How Can You Get a Saudi eVisa from the UK? Complete Application Guide

You’re sitting at home in Manchester (or maybe London, Birmingham, or Glasgow), planning your Saudi trip with a dozen browser tabs open. One tab shows a bargain flight to Jeddah, another has a Madinah hotel saved “just in case,” and a third is your own notes titled: “Don’t get the visa wrong.” The excitement is real—but so is the desire for peace of mind, because the last thing you want is a preventable issue at check-in.

That’s where the Saudi eVisa from the UK makes travel planning feel far more straightforward. For many UK travellers, it’s the simplest way to get authorised to visit Saudi Arabia for tourism—and for plenty of people, it can also support an Umrah trip, depending on the latest entry rules (which I’ll cover in a dedicated section).

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through:

• what the Saudi eVisa is (and which type you actually need),
• Saudi eVisa requirements for UK residents,
• a beginner-friendly, step-by-step application walkthrough,
• Saudi eVisa fees UK and Saudi eVisa processing time UK,
• common rejection reasons (and how to avoid them),
• and practical travel tips that make your journey feel hassle-free and well-prepared.

2) What Is a Saudi eVisa?

A Saudi eVisa is an electronic visa you apply for online—no appointment-heavy process, no paper forms posted back and forth, and typically no need to visit a consulate. Once approved, you receive the visa by email and can use it to enter Saudi Arabia within its validity terms.

Tourist eVisa vs Umrah eVisa (what’s the difference?)

In everyday planning terms, think of it like this:

• Tourist eVisa: Designed for leisure travel—city breaks, heritage sites, events, family visits (non-work), and general tourism.
• Umrah eVisa / Umrah on eVisa: Many travellers from the UK use the eVisa route to perform Umrah, provided they follow relevant entry rules and guidelines.

Saudi visa rules can change, so always double-check the official portal before you book non-refundable arrangements. The safest place to confirm the latest is the official Saudi eVisa website: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/

Who is it suitable for?

This guide focuses on:

• Saudi visa for British passport holders (most common scenario), and
• Saudi eVisa application UK for UK residents who may hold residency documents but have different nationalities.

3) Can UK Residents Apply for a Saudi eVisa?

Yes—many UK residents can apply, but eligibility depends primarily on nationality and passport type (not just where you live). British citizens are typically eligible. For non-British UK residents, it depends on whether their nationality is on the eligible list for the eVisa program.

Here’s a simple comparison table to keep it clear:

Validity and permitted activities (in plain English)

A Saudi eVisa generally covers tourism activities and short stays under the visa’s conditions. It does not allow paid work. Always read the permitted activities on your approval and the official portal to ensure a stress-free travel experience.

4) Saudi eVisa Requirements for UK Applicants

For most applicants, the checklist is refreshingly manageable. Here are typical Saudi eVisa requirements for UK residents and British travellers:

• Passport with sufficient validity (aim for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date to be safe)
• Passport-style photo (digital upload)
• Email address (you’ll receive the eVisa approval here)
• Payment method (international card usually works)
• Travel intent details (basic trip info; sometimes accommodation/address info)

Practical tips (experience-based mistakes to avoid)

• Name mismatches: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport (including spacing and order). This is a top cause of delays.
• Photo problems: Blurry images, heavy filters, cropped edges, or shadows can trigger rejection. Use a clean, bright head-and-shoulders photo.
• Passport validity oversight: Don’t cut it close. If your passport expires soon, renew first—your future self will thank you.
• Email typos: If you mistype your email, you may “lose” your visa approval in cyberspace and create unnecessary stress.

5) Step-by-Step: How to Get a Saudi eVisa from the UK

If you’re wondering how to apply for Saudi eVisa without feeling overwhelmed, follow these steps carefully. This is the exact approach I recommend for a smooth, hassle-free application.

Step 1: Choose the right visa type

Before you start, decide your main purpose:

• Tourism / leisure: Tourist eVisa
• Umrah plans: Many UK travellers use the tourist eVisa route for Umrah when permitted—see the Umrah section below for respectful guidance.

If you’re unsure, decide based on what you’ll do most. The key is aligning your application details with your actual travel plans for a well-prepared journey.

Step 2: Start your online application on the official portal

Use the official Saudi eVisa authority website:
https://visa.visitsaudi.com/

Create your application and proceed through the prompts. Keep your passport handy—you’ll need to copy details accurately.

Step 3: Fill in the application (take your time here)

You’ll typically enter:

• personal details (name, DOB, nationality),
• passport details (number, issue/expiry dates),
• contact details,
• and basic travel information.

Tip: Don’t rush this part. Even small errors (like swapping digits in passport numbers) can create delays or rejection.

Step 4: Upload your documents (photo + passport info)

You’ll upload:

• a passport photo in the required format,
• sometimes additional passport/identity details depending on the portal flow.

Tip: Use a neutral background photo, no hats, no strong shadows. If you wear glasses, ensure no glare.

Step 5: Pay the visa fee securely

Pay with a card that allows international transactions. If your bank is strict, you might need to approve the payment in your banking app.

