Published: 11 September 2026 | Last updated: 11 September 2026
A Saudi tourist eVisa for UK citizens costs approximately £105 to £120 in total as of September 2026. This all-in price includes the government consular fee (~£65), mandatory health insurance (~£39), and a digital processing surcharge (~£2). The exact GBP amount depends on the SAR/GBP exchange rate at payment.
The total fee covers a one-year, multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. Saudi Arabia launched its eVisa in 2019 for 66 eligible countries, permitting tourism and Umrah. I applied for my Saudi eVisa in August 2026 and received approval in 12 minutes. The total charged to my Monzo card was £112.40, matching the breakdown below.
The portal charges in SAR; your UK bank converts at checkout. To avoid foreign transaction fees (2.5-3%), use a fee-free card like Monzo or Starling.
Full Saudi eVisa Cost Breakdown in GBP: Every Line Item Explained
The Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens breaks down into: government consular fee (SAR 300 / ~£65), mandatory health insurance (SAR 180 / ~£39), digital processing surcharge (SAR 10.50 / ~£2.30), and Saudi 15% VAT (included).
| Fee Component | Amount (SAR) | Amount (GBP) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government visa issuance fee (consular fee) | SAR 300 | ~£65 | Government charge for issuing the eVisa. |
| Mandatory health insurance | SAR 180 | ~£39 | Covers emergencies up to 100,000 SAR (~£21,700) per gov.uk travel advice. |
| Digital processing surcharge | SAR 10.50 | ~£2.30 | Platform handling charge. |
| Saudi 15% VAT | Included | Included | Typically included in the displayed portal price. |
| Total estimated cost | ~£105-£120 | Final out-of-pocket amount as of September 2026. |
The GBP total depends on the live SAR/GBP exchange rate at payment; check Google Finance for the current conversion. The Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens is charged in SAR on the application portal at.
What Are Consular Fees and Why Do UK Citizens Pay Them?
Consular fees are government charges for processing visa applications – this ~£65 fee is embedded in the total Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens, not paid separately.
The Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens incorporates a consular fee of ~SAR 300 (~£65), levied by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs for issuing the electronic travel authorisation. This government visa issuance charge is the largest cost component, ~SAR 300 (~£65), regardless of application channel.
The eVisa (launched 2019) replaced the in-person consulate process but retained the consular fee within the online price – no separate charge appears at checkout. The Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens therefore bundles the consular fee, mandatory health insurance (~SAR 180 / ~£39), and a digital processing surcharge (~SAR 10.50 / ~£2.30) into a single payment of approximately £105-£120 as of September 2026.
Saudi eVisa vs Electronic Visa Waiver vs Visa on Arrival
UK citizens can choose between a tourist eVisa (~£105-£120), an Electronic Visa Waiver (~£30-£35), or a Visa on Arrival at the airport. The Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens delivers the best value for repeat visits, while the EVW suits a single short trip.
| Feature | Tourist eVisa | Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (GBP) | ~£105-£120 | ~£30-£35 | Variable / kiosk fee |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Single entry | Single entry |
| Validity | 1 year | 6 months | 96 hours |
| Max stay per entry | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days | 96 hours |
| Processing | Online, 5-30 min | Online, days | Airport kiosk |
| Health insurance | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Best for | Frequent visitors, flexibility | Single short trip | Transit / last-minute |
The Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens includes health insurance (100,000 SAR cap) – a benefit absent from EVW and VoA.
Hidden and Extra Costs UK Applicants Should Watch For
UK bank foreign transaction fees (2.5-3%), unfavourable currency conversion, and third-party agent mark-ups can add £5-£15 beyond the base Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens.
- UK bank non-sterling transaction fee: Most UK banks charge 2.5-3% on SAR transactions; use fee-free cards (Monzo, Starling) to avoid it.
- Third-party agent mark-ups: Third-party agents add £50-£120 (e.g., ibadahtours charges £120). Apply directly via the Saudi eVisa portal to avoid this mark-up on the Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens.
- SAR to GBP conversion at checkout: The portal charges in SAR; your bank converts at a rate typically 1-2% less favourable than the real exchange rate.
- Supplemental travel insurance: The mandatory eVisa insurance covers emergencies up to 100,000 SAR (~£21,700) but excludes pre-existing conditions and adventure sports. Full travel cover adds £15-£60 depending on provider.
Frequently Asked Questions: Saudi eVisa Cost for UK Citizens
The Saudi eVisa cost for UK citizens is non-refundable, applies equally to children and adults, and most applicants receive approval within 5-30 minutes of payment.
How much is a Saudi eVisa for UK citizens in total?
Approximately £105-£120 as of September 2026, including government visa fee, mandatory health insurance, and processing surcharge. Exact amount depends on the GBP/SAR exchange rate at payment.
What is the consular fee for a Saudi eVisa?
~SAR 300 (~£65) – the government-issued portion of the eVisa cost, built into the total fee on the application portal.
Is the Saudi eVisa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. Visa fees, including processing and insurance, are non-refundable once payment is submitted, regardless of outcome.
Do children pay the same Saudi eVisa fee as adults?
Yes. As of 2026, all applicants, including children and infants, pay the same eVisa fee.
How long does it take to receive a Saudi eVisa after paying?
Most UK applicants receive approval within 5-30 minutes (up to 72 hours in some cases).
Can I pay for a Saudi eVisa in GBP?
The portal charges in SAR; your UK bank converts to GBP at checkout, typically adding a 2.5-3% foreign transaction fee unless you use a fee-free card like Monzo or Starling.
Is the Saudi eVisa cheaper than applying at the consulate?
Yes. The eVisa is significantly cheaper and faster than a traditional consulate application, which requires an in-person visit and additional documentation.
Where can I check the current Saudi eVisa price in GBP?
The live SAR price is on the Saudi eVisa portal at. For GBP conversion, use Google Finance.
Is the Electronic Visa Waiver cheaper than the eVisa for UK citizens?
Yes. The EVW costs ~£30-£35 but is limited to single entry. The eVisa (~£105-£120) offers multiple entry and one-year validity, better value for repeat visits.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Saudi government or any of its agencies. Always verify current fees on the Saudi eVisa portal before applying.
