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🇬🇧 Does a British need a visa for Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦?

What this means for your trip

An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.

It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Saudi Arabia at a glance

Capital: Riyadh · Currency: Saudi riyal (SAR, ر.س) · Official languages: Arabic · Calling code: +966

Plugs and voltage

Your plugs fit: every plug type used in the United Kingdom (G) works with sockets in Saudi Arabia. Mains voltage differs (Saudi Arabia: 220/230 V; the United Kingdom: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering Saudi Arabia →

Your embassy in Saudi Arabia

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Saudi Arabia, contact the embassy of the United Kingdom:

• British Embassy Riyadh · gov.uk
• British Consulate General Jeddah · gov.uk

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near Saudi Arabia for British passport holders

• 🇦🇲 Armenia — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇬🇪 Georgia — Visa-free 360 days
• 🇶🇦 Qatar — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇹🇷 Turkey — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — Visa-free 30 days

The other way round

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabian passport holders visiting the United Kingdom: Saudi Arabian passport holders do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.

The British passport at a glance

All destinations for United Kingdom passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Saudi Arabia →

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