Saudi Arabia introduces new visa with 180-day stays for UK visitors

Saudi Arabia has launched an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) process for UK citizens, allowing visitors multiple entries to the kingdom with stays for up to 180 days per year. 

The programme, introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will go into effect from 1 July 2026 and will be available to UK passport holders of all categories. Travellers will be allowed to visit the kingdom for multiple  purposes ranging from tourism and business to short-term study. 

Work, residence and Hajj visits are not permitted under the new system, and visitors travelling for these purposes must obtain the appropriate visa. 

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In an online statement, the Ministry said the initative is “in line with the facilitation granted to Saudi citizens by the UK”, noting that eligible Saudis can already travel to the UK under its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for short stays of up to six months.

Saudi continues to introduce new measures to simplify and expand visa services for travel to the kingdom. The country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently partnered with UAE travel marketplace Wego on a new digital platform, streamlining pilgrim services including Umrah visa applications, flights, accommodation and ground transport. Several packages from basic to premium options will be available for pilgrims. 

The move comes as the kingdom’s tourism sector sees strong performance in 2026. In Q1, the segment generated SAR82.7 billion (US$22 billion), while arrivals grew 8% year-on-year, rising to 37.2 million despite regional tensions impacting travel across the region. 

For more information, visit mofa.gov.sa