If you are a Saudi national planning a trip to London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, the rules have changed. You might be looking for the “Electronic Visa Waiver” (EVW) or reading older guides that mention a £10 fee.
Here is the reality: The EVW does not exist anymore. As of April 2025, the fee for the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is £26.
This guide cuts through the noise of outdated articles. We will cover exactly how to apply using our official website, why the system is better than the old one, and how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to refusal.
The “EVW” is Dead: Understanding the New ETA System
For years, Saudi citizens used the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). It cost £30 and was a single-entry document. That system has been completely decommissioned.
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is the new standard. It is not a visa; it is a digital permission to travel. The biggest advantage is flexibility. Unlike the old waiver, which required you to specify your exact flight details and expired after one trip, the ETA is valid for two years.
Eligibility & Requirements for Saudis (2025 Update)
Before you download the app, you must verify your eligibility. The ETA is designed for “Non-Visa Nationals”—people who previously did not need a full visa for short stays.
You are eligible if:
- You hold a valid Saudi passport.
- You are visiting for Tourism, Business, Short-term Study, or Visiting Family.
- Your stay will be less than 6 months.
- You do not have a criminal record with a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.
Important Note for Dual Nationals:
If you hold both a Saudi and a British passport, do not apply for an ETA. You must travel on your British passport. If you have a different second nationality (e.g., Saudi and US), apply using the passport you intend to travel with.
How to Apply: The “UK ETA App” Walkthrough
The Home Office strongly advises using our “UK ETA” website. The app uses facial recognition and chip scanning to speed up the process.
Step 1: Scan Your Passport
Open the app and take a photo of your passport’s photo page. Then, place your phone on top of the passport cover. The app will read the biometric NFC chip embedded in your document.
- Tip: Remove any thick phone cases before scanning.
Step 2: Scan Your Face
The app will ask you to scan your face. This verifies that you are a real person and matches your biometrics to your passport photo.
Step 3: Answer Security Questions
You will answer brief questions about your employment and criminal history. Be honest. A minor mistake here can cause a rejection.
Step 4: Pay and Submit
Pay the £26 fee via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit card.
The Cost Breakdown: Why You Pay £26
You may still see articles listing the ETA fee as £10. Those are outdated.
In April 2025, the UK government increased the fee to £26 to align with operational costs. This fee is:
- Per Applicant: A family of four will pay £104 total.
- Non-Refundable: If your application is refused, you do not get the money back.
- One-Off: You pay once, and the ETA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Common Reasons for UK ETA Refusal (And What to Do)
While most applications are approved within minutes, refusals do happen. Understanding the triggers can help you avoid them.
1. Criminal History:
If you have served a prison sentence of 12 months or more (anywhere in the world), your ETA will be refused. You must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead.
2. Immigration Violations:
Previous overstays in the UK or unpaid debts to the NHS can trigger a refusal.
3. Data Mismatch:
If you apply via the website (instead of the app) and type your name differently than it appears on your passport machine-readable zone (MRZ), the system may flag it.
If you are refused:
Do not try to re-apply for an ETA immediately. You likely need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which involves a longer process and higher fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is the UK ETA fee for Saudi citizens?
The fee is £26 per applicant.
This price is fixed for all ages, including infants. It increased from the previous £10 rate in April 2025. Payment is made directly through the official UK ETA app or website.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA?
Decisions are usually instant or within 3 working days.
Most users receive an email confirmation within minutes of submitting their biometrics. However, you should always apply at least 3 days before your flight to account for manual background checks.
Do I need to print my UK ETA?
No, the ETA is a digital permission.
It is electronically linked to your passport number. Airline staff and border control officers will see your status automatically when they scan your passport. You do not need a paper copy.
Is the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) still valid for Saudis?
No, the EVW scheme has been permanently replaced.
You cannot apply for an EVW anymore. Even if you have an old EVW document, it is no longer valid. You must apply for an ETA for any new trip to the UK.
What happens if my UK ETA is refused?
You must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
You cannot appeal an ETA refusal. A refusal usually means you do not meet the strict “non-visa national” criteria (often due to criminal history or prior immigration issues) and require a full human review via a visa application.
