Saudi Arabia entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UK passport holders can get a visa on arrival at major Saudi international airports (like Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah), or apply for an e-visa online before travel. The visa on arrival costs approximately SAR 440 (roughly £85–£95 depending on exchange rate) and is valid for multiple entries with stays up to 90 days per visit. As of the latest update in 2025, this remains the standard option for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Saudi tourist eVisa at visa.visitsaudi.com. The visa costs $135 USD and includes mandatory medical insurance. Processing takes minutes — approval is almost instant for UK passport holders. The eVisa is valid for 90 days, multiple entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your UK passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Saudi immigration, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Airlines check this before boarding — without it, you may be denied check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Saudi immigration may ask for a hotel booking or a letter from your host. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. If staying with a friend, they need to register you via the Absher platform. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Saudi immigration rarely asks for this, but having a statement with at least $1,000 USD equivalent avoids delays. | Recommended |
Travel insurance is mandatory
Saudi Arabia requires all visitors — including those getting a visa on arrival — to have valid travel medical insurance. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry. Get a policy that meets the Saudi requirements (usually minimum coverage of SAR 100,000).
Visa on arrival only at airports
If you plan to enter Saudi Arabia via a land border (from Bahrain, UAE, or Jordan), you must obtain an e-visa before you arrive. The visa on arrival is only available at international airports.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at an international airport
Only major international airports (Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah) offer visa on arrival. Land borders and smaller airports do not.
2
Go to the visa on arrival counters
After disembarking, follow signs to the Visa on Arrival counters located before passport control. Do not proceed to baggage claim first. There are dedicated kiosks and payment points.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay SAR 440 (approx £85-95) by credit/debit card. Cash may not be accepted. The fee covers a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days per stay.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will issue a visa sticker placed in your passport. Check that your name and passport number are correct.
5
Proceed to immigration
Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and (if asked) your hotel booking and return ticket. You will be stamped in and can then collect your baggage.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostSAR 480 (~USD 128)
Apply online via KSA Visa portal. Same cost as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
CostSAR 480 (~USD 128)
Apply online. Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostSAR 1,000 (~USD 267)
Requires sponsor/invitation letter. For work-related visits.
Premium Residency (Self-Sponsored)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostSAR 100,000 (~USD 26,667) per year
For long-term stay without sponsor. Includes work and family benefits.
work visa
Saudi Arabia Work Visa (Employment Visa)
2 years, renewable
SAR 2,000 (~$533 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a Saudi employer sponsor. Requires valid job offer and medical tests. Allows residency and multiple entries.
student visa
Saudi Arabia Student Visa
Duration of study program, renewable
SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) plus university fees
For international students enrolled at a Saudi university. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Saudi Premium Residency (Retirement Category)
1 year, renewable
SAR 100,000 (~$26,667 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income. Offers residency without a sponsor. Includes healthcare and family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Valid for 90 days, max stay 90 days. Paid at entry. | SAR 480 (~USD 128) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 1 year, max stay 90 days per entry. Paid at entry. | SAR 480 (~USD 128) |
| Overstay fineApplies after visa expiry. Pay before departure to avoid bans. | SAR 100 per day (~USD 27), no cap mentioned |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Saudi Arabia
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders can transit airside without a visa for up to 12 hours, provided they do not pass through immigration. For longer transits or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 96 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Meningococcal MeningitisRequired for pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons; recommended for all travellers.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in some areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures common; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in the southwestern highlands (Jazan, Asir) during rainy season; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Main office for visa extension and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and proof of funds.
Jeddah
Jeddah Passport Office
Al-Madinah Road, Al-Nuzha District, Jeddah
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:30
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Saudi Arabia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, only at major international airports — Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madinah, and a few others. Land borders (e.g., from Bahrain or UAE) do not offer visa on arrival for UK citizens. You would need an e-visa in advance from the official Saudi tourism website (visitsaudi.com).
The fee is approximately SAR 440 (roughly £85–£95 depending on exchange rate). It covers a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days per stay. Payment by credit/debit card is standard; cash may not be accepted.
Yes, it is mandatory. Saudi Arabia requires all visitors to have medical insurance with a minimum coverage of SAR 100,000. Airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot show proof. Get a policy specifically covering Saudi Arabia.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you would have to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa before travel.
The e-visa (available via the official Saudi tourism website) costs the same and allows you to skip the airport queue. Processing takes about 1-3 business days. It's a good idea if you want to save time on arrival.
You will not be allowed to board your flight or enter Saudi Arabia. Renew your passport before traveling.
Technically no, but immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Airlines also often require a return or onward ticket before they let you board. It's safest to have one.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.