Dreaming of a stroll by the Thames, a hop across the Scottish Highlands or a weekend in York? If you’re planning to travel from Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom, then the golden word you’ll want on your radar is the United Kingdom ETA. In this guide I’ll walk you through everything you must know to Apply UK eTA from Saudi Arabia—in plain, friendly travel-blog style. Whether it’s your first time visiting the UK or you’ve been before, this is your steer for a smooth, confident journey.
Do Saudi Arabian citizens need an ETA for the United Kingdom?
First things first: citizens of Saudi Arabia are listed among the nationalities eligible to apply for a UK eTA. In practice this means if you hold a Saudi Arabian passport and intend to visit the UK (for tourism, visiting friends/family, or short-term business) for up to six months, you will need to get the UK eTA in advance — you can’t just turn up with your passport alone. That said, always check your specific circumstances (purpose of travel, length of stay) to confirm whether the eTA applies or you need a different entry route.
How early should I apply for UK ETA?
Timing is key. The rules state that most decisions are made swiftly — some in hours — but you should avoid leaving it to the last minute.
Ideally, apply at least a few days ahead of your travel date.
Because your passport must be valid, and because the eTA will be linked to that passport, any renewal or change means you’ll need to apply again.
With anticipated travel busy-seasons (holidays, festivals, etc.), earlier is better to avoid any hiccups at boarding.
How do I apply for ETA to the UK?
Good news: the process is largely digital and travel-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply for UK ETA:
Confirm you’re eligible to apply for the UK eTA (remember the eligibility lists).
Gather the key information: your passport details, a recent photo, travel dates and itinerary roughly, and a method of payment.
Complete the online form (or mobile app, if available) for the authorisation. Your application will include basic personal data, travel purpose, passport info.
Submit the request and wait for confirmation. Most are processed within a short period (hours or a few days) barring any extra checks.
Once approved, your eTA is electronically linked to your passport — you travel using the same passport.
At boarding and upon arrival, present your passport; the airline/gate staff and the UK border staff will check that your eTA is valid with your travel document.
When you Apply UK eTA from Saudi-Arabia, you’ll want to ensure you apply using exactly the same passport you intend to travel with, and that your travel plan (dates, airline, etc) is consistent.
What documents do I need for a UK eTA?
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need when you apply:
A valid Saudi Arabian passport (make sure it won’t expire soon, as that can complicate things).
A digital photograph or selfie (depending on the app/online form) meeting the required standards.
Your travel details: arrival date, departure date (rough estimate is fine), destination in the UK.
Your contact information: home address, email, phone number.
Payment method to pay the application fee (required at time of application).
Possibly additional supporting info: e.g., evidence of onward travel, accommodation bookings, proof of financial ability to support yourself (though many applications sail through without heavy documentation if everything else is straightforward).
You should ensure your passport is the one you’ll actually travel with since the eTA will be tied to it.
How much does a UK ETA cost?
When you Apply UK eTA from Saudi-Arabia, you should expect to pay the published application fee — it’s non-refundable once you submit. Recent guidance indicates the UK ETA fee for most applicants.
Note: currency conversion may apply based on your payment method and card issuer’s rates. Make sure to pay with a reliable card and double-check any extra bank/processing fees.
What is the validity of a UK eTA?
One of the benefits of the UK ETA Validity is its multiple-entry flexibility. Here's what you need to know:
The eTA is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes sooner.
During that validity period you may make multiple short visits (each up to six months).
If you change your passport during that two-year period, you’ll generally need a fresh eTA for the new passport.
Validity does not guarantee entry — you still must satisfy the border check at the UK arrival point.
What are the new rules for UK ETA 2025?
The era of the UK eTA is underway and changes have been rolled out. Key points for 2025:
The scheme came into force for non-European visa-exempt travellers from 8 January 2025.
For European visa-exempt nationalities it is fully in force from 2 April 2025.
The application now must be made prior to travel; airline carriers will check whether you have the eTA before allowing boarding.
The fee has been updated (as noted above) and the link of eTA to your passport is key.