Tip: Don’t refresh the page mid-payment. If the portal says “processing,” give it time.

Step 6: Receive your Saudi eVisa by email

Once approved, you’ll receive the eVisa via email. Download it and keep:

• a copy on your phone,
• a backup in your email,
• and ideally a printed copy for airport check-in.

That simple preparation adds real peace of mind—especially on early-morning departures when you’re half-awake at Heathrow.

6) Saudi eVisa Fees & Processing Time (UK)

Fees and timing can vary depending on visa type and policy updates. Always confirm the live amount on the official portal before paying.

Here’s a helpful planning table (use as a guide, then verify online):

Standard vs urgent timelines

• Standard: Many approvals arrive within a couple of days, sometimes sooner.
• Busy periods: Expect slower processing around peak travel seasons, school holidays, and major religious periods. Plan ahead for stress-free travel.

Refund policy

Refundability depends on the portal/provider rules at the time of application. Assume non-refundable unless stated otherwise on the official payment page.

7) Common Reasons for Saudi eVisa Rejection (and how to avoid them)

Rejections aren’t always common, but they usually come down to fixable issues. Here are the biggest ones I see travellers run into:

1. Incorrect personal or passport details

   • Fix: Copy directly from the passport, double-check every number.

2. Photo that doesn’t meet requirements

   • Fix: Use a fresh, well-lit photo with a clear face and plain background.

3. Passport validity too short

   • Fix: Renew before applying if you’re close to expiry.

4. Inconsistent information (e.g., mismatched names or formatting)

   • Fix: Keep spelling consistent everywhere and avoid “nickname” versions of your name.

If you want tailored guidance, the best approach is to pause before submitting, review everything once, then submit. That 5-minute review can save days of back-and-forth.

8) Saudi eVisa for Umrah from the UK

For many UK Muslims, the big question is Saudi Umrah eVisa UK: can you go for Umrah using an eVisa route?

In many cases, Umrah can be performed under the appropriate eVisa/tourist eVisa arrangement when permitted by current policy. Rules can change, so it’s wise to confirm on the official portal and with your airline before travel.

Respectful Umrah considerations (practical, not preachy)

• Ihram readiness: If you’re flying into Jeddah or Madinah, plan when and where you’ll enter ihram (often before crossing the miqat).
• Travel windows & crowd planning: If you can, avoid peak days for a calmer experience—this can make your worship more focused and your journey more comfortable.
• Women travellers & group logistics: Plan transport, hotel distance to the Haram, and prayer times to keep things smooth.

If you’re comparing options, you may also want to explore internal links like:

• Umrah packages from the UK (internal link suggestion)
• Saudi travel guides (internal link suggestion)

These guides can help you build a well-prepared journey—especially if it’s your first time.

9) Travel Tips for UK Travelers Visiting Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia can feel surprisingly modern and organised, but a little preparation goes a long way.

Best time to travel

• Cooler months (roughly autumn to spring) are generally more comfortable for sightseeing.
• Summer can be intense, especially for long outdoor days.

Dress code (simple and respectful)

• Dress modestly in public spaces.
• Think lightweight, breathable layers—especially if you’re doing city touring plus mosque visits.

Mobile SIM & internet

• Consider buying a local SIM or eSIM on arrival (or заранее if you prefer).
• Having reliable data helps with ride-hailing, maps, and booking confirmations.

Health & insurance tips

• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for peace of mind.
• Stay hydrated, especially if you’re doing Umrah or long walking days.

What surprises first-time visitors (in a good way)

Many UK travellers are pleasantly surprised by:

• how easy app-based transport can be in major cities,
• the variety of food (from local to international),
• and how quickly you can go from modern city life to heritage sites and vast landscapes.

10) FAQs

1) Is Saudi eVisa available for UK BRP holders?

It can be, but BRP alone doesn’t determine eligibility. Eligibility depends on your passport nationality. Check the eligible nationalities list on the official portal.

2) Can I perform Umrah on a tourist eVisa?

Often yes when current rules allow it, but policies can change. Confirm the latest guidance on the official Saudi eVisa portal and ensure your travel plans align.

3) How long can I stay on a Saudi eVisa?

Length of stay depends on the visa terms issued to you. Always follow the entry and stay limits displayed in your approved eVisa.

4) What is the Saudi eVisa processing time in the UK?

Many applicants receive approval within 1–3 days, sometimes quicker, but delays can happen during busy travel periods.

5) What are the Saudi eVisa fees in the UK?

Saudi eVisa fees UK vary and are shown during the online application. Always rely on the live portal price before paying.

6) Is travel insurance mandatory?

Requirements can vary, but travel insurance is strongly recommended for stress-free travel and practical protection.

11) Conclusion

Getting a Saudi eVisa from the UK is usually a smooth, online process—as long as you apply carefully, upload a compliant photo, and match every detail to your passport. Once you’ve got the eVisa in your inbox, the rest of your planning feels much lighter: flights, hotels, itineraries, and (for many travellers) meaningful Umrah preparation.

With the steps above, you’ll be set up for a hassle-free, well-prepared journey—built on practical insights and the kind of peace of mind that comes from doing it right the first time.