Saudi Arabia launches Electronic Visa Waiver scheme for UK citizens

Dubai: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Saudi Arabia has introduced an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for British citizens to facilitate their entry into the Kingdom.

Under this new initiative, British nationals can now stay in Saudi Arabia for up to six months on a single entry. This waiver is applicable to UK citizens planning to visit the Kingdom for purposes such as business, tourism, study, and medical treatment.

The primary objective of this facility is to simplify the entry process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for UK citizens.

The ministry has announced that the e-visa can be acquired by completing an application form on the Unified National Visa Platform available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa. Applicants are allowed to submit their applications between 90 days and 48 hours prior to their intended travel date to Saudi Arabia.

Upon submission, the visa approval will be sent to the applicant via email within 24 hours.

It’s worth noting that the United Kingdom had introduced a similar EVW program for Saudi citizens in June 2022. While the EVW eliminates the need for biometrics, attending a Visa Application Centre, or submitting passports in advance for travel, the standard visa requirements for work, study, and settlement in the UK remain unchanged.