Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Travel Authorization for UK Nationals: Two-Year Multiple Entry, 180-Day Stays

RIYADH, October 1, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has officially launched an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) service for UK nationals, allowing multiple entries over a two-year period with cumulative stays of up to 180 days per year.

The service, announced by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25 June 2026, took effect on 1 July 2026 and applies to holders of all categories of British passports .

audi Arabia launches 2-year multiple-entry ETA for UK nationals

What the ETA Covers

The new authorization permits travel for tourism, business purposes, and short-term study .

Feature	Details
Validity	2 years (730 days)
Entries	Multiple
Cumulative Stay	Up to 180 days per year
Eligible Passports	All UK passport types
Fee	SAR 50 (non-refundable)
Processing Time	1–3 business days
Application System	KSA Visa platform

According to Passport Reports, the ETA is multiple-entry, valid for 730 days, and allows a stay duration of 180 days . The fee is SAR 50 and is non-refundable, with official processing time indicated as one to three business days .

What the ETA Does Not Cover

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been explicit about the authorization's limitations. The ETA does not permit:

• Work (requires separate work visa)

• Residence (requires separate residence visa)

• Hajj (requires dedicated Hajj visa)

As Khaleej Times reported, "those seeking to perform the annual Hajj, reside or work in the Gulf state still need to get the corresponding visa" .

The Improvement Over the Previous System

The ETA represents a significant upgrade from the previous Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system that UK nationals used before.

Aspect	Previous EVW	New ETA
Entries	Single	Multiple
Validity	90 days	2 years
Stay Limit	Single stay of 180 days	Cumulative 180 days per year

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East noted that the new ETA "doubles the amount of time eligible visitors can spend in the kingdom over the course of a year, whether in one long stay or a series of shorter trips" .

Business Travel Implications

For employers, the ETA provides an efficient method for organizing short-term business trips. According to Visasupdate's analysis, employers "can now organize several short-term business trips to Saudi Arabia for UK national employees with a single authorization, instead of needing a new single-entry authorization for each trip or acquiring a multiple-entry business visit visa."

However, visasupdate also warns that authorities have not provided comprehensive guidance outlining the complete range of business activities allowed under the ETA. Feedback suggests that permitted activities may include "attending business meetings, training, conferences, and events," but travelers "should evaluate their intended activities individually before traveling."

Application Process

Applications are made online through the KSA Visa system. Key requirements include :

• Each traveler must apply separately — children and minors are not automatically added to an adult's application

• Valid passport details, personal information, contact details, and travel information must be entered completely and accurately

• Incorrect or incomplete information may result in rejection or an unusable authorization

Broader Context: Vision 2030 and Tourism Expansion

The ETA launch is part of Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and expand international tourism. The Kingdom has been progressively dismantling barriers to entry since 2019, when it introduced tourist visas for 49 countries .

Today, Saudi Arabia's tourist eVisa system covers 66 countries, with a one-year, multiple-entry document permitting stays of up to 90 days per visit . The UK is the only country currently granted access to the ETA system, which offers more generous terms than the standard eVisa .

The Saudi Foreign Ministry described the initiative as reflecting "the historic and distinguished ties between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom" and "following similar travel facilitation offered by Britain to Saudi citizens" .

Quick Reference Summary

Aspect	Details
Authorization	Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Eligible Nationals	UK passport holders (all types)
Effective Date	1 July 2026
Validity	2 years
Entries	Multiple
Cumulative Stay	180 days per year
Permitted Purposes	Tourism, business, short-term study
Prohibited Purposes	Work, residence, Hajj
Fee	SAR 50
Processing	1–3 business days
Application System	KSA Visa

Read Also

• Saudi Arabia's Full Saudization Deadline for Administrative Support Professions Approaches: Grace Period Ends October 4

• Canada Adds UK to CPTPP Work Permit Provisions – New LMIA-Exempt Pathway for British Professionals

• Spain Raises Daily Financial Entry Requirement for UK Travelers to €122 – What You Need to Know

Official Resources

Resource	Link
Saudi Press Agency – Official Announcement	spa.gov.sa
KSA Visa Official Portal	visa.visa.mofa.gov.sa
Visit Saudi – Travel Regulations	visitsaudi.com
UK Government – Saudi Arabia Travel Advice	gov.uk

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