Announced by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new system reflects the close relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom and follows reciprocal travel arrangements already available to Saudi citizens visiting the UK under its ETA programme.

The electronic authorization will allow holders of all types of UK passports to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times over a one-year period. Travellers will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for up to 180 days, either during a single visit or across multiple trips.

Who Can Use The New ETA?

The Electronic Travel Authorization can be used for tourism, business visits and short-term study. However, it does not replace visas required for employment, residence or Hajj pilgrimages, for which travellers must continue to obtain the appropriate visa.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the initiative aims to simplify travel procedures while strengthening economic, tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Supporting Saudi Tourism Growth

The introduction of the ETA forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to improve international accessibility as the Kingdom continues expanding its tourism sector under Vision 2030. Easier entry requirements are expected to encourage more visitors from the UK, one of Saudi Arabia’s key international source markets.

The new authorization officially comes into effect on July 1, 2026, opening a faster and more convenient entry option for eligible British travellers visiting Saudi Arabia.