Big news for UK travellers heading to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government launched its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for British nationals on 1 July 2026, replacing the now-discontinued Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). At a total cost of around £19, it's the most affordable, flexible and straightforward way for UK passport holders to enter Saudi Arabia for Umrah, tourism or business.
This guide covers what the ETA is, how much it costs, who qualifies, what it covers and exactly how to apply at the official portal.
The EVW has been discontinued. If you're searching for the Electronic Visa Waiver, that product no longer exists. The ETA is its replacement, as confirmed by the Council of British Hajjis.
Saudi Arabia ETA: Key Facts at a Glance
- Launched: 1 July 2026
- Who can apply: All British passport holders, all passport categories
- Visa fee: SAR 50 (approximately £10)
- Application fee: USD 10.50 (approximately £9)
- Total cost: around USD 25, approximately £19
- Validity: 2 years from date of issue
- Entries: multiple entries permitted
- Maximum stay: up to 180 days within a one year period, whether consecutive or across multiple visits
- Purposes covered: tourism, Umrah (outside Hajj season), business, short-term study
- Not covered: Hajj, employment, residency. These require separate visas
- Medical insurance: not included, must be arranged separately
- Apply at: ksavisa.sa, the official unified KSA Visa platform
Cost Breakdown: Why the Saudi ETA Is Good Value
The total fee of roughly £19 is made up of two parts: the Saudi government visa fee of SAR 50 (approximately £10) and the application processing fee of USD 10.50 (approximately £9). That's it, no hidden charges if you apply yourself directly at ksavisa.sa.
Worth knowing: a number of third-party visa agent websites also offer to process the Saudi ETA on your behalf, at prices we've seen quoted as high as £35 to £48 for the same authorisation. You don't need an agent. The application takes about 10 minutes to complete yourself at the official portal, for roughly £19.
Important: the ETA does not include medical insurance. You must arrange your own travel cover separately before travelling to Saudi Arabia (more on that in the FAQs below).
How to Apply for the Saudi Arabia ETA
The application is completed entirely online, no embassy visit, no postal application and no agent required. Here's the process:
- Go to ksavisa.sa and create an account or log in.
- Select Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from the visa options.
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your British passport.
- Upload your passport photograph and a clear scan of your passport bio page.
- Enter your travel dates and accommodation details.
- Pay the total fee (around USD 25) by card.
- Receive your ETA confirmation by email. Save it and carry it with you when travelling.
Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks before your travel date to allow for any processing delays.
Common ETA Application Issues to Avoid
Most ETA rejections or delays come down to a handful of avoidable errors. Watch out for these:
- Wrong file format: the platform requires your photo and passport scan in a specific format, usually JPG or PNG. A PDF, Word document or HEIC file will cause an error, so check the accepted formats before uploading either one.
- Oversized files: photos or passport scans that exceed the maximum file size limit will be rejected. Resize or compress your files before uploading if needed.
- Passport validity: your British passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Saudi Arabia.
- Photo background: your passport photograph must be on a plain white background. Coloured backgrounds, shadows or glasses will cause rejection.
- Blurred or cropped passport scan: all four edges of your passport bio page must be visible, text fully readable, with no glare on the laminate.
- Name mismatch: names must match exactly between your passport and the details entered on the application form.
- Wrong purpose: the ETA doesn't cover Hajj, employment or residency. Selecting the wrong purpose will result in rejection.
Planning Umrah With the Saudi Arabia ETA
The ETA covers Umrah outside the Hajj season, making it one of the simplest and most affordable entry routes for UK Muslims. Once your ETA is confirmed, TravAir can help you arrange the rest of the trip through our DIY Umrah Planner, including:
- Hotels in Makkah, all zones, budget to 5-star
- Hotels in Madinah, centrally located near Masjid an-Nabawi
- Airport and inter-city transfers, including between Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah
- Travel essentials: eSIMs for Saudi Arabia, travel insurance and more
Ready to plan your trip? Get a custom quote or message us on WhatsApp and we'll help with anything the ETA doesn't cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform Umrah on the ETA?
Yes. The ETA covers Umrah outside the Hajj season. You don't need a separate Umrah visa.
Does the ETA include medical insurance?
No. Arrange your own travel insurance before travelling. Visit our Travel Essentials page for options.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own ETA linked to their own British passport.
Can I enter Saudi Arabia multiple times on one ETA?
Yes. Multiple entries are permitted throughout the 2 year validity, up to a total of 180 days within any one year period.
Planning a trip? We'd love to help.