Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Visa Waiver for UK Citizens

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a significant step towards enhancing travel between the Kingdom and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland by launching the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for British citizens.

This new initiative grants British nationals the convenience of entering Saudi Arabia without the need to obtain a visit visa in advance.

Convenient Entry for British Nationals

Under the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) program, all British nationals planning to visit Saudi Arabia for business, tourism, study, or medical treatment can now enjoy hassle-free entry.

The waiver permits a stay of up to six months on a single entry, providing ample time for travellers to explore the country’s rich heritage, conduct business engagements, or pursue academic endeavours.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The ministry emphasized that the EVW offers advanced facilitation of entry procedures, serving as a seamless channel for UK citizens to experience the wonders of the Kingdom.

By removing the need for obtaining a traditional visit visa, the Saudi government aims to promote stronger ties and enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.

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Simple Application Process

Applying for the EVW has been made straightforward and convenient for UK citizens. Interested individuals can fill out the designated application form on the Unified National Visa Platform at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The application can be submitted anytime between 90 days and 48 hours before the intended date of travel to Saudi Arabia. Successful applicants will receive their visa approval via email within 24 hours of submitting their application.

Reciprocal Arrangement

It is worth noting that the United Kingdom reciprocated this gesture by introducing a similar EVW facility for Saudi citizens on June 1, 2022. Saudi nationals planning to visit the UK are no longer required to obtain a visit visa beforehand.

This measure eliminates the need for biometric data submission, Visa Application Centre visits, or passport hand-ins for an EVW. However, it is essential to clarify that visa requirements for work, study, and settlement in the UK still apply.

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