Saudi Arabia Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Only citizens of the United Kingdom. The Saudi Press Agency announced on 25 June 2026 that the service would start on 1 July 2026 for holders of all categories of British passport, mirroring the electronic travel authorisation the UK grants Saudi citizens. No Saudi sponsor is needed. Nationals of other countries use the eVisa or another visa type.

KSA Visa lists a non-refundable fee of SAR 50 and a processing time of one to three working days. Each traveller, children included, files a separate application and pays separately.

The ETA is obtained only by filling in the form on KSA Visa. Besides personal and passport details, the form covers your country of residence, any other nationalities you hold, countries you have travelled to, a set of security questions and whether you intend to perform Umrah. Errors delay processing, so complete it carefully.

Over its 730-day validity the ETA allows stays totalling up to 180 days within one year, whether consecutive or spread over several visits. It cannot be extended and cannot be issued on arrival, so a longer stay needs a different visa.

You are notified by email and may reapply at any time through the Saudi missions in your country for a further review. The Foreign Ministry advises against unauthorised individuals or companies offering to file the ETA for you.

KSA Visa lists tourism, business, study and medical treatment; the ministry's announcement describes the study element as short-term study. Muslim holders may visit Makkah and Madinah and perform Umrah outside the Hajj season after obtaining any permit required. You may travel freely between cities. Work, residence and Hajj each require the relevant visa.