Saudi Arabia rolls out ETA for UK citizens
Saudi Arabia introduces an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system exclusively for British citizens starting 1 July 2026, simplifying travel for tourism, business and short-term study while excluding Hajj and work visas.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rolling out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system exclusively for UK nationals. An official announcement from the Saudi Press Agency was published on 25 June 2026, with the ETA service going live from 1 July 2026.
Here is everything you need to know about the new system.
What is Saudi Arabia’s new ETA and why does it matter?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) replaces the traditional visa application process for British passport holders. Announced by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the move reflects a reciprocal diplomatic approach, as the UK already offers a similar system for Saudi citizens.
The new ETA streamlines travel with clear benefits for visitors:
🔄 Multiple entries: ideal for business travellers and tourists alike.
⏱️ Extended stays: you may remain in the country for up to 180 days, either in one visit or across multiple trips within a single year.
🛂 Universal eligibility: available to all UK passport holders, regardless of passport type.
Am I eligible? Allowed travel purposes
The ETA is designed for flexibility, but use remains tightly governed. Visa specialists advise travellers to select the correct purpose of visit before submitting an application.
✅ What you CAN do with an ETA:
Tourism and leisure: visiting the region, attending sporting or cultural events.
Business: attending meetings, trade fairs or exploratory visits (no local employment contract).
Short-term study: participating in brief training courses, unpaid internships or academic seminars.
❌ What is NOT covered by the ETA:
Hajj pilgrimage: strict regulations apply; a dedicated Hajj visa is required. (Note: Umrah rules may differ; consult our advisers for quota and timing updates.)
Local employment: any work paid by a Saudi entity requires a standard work visa.
Expatriation: permanent residency or family reunification stays need residence visas.
Not a British citizen? Your Saudi entry alternatives
Non-British travellers cannot use the ETA launching on 1 July 2026. However, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has broadened entry options:
e-Visa (electronic visa): open to more than 60 nationalities, including the Schengen Area, the United States, Canada and many Asian countries. Typically allows 90-day, multiple-entry stays. Below is a list of eligible countries. If your nationality appears below, our agency can process your e-visa request.
North America: Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, United States.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Asia: Azerbaijan, Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macao), India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Singapore, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan.
Visa on arrival: available under strict conditions, notably if you hold (and have previously used) a valid Schengen, US or UK visa.
Classic consular visa (sticker visa): required for nationalities not covered by the e-Visa; the process is more complex and includes biometric checks.
💡 Advice from our experts: If your nationality is not listed above, check your eligibility on the official Saudi visa portal KSA Visa.
Pre-departure checklist: secure your authorisation
Even with the simplified ETA or e-visa route, a single system rejection can prevent boarding. Follow this essential checklist:
Passport validity: check it remains valid for at least six months past your intended entry date.
Route consistency: prepare round-trip flight evidence and hotel confirmations; immigration officers in Jeddah or Riyadh may ask for them.
Data accuracy: first name, surname and passport numbers must match e-form entries exactly.
Ready for your Saudi trip? Don’t let paperwork uncertainty slow your plans. Let us assess your travel profile and identify the best route: ETA, e-visa or consular visa. Our agency currently specialises in processing the e-visa option.
👉 Visit our Saudi Arabia page: https://www.visamundi.co/destinations/arabie-saoudite/
As a customer relations manager, my responsibilities include processing and tracking visa applications. I stay up to date with travel news, including new entry requirements and the specifics of different visa types.
