Non-UK citizens in the UK can apply for a Saudi eVisa online at if their passport nationality is among the 66+ eligible countries, including the US and most EU states. The application takes 10 to 15 minutes, costs approximately £150 to £175, and approvals typically arrive within 24 hours. UK residency status does not affect eligibility.
Who Is Eligible for the Saudi eVisa for Non-UK Citizens in UK?
Eligibility for the Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK is determined solely by passport nationality, not UK residency. Only passports from 66 eligible countries qualify, including the US and most EU states.
US Citizens Living in the UK
US passport holders residing in the UK are eligible; green card holders without a US passport are not. The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK accepts US passports regardless of UK visa type.
EU Nationals Residing in the UK
EU nationals from the 33 eligible countries (including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain) are eligible regardless of EU Settlement Scheme status. The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK does not require EUSS proof.
Other Eligible Nationalities Applying from the UK
Non-listed nationalities must apply via the Saudi embassy instead of the eVisa portal. Any third-country national whose passport is not on the eligible list cannot use the Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK portal.
eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK offers several advantages over the visa on arrival option:
- Pre-approved before travel, no border queue required
- Includes mandatory health insurance bundled in the fee
- 24-hour processing via the online portal
- Card payment online vs cash required at border
Do You Need UK Residency Status to Apply?
Saudi eVisa eligibility is passport-based. UK BRP, EUSS status, or any UK immigration document does not affect qualification for the Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK. According to the Saudi government portal , the application requires no UK residency proof.
UK Immigration Status Quick-Reference Matrix
| UK Status | Eligible Nationalities | Apply? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUSS Settled | ✅ | Yes | Passport determines eligibility |
| EUSS Pre-settled | ✅ | Yes | Passport determines eligibility |
| Skilled Worker visa | ✅ | Yes | UK status irrelevant |
| Student visa | ✅ | Yes | UK status irrelevant |
| Graduate visa | ✅ | Yes | UK status irrelevant |
| Visitor visa | ✅ | Yes | UK status irrelevant |
| BRP holder | ✅ | Yes | BRP does not grant eligibility |
| Any UK status | ❌ Non-eligible nationalities | No | Embassy route required |
Document Requirements & Photo Specifications
The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK requires a passport bio-data page scan, a compliant digital photograph, proof of accommodation, and a return flight booking. Your passport must hold a minimum of 6 months validity beyond your intended entry date to Saudi Arabia.
- Passport bio-data page scan (clear, legible)
- Digital photograph meeting specifications below
- Proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia
- Return flight booking confirmation
Photo Specifications – Avoid Application Rejection
Photo non-compliance is the #1 upload failure cause for the Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK. Your image must meet all of the following criteria:
- Dimensions: 200×200 px minimum, 2000×2000 px maximum
- Format: JPEG only
- Background: white or light grey
- No glasses; no headwear except religious
- File size: under 1 MB
How to Apply for the Saudi eVisa from the UK & Cost Breakdown (2026)
The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK takes 10 to 15 minutes across three steps. The approved visa carries one-year validity, allows multiple entry, and permits a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
Fill the application
Enter passport details, personal data, Saudi address, travel dates, and upload your digital photograph.
Pay the visa fee
Settle the combined government, insurance, and service charge by card.
Get your online visa
The approved eVisa PDF is typically delivered within 24 hours.
| Fee component | GBP (approx.) | SAR |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | ~£115 | 535 |
| Mandatory health insurance | ~£38 | 175 |
| Service / processing fee | ~£20 | 95 |
| Total estimated cost | ~£150-175 | – |
GBP equivalents fluctuate with the SAR/GBP exchange rate; the government fee is charged in SAR and converted by the applicant’s bank.
Payment Tips for UK-Based Applicants
Ensure 3D Secure is activated on your card and pre-authorise international SAR transactions with your UK bank to avoid payment failures. Visa and Mastercard are accepted; Amex may not work on all gateways. The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK requires full payment before processing.
Permitted Activities, Umrah Rules & Common Rejection Causes
The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK permits tourism-related activities, family visits, business meetings, and Umrah outside Hajj season, but prohibits employment, study, Hajj, and journalism.
Performing Umrah on a Tourist eVisa
Eligible nationalities can perform Umrah (excluding Hajj) on the tourist eVisa without a separate Umrah visa. Umrah is permitted outside Hajj season, approximately April to June 2026.
Application Rejected? Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK is most often rejected for five correctable reasons:
- Passport validity under 6 months: renew your passport before resubmitting.
- Non-compliant photo: wrong dimensions, format, background, or file size; re-upload per specifications.
- Wrong nationality selected on form: correct the field and resubmit.
- Payment failure: activate 3D Secure and unblock international transactions with your bank.
- Incomplete travel history fields: fill all required sections fully.
All five errors are correctable via resubmission within 24 hours of the draft. Example: A US citizen on a UK Graduate visa had an application rejected due to a photo with glasses. After re-uploading a compliant JPEG, approval arrived within 24 hours.
FAQ: Saudi eVisa for Non-UK Citizens in UK (2026)
Can I get a Saudi visa on arrival with a UK BRP?
No. A UK BRP does not grant Saudi eVisa or visa-on-arrival access. Eligibility depends solely on your passport nationality being among the 66+ eligible countries.
Can I travel to Saudi Arabia if I have a UK visa?
Holding a UK visa does not affect Saudi eVisa eligibility. The process is based strictly on passport nationality. If your country is among the 66+ eligible countries, apply online; otherwise, apply via the Saudi embassy.
How much does a Saudi eVisa cost from the UK for non-UK citizens?
Approximately £150 to £175 total: ~£115 government fee + ~£38 mandatory health insurance + ~£20 service fee. GBP figures fluctuate with the SAR/GBP rate.
How long does the Saudi eVisa take to process for non-UK residents?
After submitting the three-step online application (10 to 15 minutes), approvals typically arrive within 24 hours. You receive your eVisa as a PDF download.
Can Schengen visa holders get an eVisa for Saudi Arabia?
Holding a Schengen visa does not qualify you for the Saudi eVisa. Eligibility is based on passport nationality. Most EU passport holders are eligible; non-listed passport holders with only a Schengen visa must apply through the Saudi embassy.
I have dual nationality. Which passport should I use for the Saudi eVisa?
Use the passport from an eligible country to apply for the Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK. Ensure the eVisa matches the passport used for your airline booking. If your UK BRP is linked to a different passport, verify you have correct documents for UK re-entry.
Can children of non-UK citizens apply for a Saudi eVisa from the UK?
Yes, children can apply if they hold a passport from one of the 66+ eligible countries. Each minor must have their own application, valid passport with 6 months minimum validity, and a compliant digital photograph.
What happens if my Saudi eVisa payment fails?
If your payment fails, the application remains in draft status for 24 hours. Ensure 3D Secure is activated on your card and pre-authorise international SAR transactions with your UK bank. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
Can I extend my Saudi eVisa while in Saudi Arabia?
The eVisa permits 90 days per visit within one-year validity. Extension rules are not specified in official guidelines. Contact the Saudi government portal for extension inquiries.
Is the Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK a single or multiple entry visa?
The Saudi eVisa for non-UK citizens in UK is a multiple entry visa, valid for one year from issue, allowing multiple entries with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
Published: 2026-01-15 | Last updated: 2026-09-11. This is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the Saudi government. Verify all details on the Saudi government portal before applying.
