This comprehensive guide covers UK visa and ETA requirements from Saudi Arabia in 2026, including requirements for both Saudi nationals and Iqama holders. Saudi citizens now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits, while the approximately 9-10 million expatriates living in Saudi Arabia must apply based on their passport nationality. Since the ETA scheme launched in February 2024, over 486,636 Saudi nationals have applied with an exceptional 99.38% approval rate—making Saudi Arabia the #10 largest source of ETA applications globally. For Iqama holders requiring visas, fees start at $177 (664 SAR) for visitor visas, with processing through VFS Global centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Saudi citizens: No visa needed for short visits—apply for an ETA ($22 / 83 SAR). Iqama holders: Requirements depend on your passport nationality. Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and other visa-national passport holders need a full UK visa regardless of their Saudi residence. US, EU, and other visa-exempt nationals need only an ETA.
UK ETA for Saudi Citizens 2026
Saudi citizens visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short courses (up to 6 months) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The UK ETA costs $22 / 83 SAR (£16), is valid for 2 years, and allows unlimited entries. Apply via the UK ETA app or gov.uk—most applications are approved within minutes. The ETA replaced the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system in February 2024.
The UK ETA requirement for Saudi citizens came into effect in February 2024, making Saudi Arabia one of the first countries in the ETA scheme as part of the Gulf States rollout. The ETA replaced the previous Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system, offering significant improvements—the EVW required a new application for each visit, while the ETA is valid for 2 years with unlimited entries.
UK ETA Statistics for Saudi Citizens
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, cumulative October 2023 to September 2025
How to Apply for UK ETA from Saudi Arabia
- Download the UK ETA app from App Store or Google Play, or visit gov.uk/eta
- Have your Saudi passport ready—the ETA will be linked to this passport
- Scan your passport using the app's NFC capability or camera
- Take a selfie for identity verification
- Answer security questions about criminal history and immigration violations
- Pay $22 / 83 SAR (£16) by debit or credit card
- Receive confirmation—most decisions arrive within minutes by email
What Can Saudi Citizens Do on an ETA?
- Tourism: Visiting London, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Family visits: Visiting relatives and friends in the UK
- Business: Meetings, conferences, negotiations (no paid work)
- Short-term study: Courses up to 6 months (recreational, not leading to qualification)
- Transit: Connecting through UK airports
- NOT permitted: Working, long-term study, or settlement—apply for the appropriate visa instead
UK Visa for Saudi Iqama Holders
UK visa requirements for Iqama holders depend on your passport nationality, not your Saudi residence status. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, and other visa-national passport holders living in Saudi Arabia need a full UK visa. US, EU, Australian, and other visa-exempt passport holders need only an ETA. Your Iqama does not change these requirements.
This distinction is critical for the millions of expatriates living in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and across Saudi Arabia. Whether you're Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Bangladeshi, or any other nationality, you must check your own country's visa requirements with the UK—not Saudi Arabia's.
UK Visa for Pakistani Iqama Holders
Pakistani passport holders with Saudi Iqama are among the largest groups of UK visa applicants from Saudi Arabia. You must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa ($177 / 664 SAR) or other appropriate visa category. The good news: you can apply from Saudi Arabia at VFS Global centres, using your Saudi address and bank statements from Saudi banks. See our detailed guide on UK visa from Pakistan.
UK Visa for Indian Iqama Holders
Indian passport holders living in Saudi Arabia follow the same process. You apply based on your Indian nationality, providing evidence of your ties to Saudi Arabia (employment letter, bank statements, accommodation proof). See our detailed guide on UK visa from India.
UK Visa Fees from Saudi Arabia 2026
UK visa fees from Saudi Arabia in 2026: ETA $22 (83 SAR) for Saudi citizens, Standard Visitor visa $177 (664 SAR) for Iqama holders, Student visa $731 (2,741 SAR), Skilled Worker visa $1,072-$2,118 (4,020-7,943 SAR), and Spouse visa $2,703 (10,136 SAR). Fees are paid in USD; SAR equivalents shown at 1 USD = 3.75 SAR.
Exchange rate: 1 USD = 3.75 SAR (January 2026). Additional Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035/year applies to work and study visas.
UK Visit Visa from Saudi Arabia
Iqama holders from visa-national countries need a Standard Visitor Visa ($177 / 664 SAR) for UK tourism, family visits, or business. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks, reducible to 5 working days with Priority Service. You can apply from VFS Global centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam using your Saudi address and bank statements.
The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or taking short courses. Long-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are available for frequent travellers—each still limits stays to 6 months per visit.
UK Tourist Visa Requirements from Saudi Arabia
- Valid passport with at least one blank page
- Saudi Iqama (residence permit) for expatriates
- Completed online application via UK visa application form
- Bank statements (typically 6 months) showing sufficient funds
- Employment letter from your Saudi employer
- Proof of accommodation in the UK (hotel bookings or host letter)
- Travel itinerary and return flight booking
- Evidence of ties to Saudi Arabia (property, family, employment)
UK Student Visa from Saudi Arabia
The UK Student Visa costs $731 (2,741 SAR) plus Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035/year. You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK institution, English language proof (IELTS), and evidence of funds. Saudi Arabia has a strong tradition of UK study, supported by government scholarship programs.
Saudi Arabia ranks #8 globally for UK student visa applications, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to international education through programs like the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. Both Saudi nationals and Iqama holders can apply for UK Student Visas from Saudi Arabia.
