Saudi Arabia Launches New ETA Visa for UK Citizens
By Fizza Amir
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia has officially designed a new niche for their traveling criteria. On 1st July 2026, the Authorities of Saudi Arabia launched the Electronic Travel Authorization ETA as a warrant to experience multiple entries through digital authorisation mainly for those travelling from the UK. This worthy news was breaked on 25 June 2026 and came into effect after a few days. This Umrah Visa type is considered as one of the most helpful and significant updates happening in the Saudi Travel system in recent years. If you are a Muslim living in the UK and have decided to visit Saudi Arabia then this guide is ideally written for you to take help throughout the journey with ETA visa type. This blog will help you with comfortable stays throughout the journey.
This guide breaks down exactly what the new ETA is, how it works, and why it matters.
What Is the Saudi ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a pre-approved entry authorisation that allows eligible travellers to enter Saudi Arabia without having to apply for a traditional visa at an embassy or consulate. Rather, the entire application, payment and approval process is done online via the official Saudi visa platform.
The ETA was launched as a reciprocal measure for UK citizens. The United Kingdom already has its own ETA for Saudi nationals traveling to the UK, and Saudi Arabia's new scheme is a similar process in reverse. The launch has been called a symbol of the long-standing and close ties between the two countries by officials from both countries.
Why This Matters
This is not just an administrative change, but one of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to welcome visitors from around the world as part of its long-term vision under Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and boost tourism as a key sector. Giving travellers from major markets such as the UK an easier, quicker and cheaper entry is a direct step towards this.
The UK has always been one of the most important international source markets for Saudi Arabia and therefore making it easier for British visitors to enter is a strategic measure, not a courtesy.
Who Is Eligible for the Saudi ETA?
There is no restriction on the type of British passport that can be used for the ETA. This is an improvement on some visa schemes, which only apply to specific categories of passport.
Approved Purposes of Travel
The ETA can be used for:
Tourism, sightseeing, leisure travel and visiting the Kingdom's heritage sites.
Business visits are defined as meetings, conferences and short-term commercial activity in companies.
What the ETA Does Not Cover
It's important to understand the limits of this authorisation. The ETA is not suitable for:
For work or employment.
Long-term residency
Travel during the Hajj season (Hajj visa required)
If your trip is in any of these categories, you will need to apply under one of the dedicated visa categories instead.
If your trip falls into any of these categories, you'll need to apply through the relevant dedicated visa route instead.
Key Features and Benefits
Multiple entries with one authorisation
The ETA allows multiple entries and exits to and from Saudi Arabia, rather than having to apply for a new visa each time. This is a significant benefit to business travellers, frequent visitors and family members traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Extended Stay Allowance
Persons traveling to Saudi Arabia may stay for a total of 180 days in a 12-month period, either in one continuous trip or as multiple shorter trips. This is a significant change from the previous tourist eVisa which generally allowed for a stay of 90 days.
Quick and all-digital processing.
The ETA is intended to be a fast, easy-to-use process. The application is usually processed within 1-3 working days and the entire application and approval procedure is online, which means that no visit to an Embassy or Consulate is required.
Affordable Cost
Initial reports indicate that the government fee for the ETA is approximately SAR 50 (SAR 500-600 per person on the older tourist eVisa route), which is a significant reduction from the fee of the tourist eVisa route, which was more than £110 per person and still had to include travel insurance. Like all new government initiatives, it's important to verify the precise fee on the official website prior to applying.
All UK Passport Types are available.
The ETA is not only available to specific passport holders, as some visas are, it is also open to anyone with a British passport, no matter what type it is.
How Does the ETA Compare to the Old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)?
Before the arrival of this ETA system most of the British travellers were selecting the EVW, the Electronic Visa Waiver for their short visits that might include Umrah. Here's how the two compare:
Feature | Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | New ETA |
Entry type | Single entry | Multiple entry |
Maximum stay | Up to 90 days | Up to 180 days per year |
Insurance | Not included | To be confirmed on application |
Application window | 48 hours to 90 days before travel | Online, ahead of travel |
Best suited for | One-off short trips | Frequent or long-stay travellers |
Saudi authorities have yet to confirm if the ETA will completely replace the EVW or if both will be kept in parallel for different traveller needs. Travellers should verify the latest guidance on the official portal before deciding on the route to apply through until official guidance is issued.
How to Apply for the Saudi ETA
The ETA application process is intended to be self-service and easy. Here is a general outline of the steps:
Check the official Saudi visa website, always apply through the official Saudi government website to ensure you are not charged more by a third party or scammed.
Fill out the online application with your passport information and personal information.
Submit a digital passport style photo.
Make a secure online ETA fee payment.
Approval will be received within 1-3 working days.
Please bring your ETA confirmation to check-in and on arrival in Saudi Arabia and save or print them out.
The ETA can only be applied for by each traveller, including children, separately, and not as a group in one application.
Documents You'll Need
British passport that is valid for at least six months from date of arrival.
The digital passport-style photo was taken within the last 6 months.
The basic travel information, as per the platform's requirements.
A Note for Umrah Travellers
Travelling for Umrah, the ETA can facilitate entry into Saudi Arabia outside of the Hajj season, but not access to the holy sites. However, after you receive approval for your ETA, you will have to arrange your individual Umrah and Rawdah permits on the official Nusuk app. The ETA is your ticket to enter the country and Nusuk is your ticket to the pilgrimage.
Final Thoughts
The Saudi ETA for UK citizens is a very convenient change for British travellers, as it offers a more cost-effective, efficient and flexible entry option compared to the previous one. This new system is designed to make you enter Saudi Arabia with no stress , whether you're traveling for business, family umrah, study for a short period, or an Umrah trip from uk outside the time of Hajj.
However, as the scheme is new, there are some aspects that might still be tweaked by the Saudi authorities, including the final fee amounts and the terms of validity. Please make sure to refer to the official government website for the latest information before booking flights or accommodation.