How to Visit Saudi Arabia from the UK: Complete Guide

Updated on Dec 16, 2025 | Saudi e-Visa

Thinking of travelling to Saudi Arabia from the UK? Whether for tourism, business, or Umrah, knowing the latest rules, entry requirements, and cultural etiquette will help you plan a smooth visit. This makes your journey easier and helps in eliminating any issues.

With a total number of close to 116 million tourists in 2024, Saudi Arabia is a country visited by many. Saudi Arabia isn’t just a beautiful place, but is also a country that offers business opportunities and holds significance in the Islamic community. So, from tourism to pilgrimage, many things draw people to this country for a modern yet deeply cultural experience.

However, travelling from the UK to Saudi Arabia involves following a few requirements. When travelling to Saudi Arabia from the UK, you will be required to arrange documents, like a Saudi visa for Britishers, flight tickets, and a few other things. Other than that, there is also a proper process that one needs to follow after they decide to visit the country.

Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

Visiting Saudi Arabia as a UK citizen involves following a few entry requirements. This includes the following:

  • The passport you use must be valid for at least 6 months starting from the date you enter the kingdom.
  • A Saudi visa for Britishers is mandatory and works similarly to a travel permit.
  • UK citizens must apply for a visit visa for KSA in advance, via online or through the embassy.
  • Children and dependents require separate applications, and one visa application is for only one tourist.

Which Visa Do You Need?

Saudi Arabia offers multiple visas depending on one’s visit purpose. Here we have listed out a few popular types of visas that a UK citizen can apply for when visiting the country.

Tourist Visa

This visa is applied for online or through the embassy by those who are visiting the country to explore the different landmarks of the country. This visa stays valid for 12 months and offers multiple entries. However, the maximum stay period for each visit is 90 days.

This visa lets you explore the country for leisure, meet family, and take part in family events. However, you will be required to offer your travel itinerary when applying for this visa.

Umrah Visa

This type of visit visa for KSA is applied for by those who wish to do Umrah beyond the season of Hajj. However, not everyone is eligible to apply for this visa, and only Muslims are eligible for the visa.

The Saudi Umrah visa comes with a validity of 90 days from the date of issuance and offers a maximum stay of 30 days. The applicants for this visa aren’t allowed to take part in leisure trips when they visit the country with this visa.

You will be required to offer a meningitis vaccination certificate for this visa, apart from the primary documents. Other than that, women younger than 45 must provide proof of relationship with a Mahram or male guardian.

Business Visa

This visa is applied for by those people who are attending meetings, events, or conferences in the country. Apart from this, one can also use this visa for setting up a new business, acquiring an existing one in the country.

This visa can be of two types; it can either offer a single entry or multiple entries into the country. A single-entry Saudi business visa stays valid for 90 days and offers a maximum stay of 30 days.

On the other hand, a multiple-entry Saudi business visa that stays valid offers multiple validities of 1, 2, or 5 years. However, the maximum stay in each visit is 90 days.

This visa must be processed by a consulate or embassy and requires an invitation from a Saudi company as a form of proof.

Saudi Visa Application Process for UK Citizens

A Saudi visa for Britishers can be applied for in two ways: through the embassy and the online portal. The second option is much more convenient than the first one and can be applied from the comfort of one’s home.

The steps for applying for a Saudi visa online are as follows:

  • Visit our online visa application portal.
  • Fill out the application form with the necessary information related to you and the reason behind your visit.
  • Add scanned copies of necessary documents like a valid passport, passport-sized photograph, bank statement, inward and outward flight tickets, and additional documents related to the travel purpose.
  • Pay the application fee for the visit visa to KSA using your debit or credit card.
  • Wait for 24 to 72 hours to get the visa application processed and approved.
  • Once approved, you will receive an approval letter at the email ID that you provided during the application.
  • Print copies of this letter and bring them with you to the airport.
  • Contact the Helpdesk in case you do not receive a confirmation letter.

Best Times to Visit Saudi Arabia

The correct time for you to visit Saudi Arabia from the UK depends on your travel purpose. Some months are suitable for those looking to explore the country. On the other hand, some business professionals might wish to visit the country specifically during the time of a business seminar or event.

However, if the time of the year isn’t set in stone, then considering the following things might help.

  • The months from October to March are best for sightseeing and desert tours due to pleasant weather.
  • Avoid peak summer from June to August to avoid extreme heat.
  • Plan around Ramadan and Hajj for smoother travel.

Travel Tips for UK Visitors

UK visitors need to keep in mind a few things when visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time with a visit visa for KSA.

  • Make sure you have applied for the right type of visa for the trip.
  • Download the Tawakkalna app, needed for health/travel verification.
  • Keep digital and paper copies of your visa and insurance.
  • Know basic Arabic phrases or use translation apps like Google Translate or iTranslate.
  • Stay aware of the rules of the country.
  • Keep the emergency number of the country saved in your phone; 911 is the Unified Emergency Number, 997 is for the Ambulance, and 993 is for the Traffic Police.

Cultural Etiquette in Saudi Arabia

Countries across the globe have their cultural etiquette. So, as someone applying for a Saudi visa for Britishers, you must be aware of the cultural etiquette of the country to avoid any issues.

  • Both men and women must dress modestly.
  • Women don’t need to wear abayas, but they should cover their shoulders/knees.
  • Men should also wear fully covered clothes.
  • Avoid public displays of affection
  • Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited
  • Prayer times may affect business hours, so plan accordingly.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

While exploring a country for the first time may seem intimidating, the following transport and accommodation tips will help you.

  • There is a wide range of options from budget hotels to luxury stays in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Ula.
  • Stay in a hotel that is closer to the places that you have planned to visit.
  • Use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem.
  • For long-distance travel within the country, domestic flights will be a better choice.

Ready to visit Saudi Arabia from the UK?

Visiting Saudi Arabia as a UK citizen is easy. This just involves you getting the flight tickets and a visit visa for KSA in time without any delays. Other than that, you will just have to make proper planning for the trip, respect local customs, and understand where to stay and how to travel.

However, if you still end up facing any delay or difficulty, then the Helpdesk will be there to help.

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