor markets. The change removes the need for a full visa application for most leisure travellers arriving from the United Kingdom.

What the ETA Covers

The ETA is a pre-travel authorisation rather than a visa stamp. UK nationals apply online before departure, receive electronic clearance, and present their passport on arrival — no embassy appointment, no paper documentation. The authorisation covers tourist stays of up to 90 days and is valid for multiple entries within a 12-month window.

The process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Applicants need a valid UK passport with at least six months’ remaining validity, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. The fee is charged at the time of application.

Who Qualifies

The ETA is available to UK passport holders travelling for tourism, family visits, or transit. Business travel on a tourist ETA is not permitted — visitors with commercial purposes should apply for the appropriate business visa through the standard route.

Holders of diplomatic or official passports follow a separate entry pathway and should confirm requirements with the Saudi embassy prior to travel.

How to Apply

Applications go through the official Saudi tourism portal or the Sharek app. The system links directly to Saudi immigration records; third-party services advertising assistance with the form may charge fees for a process that the government provides free of administrative cost.

We recommend applying at least 48 hours before departure to allow time for processing. Most applications clear within a few hours during daytime hours, but occasional processing delays occur during peak periods.

What This Means for Visitors

The ETA expansion follows similar arrangements already in place for visitors from the EU, GCC countries, and several Asian markets. Saudi Arabia has been rapidly expanding its tourism infrastructure over the past three years, and the UK is one of the key target markets for international leisure arrivals.

For visitors planning a first trip, our Riyadh city guide and Jeddah guide cover the main entry points and what to expect on arrival. Both cities have seen significant investment in tourism facilities and now have dedicated international terminals designed for the volume of visitor arrivals the ETA expansion is expected to bring.

The ETA change takes effect immediately and applies to all UK passport holders regardless of residency status.