Student Visa Requirements from Saudi Arabia
- CAS Number: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed UK institution
- English proficiency: Usually IELTS 5.5-7.0 depending on course level
- Financial evidence: Tuition fees + £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London)
- TB test: Required for applicants in Saudi Arabia
Work Rights and Graduate Route
Students on degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. After graduation, the Graduate Route allows Bachelor's/Master's graduates to work for 18 months (PhD graduates: 3 years).
UK Work Visa from Saudi Arabia
The Skilled Worker Visa costs $1,072-$2,118 (4,020-7,943 SAR) depending on duration. You need a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, Certificate of Sponsorship, and must meet the minimum salary threshold of £41,700/year. The Health and Care Worker Visa has reduced fees ($424-$823) and is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The main route for Saudi residents seeking UK employment is the Skilled Worker Visa. Healthcare professionals should consider the Health and Care Worker Visa, which offers significant fee reductions and IHS exemption.
UK Spouse Visa from Saudi Arabia
The UK Spouse Visa costs $2,703 (10,136 SAR). The UK sponsor must demonstrate minimum annual income of £29,000. Processing takes approximately 12 weeks standard, reducible to 6 weeks with Priority Service. After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
The UK Spouse Visa is initially granted for 33 months, extendable for another 30 months. You must prove a genuine relationship, meet the financial requirement (£29,000 minimum), provide adequate accommodation, and pass an English language test.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Saudi Arabia
Apply online at gov.uk, pay the fee in USD, then book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. Standard processing takes 3 weeks for non-settlement visas and 12 weeks for settlement visas. Priority Service reduces processing to 5 working days (non-settlement) or 6 weeks (settlement).
UK Visa Application Process from Saudi Arabia
- Complete the online application at gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- Pay the visa fee online in USD
- Book a VFS appointment in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam
- Attend your appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
- Track your application online and collect passport when ready
VFS Global Centres in Saudi Arabia
UK visa applications from Saudi Arabia are processed through VFS Global centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam/Al Khobar. For current addresses and opening hours, visit the official visa application centre finder.
UK Visa Processing Time from Saudi Arabia
- Saudi nationals: ETA required ($22 / 83 SAR) — 99.38% approval rate, #10 globally
- Iqama holders: Requirements based on passport nationality, not Saudi residence
- Visitor visa: $177 (664 SAR) for 6 months — up to $1,477 for 10 years
- Student visa: $731 (2,741 SAR) + IHS £1,035/year
- Spouse visa: $2,703 (10,136 SAR) — £29,000 minimum income requirement
- Processing: 3 weeks standard, 5 days priority, next day super priority
- ETA enforcement: Strict from 25 February 2026 — no ETA, no boarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No, Saudi citizens do not need a visa for short visits. They need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs $22 / 83 SAR (£16), is valid for 2 years, and allows visits of up to 6 months. For work, study, or settlement, Saudi citizens must apply for the appropriate visa.
Do Saudi Iqama holders need a UK visa?
It depends on your passport nationality, not your Iqama status. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, and other visa-national passport holders need a full UK visa regardless of their Saudi residence. US, EU, Australian, and other visa-exempt nationals need only an ETA ($22).
How much is a UK visa from Saudi Arabia?
UK visa fees from Saudi Arabia in 2026: ETA $22 (83 SAR) for Saudi citizens, Standard Visitor visa $177 (664 SAR), 2-year visitor $662 (2,483 SAR), Student visa $731 (2,741 SAR), Skilled Worker visa $1,072-$2,118 (4,020-7,943 SAR), and Spouse visa $2,703 (10,136 SAR). Priority service costs an additional $697 (2,614 SAR).
What is the UK visit visa processing time from Saudi Arabia?
Standard UK visa processing from Saudi Arabia takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor, student, and work visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take around 12 weeks. Priority service reduces processing to 5 working days for non-settlement visas and 6 weeks for settlement visas. ETAs are typically processed within minutes to 3 working days.
Can I apply for UK visa from Saudi Arabia with a Pakistani passport?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders with Saudi Iqama can apply for UK visas from VFS Global centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. You apply based on your Pakistani nationality, using your Saudi address, employment letter from your Saudi employer, and bank statements from Saudi banks. Your Iqama does not change the visa requirements.
Can I apply for UK visa from Saudi Arabia with an Indian passport?
Yes. Indian passport holders living in Saudi Arabia can apply for UK visas from VFS Global centres across Saudi Arabia. You apply as an Indian national, providing evidence of your ties to Saudi Arabia including employment letters and bank statements from Saudi banks. The Standard Visitor visa costs $177 (664 SAR).
What is the UK ETA approval rate for Saudi nationals?
Saudi nationals have an exceptional ETA approval rate of 99.38%. Of 486,636 applications processed between October 2023 and September 2025, only 241 were refused (0.05%). Saudi Arabia ranks #10 globally for ETA applications and is the largest ETA source from the Gulf region.
Where are the UK visa application centres in Saudi Arabia?
VFS Global operates UK visa application centres in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam/Al Khobar. These centres handle biometric appointments for all visa categories. For current addresses and opening hours, visit the official visa application centre finder at gov.uk.
For more information about UK visa requirements and application procedures, explore our related guides: UK ETA Scheme, Standard Visitor Visa UK, UK Visa from UAE, and UK Visa Refusal: What Next?