180 Days in the Kingdom: The New Saudi ETA Rules for UK Citizens Explained

Published

1 hour ago

July 4, 2026

Shorya

Saudi Arabia has officially launched a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for British nationals, which is an important step in the efforts to boost UK-Saudi Arabia travel relations.

Overall, the digital authorization streamlines the way British nationals enter the country, reducing the time they typically waste on visa applications to a quicker online process. It is similar to the ETA programme in the UK and could boost tourism, business and educational trips by nationals of GCC nations.

The new system allows for multiple entries into Saudi for the duration of the valid digital travel authorisation, and makes it possible for UK citizens to get a digital travel authorisation before they leave the UK. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes the simplified procedure will make travelling more convenient for the people while further contributing to the Kingdom’s tourism and economic aspirations of Vision 2030.

What is Saudi Arabia’s New ETA?

The Saudi Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an electronic entry permit tailor-made for eligible British citizens traveling to the Kingdom for short-term purposes. Travelers will not need to apply for a regular visa via the extended paperwork and embassy appointment – they can register online before they take off.

The ETA, if approved, becomes a pre-approved travel permit which enables travelers to come and go in Saudi Arabia indefinitely without bringing in a new application for each single entry. The system is designed to streamline travel in as secure a manner as possible, while maintaining the safety of those entering the country.

How Long is the Saudi ETA Valid?

The most attractive feature of the new scheme is the extended lifetime. The Electronic Travel Authorization is valid for a year from the date of approval. In this period, the travelers from the UK can enter Saudi Arabia several times without having to apply for a new authorization for every entry.

The Ministry has also declared that the travellers having multiple entry permits and also those who obtain a single entry permit will be allowed a maximum stay of 180 days in the Kingdom over a period of one year. These days may be broken up into several shorter visits in the same day as daily availability may be limited or set.

What are the Activities included in the ETA?

The new authorization is just for travel and not immigration. The British nationals who made an entry in Saudi Arabia availed the ETA facility so that they can enjoy the wonderful cultural movements, historical places, entertainment, and leisure activities that Saudi Arabia has to offer for the benefit of the tourist.

This authorization is granted for attending meetings, conferences, exhibitions and other corporate events. Visitors who attend short education training courses can also move about on the ETA but must adhere to rules laid down by Saudi officials regarding their education and training activities.

What ETA Does Not Cover?

While the Electronic Travel Authorization provides a level of flexibility, it isn’t a replacement for all Saudi visas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressly noted that there are still several types of travel that require special visas as per current visa immunity laws.

British nationals who wish to work, move to the UK permanently or travel on the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Saudi Arabia are under no obligation to use the ETA but need to effect travel work or move to the UK via the proper visa channels.

Employment Requires a Separate Work Visa

Only people coming into the Kingdom for tourism reasons will be able to use the Saudi ETA. Anybody who wants to do a job, signs a professional service contract or accepts a job for longer than one year must have an official Saudi Working Visa for them that is sponsored by their employer.

The employer still has to prepare the necessary labour and immigration paperwork prior to the arrival of the foreign employees to Saudi Arabia. Using an ETA while trying to work can lead to behavioral violations of immigration and legal penalties.

ETA Does Not Grant Residency

The visa will permit a visitor’s stay of up to 180 days in Saudi Arabia, but will not give rights of residency. If you are a British national that is going to move to The Kingdom permanently or to join your family members or get long-term residency status, you’ll get to apply for an official Residence Visa via the right channels of the Government.

It should be remembered that those acquiring the ETA are not receiving a permanent visa, but rather a temporary travel visa.

Umrah is Allowed, But Hajj Requires a Separate Visa

The Ministry has also released guidelines on the religious travel process under the new ETA. British Muslims can enter Saudi Arabia with an ETA that allows them to fulfil their Umrah duty and this will be available during most of the year.

But the yearly Hajj trip is not included in the ETA. Saudi Arabia has a scheme for issuing pilgrimage visas to those wishing to make the pilgrimage and these visas must be obtained prior to travel. If you make an ETA with the intention of performing the Hajj, that is not permitted and you can be faced with penalties.

Why Does the New ETA Matters?

The Electronic Travel Authorization is part of a wider trend of Saudi Arabia’s modernization of its immigration system and increasing ease of international travel. The Kingdom wants to bring large numbers of tourists, investors, businessmen and students from the United Kingdom by minimizing paperwork and entry procedures.

In addition, it reflects the increasing bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UK, implementing respective digital travel authorization systems that enhance border efficiency at the same time ensuring high security.

FAQs

What exactly is Saudi Arabia’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

Saudi ETA is a digital travel visa upgrade launched for permitted citizens of Britain, and provides multiple entry into Saudi Arabia for approved short trips without requiring a traditional visa.

For how long is ETA valid in Saudi?

All authorizations are valid for 1 year after declared. Visitors can go in and out of Saudi Arabia as many times as they wish during this time.

Is there possibility of the Eta for Umrah?

Yes. British Muslims who wish to take a trip for Umrah to Saudi Arabia will be able to enjoy using the Electronic Travel Authorization program as long as they are in full compliance of all of the requirements for travelling to the country.