Plus, the scheme is distinct from a visa — the eTA is not a visa but a travel authorisation for short stays.
If you’re applying from Saudi Arabia, you’ll fall into the non-European category, so you should ensure your application is ready ahead of your departure in line with the 2025 rules.
Can I travel while my eTA is being processed in the UK?
It’s best to not book your flights and travel assuming your eTA will be automatically approved within minutes. While many applications are approved quickly, there can be delays. Here are my suggestions:
Wait until you have confirmed approval before finalising your departure flight.
If you apply very close to departure date, be aware of potential risk of delay.
Airlines may refuse boarding if you cannot provide proof (or if the carrier’s systems cannot verify your eTA).
Once approved, you’re good to travel (assuming other entry requirements are met).
Is the UK eTA better than a visa on arrival?
Let’s compare and frame it for travellers from Saudi Arabia:
Pros of the eTA:
Pre-travel authorisation means plenty of uncertainty is removed before you board.
Usually faster than full visa processes.
Multiple entries over two years gives flexibility for repeat visits.
Cons / limitations:
It's only for short stays (up to six months) and certain purposes (tourism, visiting, short business). If your travel purpose is work, long-term study or you’ll stay beyond six months, a full visa may be required.
It doesn’t guarantee entry — you still must satisfy UK border conditions.
If your purpose or stay does not align with eTA eligibility, you’ll still need to apply for a full visa.
In short: yes, for most typical tourism/family-visit trips from Saudi Arabia to the UK, the eTA is a smoother, more traveller-friendly route compared with a visa on arrival (which isn’t applicable) or full traditional visa. But always check your travel purpose and stay duration.
What is the UK eTA refund policy
Important to know: once you submit your eTA application and pay the fee, the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Steps you can take to avoid surprises:
Double-check all your information before submission.
Make sure your passport will be valid for the duration/travel period.
Confirm your travel purpose falls within eTA eligibility.
Keep your own copy of confirmation or tracking reference.
UK eTA renewal/extension
If your passport expires, or the two-year validity ends, you’ll need to apply again. Since the eTA is linked to the passport:
If you get a new passport, apply for a fresh eTA for that document.
If your existing eTA is still valid and your passport remains unchanged, you do not need to re-apply until expiry.
Always check that your eTA covers your next travel — e.g., if you plan trips over multiple years, ensure validity or re-apply ahead of time.
What are the benefits of a UK eTA?
Great question — lots of good stuff for travellers:
Speed and convenience: The process is largely online, with minimal fuss.
Multiple entries: You’re not locked into one trip; you can visit the UK several times within the validity window.
Short stay focus: Tailored for tourism, visiting friends, short business — the kind of travel many people from Saudi Arabia are doing.
Pre-travel assurance: Knowing your authorisation is approved before you fly means less stress at the airport.
Flexibility: Two-year validity gives you space to plan repeat visits, maybe mix business + pleasure.
Modern travel-friendly: The UK is catching up with global digital authorisation trends — you’ll feel the process is more contemporary and less heavyweight than older visa systems.
What is the best time to visit the United Kingdom?
If you’ve got your UK eTA sorted and are choosing the best travel window, here’s my guide:
Spring (March–May): Gardens bloom, city walks are crisp and lively; great weather for sightseeing without summer crowds.
Summer (June–August): Long days, pleasant weather, festivals abound — though higher prices and more visitors.
Autumn (September–November): Beautiful foliage in places like the Lake District and Scotland; mild crowds; good value.
Winter (December–February): Magical if you like festive markets in London, Edinburgh, snowy landscapes in the Highlands — but shorter daylight hours and colder.
Choose based on your primary interest (e.g., city culture, countryside escapes, festivals) and check airline deals/travel milestones from Saudi Arabia too.
What are the 10 best places to visit in the United Kingdom?
Just for inspiration — once your eTA is ready, here are ten top-spots to consider:
London – Classic: Big Ben, Thames, museums, West End theatre.
