Seamless Stays and Maritime Ventures: Navigating SAUDI VISA FOR UK RESIDENTS FOR 90 DAYS and the SAUDI ARABIA MARINE VISA

Saudi Arabia, a nation undergoing a dramatic transformation under its Vision 2030, has significantly diversified its visa offerings to welcome a global audience.¹ From leisure tourists to business travelers and even cruise ship passengers, the Kingdom is keen to open its doors.² For those residing in the United Kingdom, understanding the options for a SAUDI VISA FOR UK RESIDENTS FOR 90 DAYSile the relatively new SAUDI ARABIA MARINE VISA unlocks opportunities for maritime exploration.

The SAUDI VISA FOR UK RESIDENTS FOR 90 DAYS: Extended Stays Made Easy

For individuals holding a UK passport or residing in the UK, obtaining a visa for Saudi Arabia for up to 90 days has become remarkably straightforward, primarily due to the introduction of the electronic visa (eVisa) system. This streamlined process has replaced much of the traditional embassy-based applications for tourism and related purposes.

Eligibility and Application for UK Residents:

• eVisa Eligibility: UK citizens are among the nationalities eligible for the Saudi tourist eVisa.³ This multi-entry visa is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and allows for stays of up to 90 days per visit.⁴ This is the most common and convenient option for UK residents seeking an extended visit for tourism, leisure, visiting family, or attending events.

1. Application Process: Official Portal: The application is completed online via the official Visit Saudi eVisa website (visa.visitsaudi.com).⁵
2. Required Documents: Applicants generally need to upload a scanned copy of their UK passport (valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date from Saudi Arabia, with at least one blank page) and a recent, high-quality passport-sized color photograph meeting Saudi Arabian visa photo requirements (e.g., plain white background, clear image, specific dimensions).⁶
3. Personal Information: The online form requires accurate personal details, contact information, and proposed travel dates.⁷
4. Visa Fee and Health Insurance: The visa fee is paid online using a credit or debit card.⁸ Importantly, this fee typically includes mandatory health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Saudi Arabia.⁹
5. Processing Time: eVisa applications are usually processed quickly, often within 24 to 72 hours.¹⁰ Once approved, the eVisa confirmation is sent directly to the applicant's email.¹¹ It's advisable to print a copy and carry it, along with a digital version, when traveling.

• Visa on Arrival: UK citizens are also eligible for a visa on arrival at Saudi international airports and other ports of entry. This provides an alternative for spontaneous travel, allowing for a stay of up to 90 days. However, applying for the eVisa beforehand is generally recommended to ensure a smoother and quicker entry process, avoiding potential queues or administrative delays at the border.
• Visa Waiver: In 2023, Saudi Arabia also introduced a visa waiver program for UK citizens, allowing a single entry stay of up to 6 months. This option is faster and more convenient for certain short-term visits (tourism, business, study, medical treatment) but is not valid for work or long-term stays. It’s crucial for UK residents to determine if the eVisa (multiple-entry, 90 days per visit) or the Visa Waiver (single-entry, up to 180 days) best suits their travel plans.

For a SAUDI VISA FOR UK RESIDENTS FOR 90 DAYS, the eVisa stands out as the most flexible and widely used option, offering multiple entries and sufficient duration for extensive exploration of the Kingdom.¹²

The SAUDI ARABIA MARINE VISA: Unlocking Coastal Adventures

With Saudi Arabia's burgeoning tourism industry, a significant focus has been placed on developing its Red Sea coast and promoting cruise tourism.¹³ To facilitate this, the SAUDI ARABIA MARINE VISA, often referred to as the e-maritime visa or cruise tourist visa, was introduced.¹⁴ This specialized visa category is designed for individuals arriving in Saudi Arabia by cruise ship, whether for transit or as part of a cruise itinerary that includes stops in Saudi ports.¹⁵

Eligibility and Application for the Marine Visa:

• Purpose: The SAUDI ARABIA MARINE VISA is specifically for cruise passengers.¹⁶ It allows travelers to disembark and explore Saudi Arabian ports of call during their cruise itinerary or to fly into Saudi Arabia to board a cruise ship departing from its ports. It is primarily a transit visa, enabling short visits, and is not intended for extended stays beyond the cruise duration. If a longer stay is desired, a regular tourist eVisa should be obtained.
• Eligibility: Eligibility for the marine eVisa often mirrors that of the standard tourist eVisa for many nationalities. Countries eligible for the general tourist eVisa are typically also eligible for the marine eVisa. This includes citizens of the UK and many other nations.

1. Application Process: Online Application: The application for the marine eVisa is conducted entirely online, often through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) platform or specific channels designated by cruise companies.¹⁷
2. Required Documents: The key requirement is proof of a purchased cruise ticket. Alongside this, a valid passport (with at least six months' validity) and a passport-sized photograph are typically needed.
3. Verification: Submitted application data is often verified by the Saudi Cruise Company in coordination with Saudi authorities.¹⁸
4. Receiving the Visa: Once approved, the e-maritime visa is sent electronically to the applicant.¹⁹
5. Cost and Validity: The cost and exact validity period can vary, but it's typically designed to cover the cruise itinerary, allowing for multiple entries if the cruise includes several Saudi ports. Some sources indicate a validity of 90 days from issuance, with a stay duration tailored to the cruise.

• Advantages for Cruise Passengers: This specialized visa streamlines the entry process for cruise tourists, eliminating the need for traditional consular visits and allowing for seamless exploration of Saudi Arabia's coastal attractions.²⁰ It simplifies logistics for both individual passengers and cruise liners.

In summary, Saudi Arabia has significantly simplified its visa regime to cater to diverse traveler needs. For UK RESIDENTS, the eVisa or Visa Waiver offers flexible and convenient options for stays up to 90 days, enabling tourism, family visits, and exploration of the Kingdom's rapidly developing attractions. Simultaneously, the introduction of the SAUDI ARABIA MARINE VISA is a strategic move to boost cruise tourism, making it easier for seaborne visitors to experience the country's coastal beauty and emerging maritime offerings.²¹ Both visa types underscore Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global tourism destination.