Photo: Colin (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Electronic visa
UK visa
Saudi citizens: the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), valid for 2 years. Residents: the Standard Visitor visa
About this visa
We file your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation and follow it until the decision arrives, or, for residents, prepare the Standard Visitor visa file and book the biometrics appointment.
Since 22 February 2024, Saudi citizens no longer use the old electronic visa waiver: they need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the United Kingdom. You apply through the UK ETA app or on GOV.UK, and the decision usually arrives by email within a day, though it can take up to 3 working days. The ETA lasts 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple visits of up to 6 months each for tourism, family visits and business.
Residents of Saudi Arabia whose nationality is not covered by the ETA need a Standard Visitor visa: you apply online, then give fingerprints and a photo at the UK visa application centre (VFS Global) in Riyadh, Jeddah or Al Khobar, with a decision usually within 3 weeks of the biometrics appointment.
How we work with you: you send us your request and we confirm the right route for your nationality. For an ETA we prepare the passport scan and a face photo to specification, file the application for you and follow it until the decision arrives. For a visitor visa we prepare and check the file, book the biometrics appointment and follow the application until your passport is back.
Neither an ETA nor a visa guarantees entry: the border officer decides on arrival, and no one can guarantee that an application will be approved.
Documents required
For every applicant
- Original passport The passport you will travel with: the ETA is linked to it. It must be valid for the whole stay; we recommend at least 6 months' validity after your return date.
Saudi citizens
- Digital face photo A digital photo has replaced printed photos: taken with the phone camera in the app or uploaded, on a light background and unedited. Men: without a shemagh. Women: the full face visible.
- One application per traveller Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children. We file the whole family's applications together.
- ETA processing time The decision usually arrives within a day and can take up to 3 working days. Do not travel before the approval email arrives.
Residents of Saudi Arabia
- Valid iqama and a copy Proof of your legal residence in Saudi Arabia, where you apply from.
- Proof of funds and employment A recent salary letter in English and a stamped bank statement; we tell you the period your file needs.
- Fingerprints and photo At the UK visa application centre in Riyadh, Jeddah or Al Khobar, after the online application.
- Visitor visa processing time Usually within 3 weeks of the biometrics appointment; longer in peak season.
Countries this visa opens
- United Kingdom
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- Isle of Man
How we work
Three steps between you and your visa
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Step 1
We receive your request
As soon as your request arrives, a member of our team contacts you to answer your questions and tell you when everything will be ready.
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Step 2
We get to work
Once payment is complete, our team starts work exactly as agreed.
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Step 3
Your documents are ready
We send you the complete file to print wherever is nearest, with no effort on your part, and you go to the fingerprint centre.
Questions