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UK ETA for Saudi Citizens

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What is a UK ETA for Saudi Citizens?

The UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) is a digital permit that allows Saudi citizens to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, and short-term study, simplifying the visa process efficiently. Additionally, with the UK ETA, Saudi nationals can travel to the UK for a permitted paid engagement, transit through the UK, or stay for up to 3 months with the Creative Worker visa.

Introduced in February 2024, the UK ETA is relatively new for Saudi Arabian nationals. It serves as an alternative to the Electronic UK Visa Waiver (EVW), making travel to the UK more accessible for Saudi citizens. Additionally, the ETA aims to help prevent issues related to illegal immigration and organized crime.
Quick and Easy Application Process
The ETA streamlines the application process for Saudi nationals visiting the UK, significantly reducing the time and effort involved. Compared to the previous UK EVW, the ETA offers a much more user-friendly experience.
Cost Effective
The UK ETA is highly cost-effective for Saudi nationals, with lower processing and administration fees compared to the previous EVW. This makes it a more economical and advantageous option overall.
Multi-Entry Validity
The ETA provides flexibility in travel planning with its multi-entry validity. Unlike the single-entry restriction of the electronic visa waiver, the ETA allows for multiple entries and exits from the UK during its validity period.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Saudi Citizens

To be eligible for a UK ETA, Saudi citizens must meet certain requirements.

Saudi Arabia Citizenship

To apply for the UK ETA from Saudi Arabia, you must be a Saudi citizen.

No Longer Than 6 Months in the UK

The ETA allows you to stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months. If you plan to stay for a longer period, you should apply for a traditional UK Visa.

No Criminal Record

A clean criminal record is required to obtain an ETA. If you have a history of incarceration or immigration violations, it is advisable to apply for a traditional UK Visa instead.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA permits Saudi citizens to enter and exit the UK multiple times over a 2-year period. It remains valid for 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever occurs first. During this validity period, Saudi citizens can stay in the UK for up to 3 or 6 months.

It is crucial to follow the validity restrictions closely. Overstaying your permitted duration can lead to legal problems. Whether you are visiting the UK for tourism, business, or studies, you must not stay longer than 6 months.

UK ETA Requirements for Saudi Nationals

To obtain the UK ETA, you need to meet certain requirements and have the necessary documents prepared for submission. Compared to the EVW, the ETA has significantly fewer visa requirements.

Valid Passport

To visit the United Kingdom, you must have a valid passport that is eligible for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from the UK.

Valid Payment Method

Since the process is entirely online, you will need a valid payment method for online transactions. This includes credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Digital Passport Photo

When applying for an ETA, you need to provide a digital passport photo. This photo must meet specific guidelines: it should be recent, show a clear view of your face, and have a white background.

Applying for a UK ETA for Saudi Citizens

The process to apply for a UK ETA is relatively simple and straightforward. The UK ETA application should only take you a few short minutes to complete and submit.

Fill Out the Application Form

Completing the UK ETA online application form involves just a few simple steps. It is crucial to carefully fill out all fields completely and accurately, as any inaccuracies may lead to rejection.

Attach Required Documents

You must upload the required documents, including a copy of your passport and digital passport photos. Ensure that your digital uploads comply with the official size and format guidelines.

Pay the Application Fee

Once you have completed the online application form and uploaded your supporting documents, you need to pay the application fee. This fee can be paid using a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Submit the Application

Be sure to thoroughly review all required fields in your application. Confirm that all sections are accurately completed and nothing is missed. Once you’ve verified everything, you can proceed to submit your application.

Receive Your ETA

Once your ETA has been processed, you will receive the results by email. If your ETA is approved, you can visit the UK for a short stay of up to 6 months. If your application is not approved, you will be informed of the next steps to address the denial.

UK ETA Processing Time for Saudi Citizens

The UK ETA has a fast turnaround time. After submitting your application, you can expect to receive results within 3 business days. This quick processing makes travel planning straightforward and efficient for Saudi citizens planning a trip to the UK.

UK ETA Fees for Saudi Citizens

The UK ETA fee for Saudi citizens is quite cost-effective, especially in comparison to the previous EVW. With our services, the total cost, including both governmental fees and our professional service fee, is just 70 pounds.

Travel with a UK ETA

Departure to the UK

The UK ETA is tied to the passport used for the application. If you hold two passports, ensure you enter and exit the UK using the passport with which you applied for the ETA. Using a different passport will result in entry denial. Furthermore, if your passport expires during the ETA’s validity, you will need to reapply with your new passport.

The ETA is fully digital, so a physical copy is not required. However, it is advisable to carry a printed copy in case of any unforeseen issues. You cannot travel to the UK without an approved ETA. If your ETA is still being processed, you will be denied boarding for your flight to the UK.

Arrival and Entry Procedures in the UK

Upon arriving in the United Kingdom, you will need to go through immigration. Immigration officials will thoroughly review your documents, including verifying your approved ETA, proof of onward travel, and evidence of sufficient funds. Failure to provide these necessary documents may result in denial of entry into the UK.

Once your documents are checked and you are granted entry into the UK, you may travel freely between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While traveling within these countries, you will only need to present a valid form of identification.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Can Saudi Iqama holders travel to the UK?
You can only travel to the United Kingdom with an ETA if you are a citizen of one of the eligible countries, which include Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
What is the difference between the UK Tourist Visa, the UK E-Visa, and the ETA?
The UK electronic visa, ETA, and UK tourist visa all facilitate travel to the United Kingdom from Saudi Arabia, but each has different application processes, validity periods, and purposes. The UK Tourist Visa involves a lengthy application process and can take several weeks to process, with various validity periods available. The UK eVisa offers a simpler, entirely digital process but is typically valid for a shorter duration than traditional visas. The UK ETA, designed for tourism, business, and short-term study, is valid for visits of up to 6 months.
Can I extend my stay in the UK with an ETA?
No, you cannot stay longer than 6 months with an ETA. If you need to stay for a longer period, you should apply for a different UK visa for Saudi citizens.
How to apply for UK ETA from Saudi Arabia?
You do not need to be physically in Saudi Arabia to apply. You can complete the entire application process online from anywhere outside the UK.
Which countries are eligible for the UK ETA?
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries and Jordan are eligible to apply for the UK ETA. GCC countries include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

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in every step

Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today by completing the online form to begin the process.
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