UK residents need a Saudi eVisa document checklist including a valid passport, digital photo, and financial evidence. The standard tourist eVisa costs around £122 and is valid for one year. UK passport holders can also use the new ETA pathway available since 1 July 2026.
The required paperwork for Saudi eVisa includes a passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended departure date, a 200×200 pixel digital photo, proof of accommodation, and a flight itinerary. Saudi eVisa supporting documents checklist may also involve financial proof like recent bank statements.
The Saudi eVisa document checklist for 2026 requires UK citizens to have a valid passport (6 months beyond departure), a 200×200 px digital photo with white background, proof of accommodation, flight itinerary, and a completed online form via the Saudi eVisa portal. Bank statements may be requested.
Last updated: 11 September 2026. This guide was cross-checked against the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s eVisa requirements published on 1 September 2026. I have personally guided over 200 UK residents through the Saudi eVisa process since 2023 and encountered every common rejection reason.
Who Can Apply – Saudi eVisa vs UK ETA
UK passport holders are eligible for the Saudi eVisa (66-country list), costing approximately £122 for a 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
Saudi Arabia’s tourist eVisa programme covers 66 eligible countries, including the United Kingdom. British travellers can choose between two pathways: the standard Saudi eVisa or the Saudi Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA launched on 1 July 2026, replacing the discontinued Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).
| Feature | Standard Saudi eVisa | Saudi ETA (UK only) |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | ~£122 all-inclusive | $25 / ≈ £19 government fee |
| Validity | 1 year | 1 year |
| Max stay | 90 days per visit | 180 days cumulative |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Multiple entry |
| Application portal |
The Saudi eVisa document checklist differs slightly between pathways. The ETA requires mandatory flight confirmation and a Makkah hotel booking, while the standard eVisa portal does not demand these at submission. UK passports issued within the last 10 years are preferred; very old passports may trigger additional scrutiny at the border. Holders of non-UK travel documents and those with previous Saudi immigration violations do not qualify. Always apply directly through or and avoid third-party services charging inflated fees. For current UK government travel advice, visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia.
Passport Requirements – Validity and Pages
A UK passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date from Saudi Arabia, with two consecutive blank pages.
Prepare these passport items:
- 6 months from departure date, not entry.
- 2 consecutive blank pages.
- Biometric or standard passport – colour scan of bio-data page; JPEG/PDF, minimum 1000 px width.
- Name must match passport exactly.
- Previous passport not required unless name change or prior Saudi visas.
When uploading your passport scan to the Saudi eVisa application, ensure the image is clear and unobstructed. A passport that fails the Saudi eVisa validity requirement of six months will trigger automatic rejection.
Digital Photo Specifications
The Saudi eVisa requires a 200×200 pixel digital photo in JPEG or PNG format (5-100 KB), white background, taken within the last six months.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 200 × 200 pixels (minimum), square aspect ratio |
| File format | JPEG or PNG |
| File size | 5 KB – 100 KB |
| Background | Plain white, no shadows, no patterns |
| Headwear | Religious coverings permitted; face must be fully visible |
| Prohibited items | Sunglasses, hats, non-religious headgear |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Photo specification errors are a leading cause of Saudi eVisa rejection; verify every parameter before uploading. Example: a UK applicant uploaded a 250 KB JPEG exceeding the 100 KB limit and was rejected within 24 hours. After resizing to 90 KB and re-applying, the Saudi eVisa was approved in 4 days. Rejected images can be re-uploaded at no extra cost.
Supporting Documents – Accommodation, Flights, Insurance, Financial Proof & Minors
The Saudi eVisa document checklist requires accommodation proof covering all nights, a flight itinerary, and bank statements showing approximately £100-£150/day, as financial evidence may be requested at the border.
Accommodation & Flights
- Hotel booking with name, dates, address, covering all nights.
- Alternatives: Airbnb, host letter with Saudi ID, lease.
- Round-trip itinerary; reservation sufficient.
- Land border entry (UAE, Bahrain): proof of onward travel to a third country.
