Starting February 1, Saudi citizens can quickly get an e-visa to visit the UK for up to two years.

British Ambassador Neil Crompton announced that “The UK is developing a new system that will enable Saudis to obtain a visa within hours, valid for two years. Visitors can start applying for the visa from the beginning of February.”

According to the envoy, the online process for the e-visa waiver scheme for Saudi citizens is “quick, very straightforward (and) not expensive.”

He also stated that the new initiative would help deepen economic and diplomatic links between the UK and Saudi Arabia. The envoy further added, “It’s a big improvement in our service, which is consistent with the desire of both our governments to improve the bilateral relationship and in particular to increase the people-to-people links between our two countries. It’s very exciting news, and we look forward to seeing more Saudis in the UK.”

The e-visa waiver scheme for Saudi citizens was launched by the UK in June 2022, and British nationals can also enter Saudi Arabia for up to six months on a single entry under the new e-visa waiver.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry announced last August that the new scheme allowed UK citizens to visit for tourism, business, study, or medical treatment purposes.

UK travelers can apply through the ministry’s visa portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa from 90 days to 48 hours before their trip, and approvals will be emailed back within 24 hours of the application.