Great news for British travellers planning a trip to the Kingdom! Saudi Arabia has officially launched a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for UK passport holders, making it easier than ever to visit for tourism, business, short-term study, and Umrah. At Al Furqan Travels, we’ve put together this complete guide to help you understand exactly what the ETA is, who it applies to, and how to apply.
What Is the Saudi ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new digital entry scheme introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia specifically for UK citizens, launched on 1 July 2026. It’s a reciprocal arrangement, mirroring the ETA that the UK government already requires from Saudi nationals travelling to Britain.
The scheme is designed to simplify entry for British travellers, removing the need for a traditional visa application for most short-term visits.
Who Can Apply?
The ETA is available to holders of all types of UK passports. Whether you’re a frequent visitor to the Kingdom or planning your first trip, this scheme applies to you as long as your travel purpose is covered under the ETA.
Key Features of the Saudi ETA
Here’s what makes the new ETA a big improvement over older entry routes:
- Multiple entries: One ETA lets you enter and exit Saudi Arabia as many times as you need within its validity period.
- Validity period: The ETA is valid for 730 days (two years) from the date it’s issued.
- Maximum stay: You can stay in the Kingdom for up to 180 days in total across that 730-day period — either in one long visit or spread across multiple shorter trips.
- Fully online application: No embassy visits, no physical paperwork, no interview required.
What Can You Use the ETA For?
The ETA covers a specific range of travel purposes, including:
- Tourism and leisure travel
- Short-term study
- Business trips
- Umrah (outside the official Hajj season)
What the ETA Does NOT Cover
It’s important to know the limits of this authorisation. The ETA cannot be used for:
- Hajj – you’ll need a dedicated Hajj visa
- Work – a separate work visa/residency permit is required
- Residence – long-term residency still requires the appropriate visa category
If you’re planning to perform Hajj this year, get in touch with our team at Al Furqan Travels — we’ll guide you through the correct visa route.
How Much Does It Cost?
The official government fee for the ETA is 50 Saudi Riyal (roughly £10). Always apply through the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal, or let a trusted travel partner like Al Furqan Travels handle it for you to avoid overpaying through unofficial third-party sites.
How to Apply for the Saudi ETA
Applying is simple and fully digital:
- Visit the official Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs ETA platform
- Enter your passport and personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Answer questions about your purpose of travel
- Upload a passport-style photo and any supporting documents requested
- Pay the application fee online
- Receive your electronic approval by email, typically within a short processing window
- Present your ETA confirmation at the point of entry
Before You Travel: Key Requirements
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Saudi Arabia
- The ETA does not include health insurance — arrange your own travel insurance before departure
- Certain vaccination certificates (such as yellow fever, if arriving from a risk country) may be required at entry
- Travellers who have visited or were born in Israel may face entry restrictions
ETA vs e-Visa vs EVW: Which One Do You Need?
Saudi Arabia currently offers a few different entry options for UK travellers, and it’s worth knowing the difference:
| Entry Type | Validity | Max Stay | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA | 730 days | 180 days total | Multiple |
| e-Visa | 1 year | 90 days | Multiple |
| EVW | Single trip | Up to 6 months | Single entry |
For most repeat visitors and those wanting flexibility, the new ETA is the most convenient option.
Let Al Furqan Travels Handle It for You
Navigating visa and entry requirements can feel overwhelming, especially when planning a meaningful trip like Umrah or a family visit to Saudi Arabia. Our team at Al Furqan Travels is here to make the process smooth and stress-free, from ETA applications to full travel packages.