Edinburgh – Scotland’s historic capital, the castle, the Royal Mile, whisky bars.
Bath – Georgian architecture and Roman baths make it a charming day or overnight stop.
The Lake District – Gorgeous nature, hiking, serene lakes; ideal for a nature-lover’s break.
York – Medieval walls, quaint lanes, gothic cathedral.
Cotswolds – Rolling countryside, honey-coloured villages, perfect for relaxing.
Cambridge / Oxford – Historic university towns, punting on the river, timeless ambience.
Scottish Highlands – Epic landscapes, lochs, castles — superb for an adventurous side of the UK.
Liverpool / Manchester – For music lovers (Beatles), football fans, vibrant city culture.
Cornwall / Devon – Beaches, coastal walks, quaint seaside towns — ideal for a laid-back summer escape.
Feel free to blend big-city and countryside stops depending on how long you’ll stay and what you love.
What are common mistakes when applying for a UK eTA?
Let me flag what I’ve seen travellers stumble over — avoid these and you’ll reduce stress:
Applying with a passport that expires soon (less than your intended trip window) — may lead to issues.
Mistyping your passport number, name spelling or other key details in the online form — mismatch at boarding can cause denial.
Booking non-refundable flights or accommodations before your eTA is approved (and then discovering there’s a delay).
Travelling with a different passport than the one used to apply. The eTA is linked to your specific passport.
Trying to use the eTA for a purpose or stay length not permitted (e.g., working long-term, studying full-time beyond short courses) — it may not be valid.
Ignoring the airline’s requirement: many carriers will check that you have the eTA before you board otherwise you may be refused.
Tips for online UK ETA application
Here are some practical tips to make your life smoother when you Apply UK eTA from Saudi-Arabia:
Make sure your passport is the one you will travel with and that it’s valid well beyond your planned dates.
Have a clear digital photo ready (good lighting, plain background) and a good scan/photo of the passport info page.
Use a reliable internet connection. Avoid submitting at very late hour before departure.
Use a trusted payment method with international transaction capability (some Saudi cards may need pre-verification for overseas payments).
Save your application reference number, email confirmation, and note the passport number it’s linked to.
Check your spam folder for confirmation emails.
If you get a ‘pending’ status rather than approval, update your travel plan just in case and don’t book non-refundable services until it clears.
Keep copies of your application and eTA approval (a screenshot is fine) in your phone and email.
When flying, arrive at the airport early and ensure the airline staff can verify your eTA — sometimes they’ll scan your passport or ask your boarding pass.
During your UK stay, carry the passport linked with the eTA and ensure your return or onward travel is properly booked (to show the short-stay nature).
Conclusion: Smooth Travel Experience Awaits You
So there you have it — a full, traveller-friendly guide to how you can Apply UK eTA from Saudi-Arabia and embark on your UK journey with confidence. By understanding the process, preparing your documents, applying ahead of time, and checking your travel purpose aligns with the eTA rules, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and memorable trip. The UK beckons — from historic cities to peaceful countryside, from seaside waves to castle turrets — and your eTA is your passport to getting there with less worry. Pack your suitcase, get your authorisation sorted, and get ready for an unforgettable visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Traveling to UK on an ETA
Q1. Do I need a separate authorisation if I transit through the UK before heading elsewhere?
Yes – even if you’re just passing through, if you’re eligible and travel under visa-exempt rules, you’ll likely need the UK eTA.
Q2. What if my passport expires while I still have trips planned?
If your passport changes, you’ll need to apply for a new eTA linked to the new passport.
Q3. Can I stay in the UK for more than six months with the eTA?
No — each stay allowed under the eTA is up to six months. If your intention is to stay longer, you’ll need a different entry permit.
Q4. If my eTA is approved, does that guarantee I’ll be allowed into the UK?
No — approval means you’ve met the application criteria, but the final decision is still at the UK border control. Your travel purpose, health, passport validity, onward travel and good conduct still matter.
Q5. Can children apply for the UK eTA?
Yes – every traveller, including infants and children, must have their own eTA.
