For years, Saudi travelers relied on the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) to visit the United Kingdom. It worked, but it was far from perfect. It was expensive, single-entry, and required a new application for every single trip.
If you are planning a trip to London, Manchester, or Edinburgh in 2025, you might be confused about the new rules. The EVW is officially gone.
It has been replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This new system is faster, significantly cheaper, and offers far more flexibility. However, the application process has changed entirely, and simple mistakes—especially with photo uploads—can still lead to travel delays.
This guide clarifies the new requirements, fees, and steps to ensure your journey from Saudi Arabia to the UK is seamless.
What Is the UK ETA for Saudi Nationals?
The UK ETA is a digital permission to travel. It is not a visa, but it is a mandatory requirement for nationals of Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
Unlike the old system which involved paperwork for every visit, the ETA is digitally linked to your passport. Once approved, it sits in the background, ready to be scanned at the UK border.
The End of the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
The most significant change for Saudi citizens is the shift from single-use to multi-use. Under the old EVW scheme, you had to apply 48 hours before every flight. If you changed your flight by even a few hours, you had to re-apply.
The new ETA solves this frustration. To see the difference clearly, look at the comparison below:
Comparison: Old EVW vs. New UK ETA
| Feature | Old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | New UK ETA |
| Validity | Single Entry Only | 2 Years (Multiple Entry) |
| Cost | £30 per visit | £26 for 2 years |
| Flexibility | Tied to specific flight details | Flight details not required |
| Processing | Strict 48-hour window | Usually approved within hours |
Eligibility & Permitted Activities
Before you book your flight, you must confirm that your trip purpose fits the ETA rules. The ETA is designed for short-term stays.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you hold a valid Saudi Arabian passport. You do not need to reside in Saudi Arabia at the time of application, but you must be a national.
What You Can Do
The ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit for the following reasons:
- Tourism: Vacations, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.
- Business: Attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or signing contracts.
- Short-Term Study: Enrolling in a course that lasts up to 6 months.
- Medical Treatment: Short-term private medical procedures.
What Is Strictly Prohibited?
You cannot use an ETA to:
- Do paid work for a UK company.
- Work as a freelancer or self-employed person in the UK.
- Stay for longer than 6 months (you will need a Standard Visitor Visa or Student Visa for this).
Required Documents for Your Application
Gathering your documents beforehand prevents “session timeouts” during the application. You will need:
- Valid Saudi Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay in the UK.
- Digital Photo: A clear, high-quality image of your face (similar to a passport photo).
- Email Address: This is where your approval notification will be sent.
- Payment Method: A credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the UK ETA
The application is entirely online. While the official process is straightforward, accuracy is critical. Even a small typo or a blurry photo can trigger a manual review, delaying your approval by days.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare Your Digital ID: Ensure you have a clear photo of your passport information page and a well-lit photo of yourself against a plain background.
- Submit Your Details: Enter your passport data, contact information, and answer a few security questions regarding your immigration and criminal history.
- Facial Scan: Upload your photo. The system will attempt to match this image with the biometric chip in your passport.
- Pay the Fee: Complete the £26 payment securely online.
- Wait for Confirmation: Most approvals arrive via email within a few hours.
Need assistance? If you are worried about making mistakes or technical glitches, you can use etauk.ae. We review your submission to ensure your photos and data meet strict UKVI standards before sending them off, reducing the risk of rejection.
Fees, Processing Time, and Validity
- UK ETA Fee: £26 per applicant.
- Processing Time: The standard turnaround is 3 working days. However, many applicants receive a decision in minutes.
- Validity: Your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
Important Note: Because the ETA is linked to your passport, getting a new passport means you must get a new ETA.
Rejection Risks: Why Applications Fail
Rejections are rare but they happen. The most common reason is poor image quality.
If your uploaded photo has glare, shadows, or a busy background, the automated system cannot verify your identity. This forces your application into a “Manual Review” queue, which takes longer.
Other reasons for refusal include:
- Criminal Record: Undisclosed criminal history can lead to automatic denial.
- Overstaying: Previous immigration violations in the UK or other countries.
Using a service like etauk.ae helps you bypass the photo-quality trap. We verify that your image meets the biometric requirements before the application is processed.
Travelling with Children and Infants
A common misconception is that children can travel on their parents’ ETA. This is false.
Every traveler, including newborn babies, requires their own individual ETA.
- You must submit a separate application for each child.
- You must pay the full £26 fee for each child.
- For children under 10, you do not need to scan their face; a clear photo upload is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the UK ETA fee for Saudi citizens?
The UK ETA fee is £26 per applicant.
This is a non-refundable government fee. It applies to adults, children, and infants alike. Payment is made digitally at the end of the application form.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA for Saudi nationals?
Most decisions are sent within 3 working days.
While many approvals are instant, background checks can sometimes cause delays. We strongly recommend applying at least 7 days before your flight to be safe.
Is the UK EVW (Electronic Visa Waiver) still valid for Saudi citizens?
No, the EVW scheme is permanently closed.
It has been fully replaced by the ETA. You cannot apply for an EVW anymore; you must use the ETA system for short-term visits.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA as a Saudi citizen?
No, paid work is strictly prohibited.
You can attend business meetings, conferences, and seminars, but you cannot fill a job vacancy or accept payment from a UK source. For work, you need a specific Visa.
Do children and infants need a UK ETA?
Yes, every passenger needs their own ETA.
You cannot add children to your application. Parents or guardians must complete a separate submission for every minor traveling with them.
Final Checklist
The UK ETA is a massive upgrade for Saudi travelers, offering more freedom for less money. However, the system relies on accurate data.
Don’t let a blurry photo or a typo ruin your travel plans. Ensure your documents are ready, apply early, and double-check your entry.
Ready to start? Visit etauk.ae to secure your UK ETA today with professional guidance and peace of mind.
