Planning a honeymoon is exciting, but the logistics can be overwhelming. You picture yourself walking through Hyde Park or enjoying a romantic dinner in The Shard, but first, you have to deal with the paperwork.
For Saudi couples, the fear of visa delays or incorrect forms used to be a major source of pre-trip anxiety. Nothing ruins the mood faster than uncertainty about whether you will actually make it to the departure gate.
Fortunately, the rules have changed. The new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has replaced the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), making travel faster, cheaper, and more flexible. At etauk.ae, we specialize in ensuring your application is flawless so you can focus on what matters: your new life together.
Here is everything Saudi couples need to know about securing a UK ETA for a stress-free honeymoon.
Apply now for your UK ETA: https://application.etauk.ae/
What is the UK ETA for Saudi Citizens?
The UK ETA is a digital permission to travel. It is not a visa.
It is a digital link attached directly to your passport chip. The system allows the UK Home Office to screen travelers before they arrive, speeding up border control significantly.
For Saudi nationals, this is a mandatory requirement for short stays. It covers tourism, visiting family, business, and short-term study. If you plan to spend your honeymoon in London, Edinburgh, or the Cotswolds, this is the document you need.
Old System (EVW) vs. New System (ETA)
The shift from the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) to the ETA is a massive upgrade for travelers.
| Feature | Old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | New UK ETA |
| Validity | Single Entry (One trip only) | 2 Years (or until passport expires) |
| Flexibility | Rigid (Fixed flight details) | Flexible (Multiple entries allowed) |
| Cost | Approx. £33 | £26 |
| Processing | Manual data entry (High error risk) | Digital & Biometric |
| Best For | One-off trips | Frequent travelers & Honeymooners |
Why the New ETA is Great News for Honeymooners
The ETA offers specific benefits that are perfect for a romantic getaway.
1. Freedom to Roam (The Paris Connection)
Many Saudi couples love to combine London with other European cities like Paris or Geneva.
- With the old EVW: If you took the Eurostar to Paris, your UK waiver expired. You needed a new waiver to return to London for your flight home.
- With the new ETA: It is Multiple Entry. You can travel from London to France (Schengen rules apply there) and return to the UK as many times as you like within the validity period.
2. Spontaneous Anniversary Trips
Your ETA is valid for two years.
If you enjoy your honeymoon, you can book a spur-of-the-moment anniversary trip to the UK next year without filling out a single form. Your permission is already active.
Essential Requirements for a Saudi Couple
Before applying, gather these documents. Note that each person (husband and wife) needs their own separate ETA application.
To ensure a smooth approval, you will need:
- Valid Saudi Passport: It must have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Digital Passport Photo: A clear, high-quality image (jpeg). No filters, no glasses, and a plain background.
- Email Address: This is where your approval notification will be sent.
- Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card, or Apple Pay/Google Pay.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Before Your Flight
Getting your ETA is fast, but accuracy is critical. A single typo can lead to a rejection.
Step 1: Upload Your Documents
You will scan your passport and upload your photo. The system reads the biometric chip in your passport to verify your identity.
Step 2: Answer Security Questions
You must answer a few brief suitability questions regarding criminal history and previous travel breaches.
Step 3: Payment and Submission
Once the fee is paid, the application goes to the UK Home Office for review.
Why Use a Professional Service?
While the process seems simple, the #1 cause of delay is user error—blurry photos or incorrect passport numbers. At etauk.ae, we review every detail of your application before it goes to the government. We ensure your photo meets the strict biometric standards, virtually eliminating the risk of rejection.
Common Reasons for ETA Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)
Rejection is rare, but it happens. If your ETA is denied, you cannot appeal. You must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which takes weeks to process—a disaster for a planned honeymoon.
The most common triggers for refusal:
- Poor Photo Quality: Glare on the face, shadows in the background, or hair covering the eyes.
- Data Mismatch: The name on the form does not match the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of the passport exactly.
- Undeclared History: Failing to mention a previous visa refusal from another country.
If you are worried about these pitfalls, let our team at etauk.ae handle the submission for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (Saudi Honeymoon Edition)
Do Saudi citizens need a visa for a honeymoon in the UK?
No, Saudi citizens do not need a standard visa for a honeymoon.
Instead, you must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). It is faster, cheaper, and valid for multiple entries over two years.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA for Saudi nationals?
Most applications are approved within 3 working days.
Many decisions arrive sooner, sometimes within hours. However, we strongly recommend applying at least 7 days before your flight to account for any manual checks.
Can I visit other European countries and return to the UK on the same ETA?
Yes, the UK ETA allows for multiple entries.
You can travel to France, Italy, or Switzerland and return to the UK on the same ETA. (Note: You still need to check Schengen visa requirements for Europe).
What happens if my UK ETA is rejected before my honeymoon?
You must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa immediately.
Rejections cannot be appealed. A standard visa is more expensive and takes longer to process. This is why getting the application right the first time is crucial.
Is the UK ETA linked to my passport?
Yes, it is digitally linked to the passport you used to apply.
You do not need to carry a paper copy, though keeping the approval email on your phone is a smart backup. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA.
Ready for Your Trip?
Don’t let paperwork dampen the excitement of your marriage. Ensure your travel documents are perfect so you can breeze through the e-gates at Heathrow.
Start your application today at etauk.ae and travel with confidence.