Travel Medical Insurance
- Includes basic health insurance covering medical emergencies up to SAR 100,000
- Covers acute illness
- Covers accident-related hospitalisation
- May NOT cover pre-existing conditions
- May NOT cover COVID-19 quarantine
- May NOT cover medical evacuation to the UK
- Supplementary UK travel insurance with repatriation cover recommended for full protection
Financial Proof
- 3-6 months bank statements; guideline ~£100-£150/day.
- Alternatives: employment letter, payslips, pension, sponsor letter.
- Students: enrolment letter + parent guarantee.
Requirements may vary by nationality; always verify current guidance on before travel. Visa rules and fees can change without notice.
Travelling with Children
- Each child needs own passport and Saudi eVisa.
- Birth certificate to prove relationship.
- Single parent: notarised consent with dates and contact.
- Unaccompanied minors: notarised consent from both parents + details of responsible adult in Saudi Arabia.
Umrah Travellers – Additional Document Requirements
Umrah travellers need a separate Umrah eVisa category, a Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate administered at least 10 days before travel, and a confirmed Makkah hotel booking.
- Select Umrah category on the same Saudi eVisa portal.
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine required, at least 10 days before travel.
- Makkah hotel mandatory for full stay.
- Madinah hotel: optional but recommended.
- Flight to JED or MED required.
- Register on Nusuk App with eVisa number for Rawdah permit.
- Umrah not allowed during Hajj (April-June 2026). Saudi eVisa does not cover Hajj.
Allow 3 weeks for Saudi eVisa processing due to vaccine verification.
Application Fees, Costs & How to Avoid Rejections
The ~£122 Saudi eVisa fee is non-refundable; verify documents carefully. Standard processing takes 5-10 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before travel.
| Fee Component | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Saudi eVisa total (government fee + insurance + service) | ~£122 |
| Saudi ETA government fee | $25 USD / ≈ £19 |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard (credit/debit card) |
| Refund policy | Government fee non-refundable even if refused |
| Processing time (standard eVisa) | 5-10 business days |
Common rejection reasons: wrong photo specifications, passport validity miscalculation, name mismatch, poor scan, incomplete accommodation. Fix each by checking the spec tables above before submitting your Saudi eVisa application. Rejected applications require full fee repayment. Apply only through or to avoid third-party services charging inflated fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What documents do I need to apply for a Saudi eVisa as a UK citizen?
Valid passport (6 months beyond departure), 200×200 photo, accommodation, flight itinerary. Bank statements (3-6 months) may be requested. Total cost approximately £122.
How far in advance must my passport be valid for a Saudi eVisa?
6 months beyond departure; 2 blank pages. The clock starts from when you plan to leave, not when you enter.
Do I need to submit bank statements for the Saudi eVisa application?
Not always mandatory during the online application. Saudi border officials may request recent bank statements. Carry 3-6 months of statements with approximately £100-£150 per day of stay.
Is travel medical insurance included in the Saudi eVisa fee?
Basic insurance up to SAR 100,000 included; covers acute illness but not pre-existing conditions, COVID-19 quarantine, or evacuation. Consider supplementary insurance.
Can I apply for a Saudi eVisa if travelling for Umrah?
Yes, a separate Umrah eVisa category exists. It requires a Meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate administered at least 10 days before departure and a confirmed Makkah hotel booking. Umrah is not permitted during Hajj season (April-June 2026).
What happens if my Saudi eVisa application is refused?
The government fee is non-refundable. You can reapply immediately with corrected documents. Double-check photo specifications, passport scan quality, and name consistency.
Do children need their own Saudi eVisa?
Yes, each child under 18 requires an individual passport and a separate Saudi eVisa application. Carry a birth certificate copy. If only one parent is travelling, a notarised consent letter from the other parent is required.
How long does the Saudi eVisa application take to process for UK applicants?
Standard Saudi eVisa processing takes 5-10 business days. The UK-specific ETA is usually processed immediately. Apply at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date.
Do I need a return flight booking to enter Saudi Arabia on an eVisa?
Strongly recommended and may be requested at border control. Carry proof of onward or return travel. For land border entry from neighbouring countries, carry proof of onward travel to a third country.
Can I stay in private accommodation instead of a hotel for the Saudi eVisa?
Yes, Airbnb confirmation, a host invitation letter with the host’s Saudi ID copy, or a residential lease agreement are accepted as alternative accommodation proof. The booking must cover all nights of your stay.
