Saudi Visa Waiver Program: Who Is Eligible & How to Apply

Saudi Arabia has introduced the Saudi visa waiver, allowing eligible travelers to enter the Kingdom without applying for a traditional visa. This streamlined process makes it easier for visitors to explore Saudi Arabia for tourism, business, or short-term stays.

This guide provides comprehensive information on the Saudi visa waiver, eligibility, application processes, and practical tips for a seamless travel experience.

Saudi electronic visa waiver allows single entry to KSA

What is the Saudi Electronic Visa Waiver?

The Saudi visa waiver, also known as the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible nationals to enter Saudi Arabia without applying for a traditional visa. With the EVW, travelers can enter once and stay up to 6 months for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term study, or medical treatment.

Who is Eligible for the Saudi Visa Waiver?

Currently, only British citizens (UK passport holders) are eligible to apply for the Saudi visa waiver.. This agreement allows British nationals to apply for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) to enter Saudi Arabia without a traditional visa for stays of up to 6 months.

Important: Other countries may be added in the future, depending on bilateral agreements. Always check with official sources before your travel.

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia - are fully exempt from visa requirements and do not need to apply for an EVW.

The Saudi Electronic Visa Waiver permits a maximum stay of 180 days (6 months)

How the Saudi E-Visa Waiver Works - [Guide 2025]

Key Features of the Saudi Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)

The Electronic visa waiver program allows UK citizens to visit Saudi Arabia for travel purposes such as:

• Tourism: Sightseeing activities
• Business
• Education: For UK citizens who have been accepted into educational institutions in Saudi Arabia
• Medical treatment: Seeking medical treatment and medical expertise

What’s great about the e-visa waiver is that British nationals can stay in Saudi Arabia for a much longer period. This is versus the duration allowed by traditional visit visas.

Follow the details of the Saudi electronic visa waiver here:

Criteria	Saudi Visa Waiver (EVW)
Eligible Nationals	UK citizens (British passport holders)
Maximum Stay	Up to 6 months (180 days) for a single entry
Entry Type	Single entry
Purpose of Visit	Tourism, business, short-term study, and medical treatment
Not Permitted	Employment, long-term residency
Application Method	100% online via Saudi Arabia’s official EVW portal, no embassy visit required
Application Window	From 90 days up to 48 hours before travel
Children	Also requires EVW; must travel with an adult
Passport Validity	Minimum 6 months' validity from the departure date

Required Documents for Saudi Visa Waiver

To apply for the Saudi EVW, you'll need:

• A valid UK passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
• Travel details including flight information, intended entry/exit dates, and address in Saudi Arabia
• A working email address to receive confirmation
• A bank card to pay the application fee (if applicable)
• Applying for an electronic visa waiver

How to Apply for a Saudi Visa Waiver?

Applying for a Saudi visa waiver is a simple online process:

• Visit the official Saudi visa website (EVW)– Access the Saudi visa portal and select the visa waiver option.
• Fill out the application form – Provide personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary.
• Submit required documents – Upload a valid passport and any additional supporting documents.
• Pay the processing fee – Fees vary depending on nationality and visa type.
• Receive approval electronically – Once approved, the visa waiver is sent via email.
• Present your EVW at the airport upon boarding and upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Note that:

An electronic visa waiver does not include health insurance for your visit.
Apply for an electronic visa waiver online at least 48 hours before your flight, or up to 90 days in advance. You will need to give your flight details.

The holder of a Saudi electronic visa waiver can enter Saudi Arabia for various purposes

Benefits of the Saudi Visa Waiver

• Faster processing – No need for embassy visits or lengthy paperwork.
• Convenient online application – Apply from anywhere before traveling.
• Ideal for short-term visits – Perfect for tourists, business travelers, and event attendees.

FAQs about Saudi Visa Waiver

If you’re planning to apply for an e-visa waiver, you might have some more concerns or need clarification about the process. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

Do I need to print out a copy of my e-visa waiver when traveling to Saudi Arabia?

Yes. You’ll need to print a copy of your e-visa waiver so you can present it to passport control staff and the immigration officer upon your arrival in Saudi Arabia.

Does the fee already include medical insurance coverage?

The cost of the e-visa waiver application does not include insurance yet. This means that you will need to get your own travel and health insurance before you travel to Saudi Arabia.

How differences between the Saudi Visa Waiver and the Saudi e-visa?

Feature	Saudi Visa Waiver (EVW)	Saudi eVisa
Eligibility	UK citizens only	Citizens of 60+ countries
Application	Online	Tourism only
Purpose	Tourism, business, events	Tourism, family visits, Umrah (outside Hajj)
Validity	3 months (single-entry)	1 year (multiple-entry)
Max stay per visit	6 months	Up to 90 days
Processing time	~24 hours	Minutes to a few hours

Are there other Saudi visas that a UK citizen is eligible for?

UK citizens are also eligible for a Saudi e-visa or a Saudi visa on arrival.

A Saudi e-visa covers various travel purposes such as personal visits, tourism, medical treatment, education, employment, and performing the Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages.

A Saudi visa on arrival allows British nationals to obtain a Saudi visa upon arrival at a Saudi Arabian port of entry. Although it is a quick, easy, and convenient way to enter Saudi Arabia, it may be better to secure a visa beforehand through the e-visa application route.

Can I extend my stay under the visa waiver program?

No. The EVW is non-extendable. If you plan to stay longer or visit multiple times, consider applying for a Saudi eVisa.

What happens if I overstay?

Overstaying any visa or waiver in Saudi Arabia can result in fines, deportation, or future bans. Always comply with the allowed stay period.

Is the EVW valid for Umrah or Hajj?

No. The EVW cannot be used for religious pilgrimages. Travelers intending to perform Umrah or Hajj must apply for the appropriate religious visa.

Final Thought

The Saudi visa waiver simplifies travel to Saudi Arabia, offering a fast and efficient alternative to traditional visas. If you're a UK passport holder planning a short trip to Saudi Arabia, this waiver can significantly ease your entry process. However, it's essential to stay updated with official government sources as immigration policies and eligible nationalities may change. For all other travelers, the Saudi eVisa remains a fast and flexible option.