Citizens from the UK who wish to visit Saudi Arabia can apply for a visit visa to KSA (eVisa) online or obtain the visa on arrival. Essential preparation includes having a valid passport (minimum six months), mandatory medical insurance, proof of accommodation, and strict adherence to updated 2026 local customs regarding digital payments, FCDO regional advisories, prohibited items, cultural laws, and dress codes.
Key Takeaways
- Travel/health insurance is mandatory for every tourist to Saudi Arabia. However, the charges are included in the visa application fee ($80).
- Effective preparation includes timely visa application, travel & accommodation bookings, financial readiness, and proper awareness of the ethical and cultural.
Saudi Arabia welcomed 122 million visitors in 2025, a steady 6% jump from the previous year. This growth brings the Kingdom even closer to its heart-led Vision 2030 goal of hosting 150 million guests by 2030.
Saudi Arabia Is Competing for British Tourists – And Winning
Until a few years ago, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was considered to be among the most closed-off destinations for tourists worldwide. It wasn’t until September 2019 that they began issuing tourist visas to visitors from 49 countries. The fee was set at $80 for 90 days, and tourists could obtain the visa online or on arrival. From the ancient ruins spread across multiple regions to the ultra-modern F1 circuit in Jeddah, there are innumerable attractions for a tourist to Saudi Arabia.
On April 25, 2016, the Saudi Government and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially announced KSA’s Vision 2030. As a part of this vision, Saudi Arabia aims to attract more than 150 million visitors to the country by 2030. In 2024, the total number of global visitors to KSA was 116 million, and the number jumped to 122 million by the end of 2025 (a steady 6% increase). Hence, it is safe to say that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly popular among tourists worldwide, especially those from the UK.
What to Remember When Preparing to Visit Saudi Arabia?
If you are planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, you may want to prepare well before you sit down to apply for a visit visa to KSA.
Visa Options
You can apply for a tourist visa via the online visa application portal or obtain the visa on arrival. You must have a passport with at least six months’ validity remaining and provide a digital photograph for the visa application process. Additionally, you have to pay the fee for a 90-day visa. For a UK tourist to Saudi Arabia, an eVisa is usually granted within 24 hours.
Here are the KSA tourist visa options for UK tourists:
| Visa Option | Who Can Apply | Validity & Stay Duration | Entry Type | Main Purpose | Application Method | Key Notes |
| Tourist eVisa | British passport holders | Valid for 1 year; up to 90 days total stay | Multiple-entry | Tourism, leisure, Umrah (outside Hajj season) | Online before travel or at airport | Includes mandatory health insurance |
| Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | Eligible UK travelers | Single entry; stay up to 6 months | Single-entry | Tourism, business, medical visits, study, Umrah | Online at least 48 hours before departure | Does not include health insurance |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | UK nationals & some UK visa holders | Usually same conditions as tourist eVisa | Multiple-entry | Tourism & short visits | Issued at Saudi airports | Available at major international airports |
| Transit Visa | Travelers transiting through KSA | Short-term transit stay | Single or transit-limited | Flight transit, short stopovers | Via airline or online | Needed if transit exceeds certain conditions or immigration clearance is required |
| Umrah Visa | Muslim travelers | Depends on package/approval | Varies | Religious pilgrimage (Umrah) | Through approved channels | Separate visa required for Hajj season |
| Embassy/Consular Visit Visa | Travelers not eligible for eVisa/VOA | Varies by visa type | Single or multiple | Family visits, extended tourism, special cases | Saudi embassy/consulate | Often used when online approval is unavailable |
Table 1: Tourist Visa Options for British Travelers to the KSA
Pro Tip: Multiple websites help you apply for an eVisa, and they can be very helpful in ensuring that you get your visa in time. However, make sure you opt for a trusted portal with good customer reviews, as this will mitigate visa application-related hassles.
Travel/Health Insurance
It is not mandatory for UK citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia to get travel/health insurance, but highly recommended. Your health insurance in the UK will not apply here, although you can communicate with your insurance provider in case you need healthcare in the country.
Pro Tip: Communicate your travel plans to your current healthcare insurance provider to ensure speedy claims. Also, keep relevant information of healthcare centres in every location you plan to visit, as this will be helpful during emergencies.
