Saudi Arabia has announced that citizens of the United Kingdom are now eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) instead of a traditional visa to enter the Kingdom. The new arrangement, detailed on the official Saudi government website, permits UK passport holders to make multiple visits to Saudi Arabia over a two-year validity period.
Details of the ETA Scheme for UK Travellers
According to the Saudi government's official guidance, the ETA is not transferable, and each individual intending to travel must submit a separate application, including children. The guidance states: "If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you will be eligible to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which allows you to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia multiple times during a validity of two years. You must submit a separate application for each person, even children."
The ETA system simplifies the entry process for eligible travellers by removing the need to apply for a single-use visa ahead of each visit. The multiple-entry nature of the authorisation makes it particularly convenient for frequent travellers between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
UK Sole Country in ETA Programme
So far, the United Kingdom stands as the only country whose nationals qualify for this electronic travel arrangement under the Saudi scheme. No other country currently appears on the list of ETA-eligible nationalities.
The move reflects Saudi Arabia's broader push to modernise its tourism and travel infrastructure as part of Vision 2030, the national development plan aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy and attracting millions of international visitors annually.
Related ETA Developments: Sri Lanka's Free ETA
In a related development, Legit.ng recently reported that Sri Lanka announced that citizens of 40 countries can obtain a tourist Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) free of charge. The free ETA allows eligible travellers to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days without paying visa fees.
