UK Visa for Saudi Citizens

The UK Visa is an official travel document that allows citizens of Saudi Arabia to travel to the United Kingdom. There are several types of visas available depending on the reason for traveling to the UK and how long the applicant intends to stay. For longer stays in the UK, a visa is always required, no matter what the reason for travel is.

For shorter visits (up to six months), Saudi citizens may be able to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is intended for purposes including tourism, visiting family and friends, business, and short-term study. The ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple entries within this time.

The ETA became available on February 1^st, 2024, for visits to the UK from February 22^nd, 2024. Before this date, Saudi citizens were able to travel to the UK by completing an online UK visa waiver, under the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (UK EVW) system.

Types of UK Visas for Saudi Citizens

Depending on the reason for traveling to the UK, there are several different UK visas available for Saudi citizens, including:

• Work visas For citizens of Saudi Arabia who intend to pursue employment in the UK, several types of work visas are available, including:
  • UK Skilled Worker Visa For people who already have an eligible skilled job offer from a UK employer.
  • Health and Care Worker Visa For medical professionals working in the UK healthcare sector (e.g., the NHS).
  • Senior or Specialist Worker Visa For eligible job roles at a UK branch of a Saudi employer.
• Study visas Study visas are intended for citizens of Saudi Arabia who want to study in the UK. There are three types of Study visa:
  • UK student Visa  Saudi citizens aged 16 and over with a place in an approved higher education course.
  • UK child student Visa Ages 4-17, with an unconditional offer to an independent school in the UK.
  • UK short-term study Visa For attending an English language course that lasts between 6 and 11 months.
• Standard Visitor Visa Also known as the Tourist Visa, this allows stays of up to six months for purposes such as tourism, certain business activities, and medical treatment. It is popular with people who are not eligible for the ETA.
• Family visa Designed for Saudi citizens to join their family members (spouse, partner, parents, or children) who are UK citizens or residents.

UK ETA for Saudi Travelers: What You Need to Know

Saudi Arabian citizens planning to visit the UK for short visits are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The UK ETA is not a visa but a digital permission that allows travelers to enter the UK for various purposes, including tourism, business, short-term study, or permitted paid engagements, without the need for a traditional visa.

The ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit can last up to six months, and visitors can enter the UK border in different UK ports (e.g., London, Edinburgh, Belfast). The ETA simplifies entry procedures and allows for quicker and easier entry into the UK as it is electronically connected to the holder’s passport.

To apply for a UK ETA, applicants will need:

• A valid passport.
• A recent digital photograph.
• An active email address.
• A payment method, such as a credit or debit card.

The online application form can be completed on our website. Applicants will need to enter their personal information and passport information, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee. Application processing typically takes 3 business days.

Choosing the Right UK Visa for Your Travel Needs

When choosing a UK visa from Saudi Arabia, it is important to consider the purpose of your visit to the UK and your intended duration of stay:

• UK Standard Visitor Visa
  • Who is it for Those not eligible for an ETA (for example, those who have been refused an ETA), or who need a visa for specific purposes like longer study courses, medical treatment, or business visits beyond standard allowances.
  • Duration Usually valid for up to six months per visit.
  • Cost The UK Tourist visa price from Saudi Arabia is $115.
• UK Student Visa
  • Who is it for Students enrolled in a recognized UK educational institution for courses longer than six months.
  • Duration Depends on the length of the course up to 5 years.
• UK Work Visa
  • Who is it for Saudi citizens who want to work in the UK.
  • Duration Typically, the length of the work contract.
• UK Family Visa
  • Who is it for Individuals moving to the UK to live with family members who are British citizens or residents.
  • Duration More than six months.

UK Visa Eligibility Criteria

To successfully apply for a UK visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Including:

• Purpose of travel Applicants must clearly state the reason for their visit and apply for the appropriate visa category (e.g., tourism, work, study, or family visit).
• No criminal record Applicants with serious criminal convictions or national security concerns may be denied entry.
• No immigration violations Applicants must have a clean immigration record and must not have violated UK immigration rules in the past. Those who overstayed a previous visa, worked illegally, or had past visa refusals may have their applications rejected.

Required Documents for UK Visas

When applying for a UK visa, applicants must provide specific documents to support their application. Below is a general list of essential documents required for most UK visa types:

• Valid passport You must provide a valid passport for your visa application. It should be valid for the entire duration of your stay and contain at least one blank page for the visa vignette.
• Completed visa application form Applicants must complete and sign the relevant UK visa online application form.
• Recent passport-sized photographs Two identical passport-sized photographs that meet the UK visa’s photo guidelines must be submitted.
• Proof of funds Applicants may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the UK. This could be a bank statement, sponsorship letter, or proof of income.
• Proof of English language proficiency (for some visas) Certain visa categories, such as Student Visas and Work Visas, require applicants to prove their English language ability through recognized tests like IELTS.
• Proof of health coverage For visas longer than six months, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
  
  In addition to the general UK visa requirements, specific UK visa categories require additional supporting documents. For example, the UK Work Visa requirements include a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer, details of the job offer and salary, and proof that the position meets the visa eligibility criteria.

UK Visa Application Process for Saudi Citizens

Current UK Visa Fees

The cost of a visa varies depending on the type and length of the visa. Below are the current UK visa application fees.

Visa Type	Current Fee (USD)
STUDY VISAS
Student Visa	$626
Child Student Visa	$626
Short-term Study Visa (English language)	$255
WORK VISAS
Skilled Worker Visa	$918 (3 years or less) $1,814 (more than 3 years)
Health and Care Worker Visa	$362 (3 years or less) $703 (more than 3 years)
FAMILY VISAS
Partner, parent, proposed civil partner, or child	$2,358
Adult dependent relative	$4,152

Processing Times for UK Visas

Different UK visas have different processing times. On average, applicants can expect:

• Student Visa: 3 weeks
• Skilled Worker Visa: 3 weeks
• Family visa: 12 weeks

Tips for a Smooth UK Visa Application

Applying for a UK visa can be a straightforward process if done correctly. The tips below can help to increase your chances of approval and avoid unnecessary delays.

• Apply early Start the application process well in advance of your travel date. This allows enough time for processing, especially during peak seasons.
• Choose the correct visa type Ensure you apply for the right visa category based on your travel purpose (tourism, work, study, or family visit). Using the wrong visa type can lead to rejection.
• Complete the application form accurately Double-check all information before submitting your online application. Ensure names, dates, and travel details match those in your passport and other documents.
• Book your visa appointment early VACs can get busy, so book your biometric appointment as soon as possible.
• Prepare for the biometric appointment Arrive on time at the VAC with all necessary documents prepared in advance and translated into English (if necessary).

UK Visa Refusal: Common Reasons and What to Do Next

A UK visa refusal can be disappointing, but understanding the common reasons for rejection and knowing what steps to take next can help improve future applications. Common reasons include:

• Incomplete or incorrect information on the application form.
• Lack of supporting documents.
• Previous immigration violations.
• Criminal record or security concerns.

If your visa application is refused, you will be given a detailed refusal letter explaining why the application was denied. The letter will tell you whether you have the right to an administrative review or an immigration decision appeal. Alternatively, you may be able to submit a new application or apply for a different visa.

UK Visa for Saudi Residents

Residency in Saudi Arabia does not exempt individuals from needing a UK visa. Saudi residents must apply for a UK visa based on the purpose of their visit.

Visa and UK ETA eligibility depends on the applicant’s citizenship, NOT their residency, so applicants must check UK visa eligibility based on their passport-issuing country. 

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