Here Are Some Emergency Numbers:
- 911 (Unified Emergency)
- 997 (Ambulance
- 999 (Police)
- 998 (Civil Defense/Fire)
- 993 (Traffic Accidents)
- 996 (Road Security/Highway Patrol
- 992 (Criminal Investigation)
Travel & Accommodation
You must book your tickets and accommodation in advance. Not only will this get you attractive prices, but it is also mandatory for you to furnish your accommodation details at the time of the visa application. The good thing is that regardless of which region of the country you decide to visit, you will most definitely find a wide range of travel and stay options suited to all budgets.
| Departure City | Destination | Average Flight Time | Primary Airline | Best For |
| London (LHR) | Riyadh (RUH) | 6 Hours 30 Mins | Saudia / British Airways | Business & Riyadh Season |
| London (LGW) | Jeddah (JED) | 6 Hours 45 Mins | Wizz Air / Saudia | Umrah & Red Sea Access |
| Manchester (MAN) | Neom (NUM) | 7 Hours | Saudia (Direct) | Future City Exploration |
| Birmingham (BHX) | Jeddah (JED) | 7 Hours 15 Mins | Qatar (via Doha) | Budget Travelers |
Table 2: UK to KSA Flight & Travel Info (2026)
Pro Tip: Keep printed copies of your passport, insurance, visa, bookings, etc., as you may need to provide them to authorities at multiple checkpoints, and finding printing stations while traveling can be frustratingly inconvenient.
Financial Readiness
The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is a dollar-linked currency, which means that it functions under a fixed exchange rate of 3.75 SAR to 1 USD since 1986. However, as a tourist to Saudi Arabia, you should check the current GBP-SAR exchange rates. Calculate an estimated expense for your trip to Saudi Arabia, and exchange an equivalent amount at a local forex office. Although credit/debit cards are widely accepted in the country, carrying a decent amount of cash can be very useful, especially at small, local stores.
Pro Tip: Use multi-currency digital credit cards as they offer the best exchange rates while reducing additional inconvenience.
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Cultural Awareness
Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a strict place regarding dress codes and ethics. However, in 2026, the dress code was significantly relaxed. Every tourist to Saudi Arabia is expected to respect the traditions and ethnicity of the region, and doing your research on the matter can be very handy.
Pro Tip: Male tourists can wear shorts on the beach or within resorts, but not in general public spaces or government buildings. Women tourists are expected to cover their shoulders and knees and wear an Abaya when visiting mosques.
What Should You Pack as a British Traveler to Saudi Arabia?
The answer depends largely on the season.
| Season | Recommended Packing Adjustments |
| Summer (May–September) | Extra breathable clothing, cooling towels, strong sunscreen |
| Winter (December–February) | Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in Riyadh and desert areas |
| Ramadan Period | More conservative clothing and respectful attire for public spaces |
| Umrah/Religious Travel | Comfortable walking shoes, prayer essentials, modest clothing |
Table 3: Seasonal Packing Guide for British Travelers to the KSA
Here’s a basic packing checklist for you.
| Category | What to Pack | Why It’s Important in Saudi Arabia |
| Paper/Digital Documentation | ||
| Travel Documents | Passport, visa/eVisa confirmation, travel insurance, hotel bookings, return tickets | Required for immigration checks and smooth travel |
| Travel Apps | Maps, ride-hailing apps, translation apps | Helpful for navigation and communication |
| Emergency Contacts | Printed emergency numbers and embassy details | Useful in case of phone/network issues |
| Attire | ||
| Modest Clothing | Loose-fitting tops, long trousers, maxi dresses, lightweight long sleeves | Saudi Arabia has conservative dress expectations in public spaces |
| Lightweight Fabrics | Cotton, linen, breathable fabrics | Helps manage extreme heat, especially during summer |
| Comfortable Footwear | Walking shoes, sandals, closed shoes | Useful for sightseeing, desert trips, and religious sites |
| Desert/Adventure Gear | Light jacket for evenings, scarf, backpack | Desert temperatures can drop significantly at night |
| Formal or Smart Casual Wear | Smart outfits for restaurants or business settings | Some upscale venues have dress expectations |
| Desert Essentials | ||
| Sun Protection | Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat/cap | Temperatures can exceed 40°C in many regions |
| Reusable Water Bottle | Insulated bottle preferred | Staying hydrated is essential in hot climates |
| Religious Site Essentials | Headscarf/shawl for women, modest attire | Required or recommended at mosques and religious areas |
| Health & Medication | Prescription medicines, basic first-aid kit, hydration tablets | Pharmacies are available, but carrying essentials is recommended |
| Valuables | ||
| Toiletries | Travel-sized toiletries, wet wipes, hand sanitiser | Helpful during long journeys and desert excursions |
| Cash & Payment Options | Saudi Riyals (SAR), debit/credit cards | Cards are widely accepted, but some local markets prefer cash |
Table 4: Basic Packing Checklist for a KSA Trip
Prepare Well, It’s Time for Saudi Arabia!
Saudi Arabia is definitely the latest hotspot for global tourism. And if you are planning your next vacation in the country, get your preparation started and apply for a visit visa to KSA.
