Last updated: 11 September 2026. This guide reflects current Saudi eVisa airline rules as of this date. For last-minute changes, consult the external Saudi eVisa portal at or gov.uk travel advice. This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with Saudia, flynas, or the Saudi government.
To apply for the Saudi eVisa, UK travellers need a confirmed Saudia or flynas booking with flight numbers, travel dates, and PNR. The Saudi eVisa costs SAR 300 (~£64) and is valid for 1 year with multiple entries up to 90 days, including health insurance. UK passport holders can also choose the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for stays up to 180 days without Umrah eligibility. Both options require a passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.
What Is the Saudi eVisa and Who Qualifies from the UK?
Saudi eVisa airline rules require a passport valid for 6+ months from entry. The UK is among 66 eligible countries; the Saudi eVisa is valid for 1 year (365 days) with multiple-entry stays up to 90 days per entry. The fee is SAR 300 (~£64), including mandatory health insurance. Permitted activities cover tourism and Umrah (excluding Hajj, work, and study). The Saudi eVisa is valid for entry through all international airports and seaports (T&Cs §8); travellers must carry a copy at first arrival (T&Cs §8.5).
UK passport holders can alternatively use the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), a single-entry pathway allowing up to 180 days without bundled health insurance or Umrah eligibility. Applications are submitted via the external Saudi eVisa portal at; EVW details are on gov.uk.
| Feature | Saudi eVisa | Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 1 year | Single entry |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days | Up to 180 days |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Single entry |
| Cost | SAR 300 (~£64) | Free |
| Health insurance | Included | Not included |
| Umrah permitted | Yes | No |
| Who qualifies | 66 nationalities (incl. UK) | UK passport holders |
Applying for a Saudi eVisa Through Saudia
Saudi eVisa airline rules require UK travellers to purchase a Saudia ticket before starting the visa application, as the booking reference (PNR) must be entered on the eVisa portal. The PNR is a 6-character alphanumeric code shown on your Saudia confirmation email. Saudia is a SkyTeam member and Five-Star Global Airline.
Fill the application
Enter your Saudia PNR and flight details.
Pay the fee
SAR 300 (~£64), includes mandatory health insurance.
Receive eVisa
Approved eVisa by email, typically within minutes.
Saudi eVisa airline rules also permit a free 96-hour (4-day) transit stopover in Riyadh through Saudia’s stopover programme, a distinct visa category from the standard 90-day Saudi eVisa. For Saudia-operated single-booking itineraries, bags are typically forwarded to your final destination; if you hold separate tickets, you must collect and recheck bags. Book directly via to ensure your PNR links correctly.
Applying for a Saudi eVisa Through flynas
Saudi eVisa airline rules permit UK travellers to complete the eVisa application directly through the flynas booking portal using a confirmed booking reference (PNR). flynas operates a low-fare network across MENA, Europe, and Asia, with its main hub in Jeddah. All fare classes qualify for eVisa integration at checkout.
The flynas PNR uses the same 6-character alphanumeric format as Saudia and is entered on the Saudi eVisa portal at. The eVisa fee of SAR 300 (~£64) includes full health insurance coverage. Unlike Saudia, flynas does not offer a transit stopover programme. Book via.
Flight Itinerary and Check-in Requirements
Saudi eVisa airline rules require applicants to provide airline name, flight numbers, travel dates, and a confirmed 6-character booking reference (PNR) on the application form at. The passport name must match the Saudi eVisa application and airline booking exactly.
- Return or onward ticket: Saudia and flynas may deny boarding without proof of departure.
- Passport validity: minimum 6 months from entry date.
- Printed eVisa: carry a copy at first arrival (T&Cs §8.5); a printout is recommended.
- Travel dates: must align with the 1-year Saudi eVisa validity window.
Airline Check-in Verification
At check-in, Saudia and flynas staff verify your Saudi eVisa status, name match, and return or onward ticket before issuing a boarding pass. Both printed and digital eVisa copies are accepted.
Saudi eVisa 2026 Updates: What Has Changed?
Saudi eVisa airline rules in 2026 remain largely unchanged as of September 2026. Certain Saudia flights to select destinations remain cancelled due to airspace closures; however, the Saudi eVisa is tied to your passport, not a specific flight. You can reschedule without invalidating your visa. Permitted arrival airports include Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH), Dammam (DMM), and Medina (MED), plus all seaports (T&Cs §8). Keep an eVisa printout and updated booking confirmation when travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Saudi eVisa Airline Rules
Do Saudi eVisa airline rules differ between Saudia and flynas?
No. Both require a confirmed booking reference (PNR) and flight details for the Saudi eVisa application. Saudia offers a 96-hour transit stopover programme in Riyadh; flynas does not. Both verify eVisa and name match at check-in.
Do I need a return flight to apply for a Saudi eVisa?
The eVisa portal accepts one-way bookings, but Saudi eVisa airline rules require a return or onward ticket at check-in. Airlines may deny boarding without proof of departure.
Can I book a flexible ticket for a Saudi eVisa?
Yes. Booking a flexible or refundable ticket is recommended but not required by Saudi eVisa airline rules. Both Saudia and flynas accept all fare classes for eVisa integration.
Does my eVisa remain valid if my Saudia flight is cancelled?
Yes. As of September 2026, some Saudia flights face cancellations due to airspace closures. Your Saudi eVisa is tied to your passport, not a specific flight, so it remains valid for 1 year with multiple entries up to 90 days each.
Do I need to collect my bags during a Saudia stopover in Riyadh?
For Saudia-operated single-booking itineraries, bags are typically forwarded to your final destination. If you hold separate tickets, you must collect and recheck your bags during the 96-hour transit stopover.
How do I add children to a Saudi eVisa application via the airline?
Complete a separate Saudi eVisa application for each child using the child’s passport details and the shared booking reference (PNR) from your Saudia or flynas reservation. The child’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.
Which Saudi airports accept the eVisa for arrival?
The Saudi eVisa is valid for entry through all international airports and seaports. Major entry points include Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH), Dammam (DMM), and Medina (MED). Carry a copy of your eVisa at first arrival.
Is the SAR 300 eVisa fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The SAR 300 fee (including mandatory health insurance) is generally non-refundable if denied. The fee applies to the standard Saudi eVisa and is distinct from the free Electronic Visa Waiver for UK citizens.
