UK Tourist Visa: Overview

The United Kingdom is famous for its diverse classical museums and art galleries. It is also known for its calm green landscapes, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, as well as important tourist attractions such as Big Ben and the Tower of London.

On the other hand, Oxford is the educational city of England, home to the most famous and oldest universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge. You can enjoy the beach and water activities in Brighton. In this complete guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know before and during the UK visa application process.

The Importance of Choosing the Right UK Visa

There are different types of visas for the UK, depending on where you are coming from, your reasons for visiting and how long you intend to stay.

Each visa allows for a different length of stay and other benefits. A work or study visa gives you access to public services such as healthcare or education.

There are several consequences of choosing the wrong visa. Here are some of them:

1. Legal consequences: Attempting to enter the Kingdom with the wrong visa can result in being denied entry, being questioned by the immigration authorities and can lead to deportation. 

2. Waste of time and money: Applying for the wrong visa application wastes the application fee, and re-application requires new fees.

3. Duration of stay: Each visa type allows a specific period of stay; exceeding this period will result in legal consequences.

UK Visa from Saudi Arabia 

In this section, we will explore the types of visas available to Saudi citizens and on what basis the type of visa is chosen:

1. Visit Visa (Standard UK Visitor Visa)

   Choose this visa if you intend to stay for at least 6 months, or if you want to visit for tourism, visit family or friends, or attend business meetings.

2. Family Visa

   This visa is for those who have a family member who is a UK citizen or has settled in the UK and wish to join them.

3. Student Visa

   Choose this visa if you intend to study at one of the UK Universities or take short or long-term courses.

4. Work Visa

   If you are travelling to work in the UK. This visa includes categories such as the Skilled Worker Visa and the Temporary Worker Visa.

5. Transit Visa

   You need this visa if you are passing through the UK as part of your travels.

UK Tourist Visa Requirements From Saudi Arabia

Ensuring all required paperwork is completed will help achieve a smooth and quick visa processing.

Here are all the visa requirements to apply:

1. Valid passport

    Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page.

2. A copy of the National ID for Saudi nationals and a copy of the family card (if travelling with a child or family) 

3. Supporting documentation:

   A document identifying the work, job title and monthly salary in English, if the letter is from a private business, it must be certified by the Commercial Registry.

4. Statement of bank account for the last six months.

   Two photographs with a white background, without a shemagh, uncovered head for men and uncovered face for women.

UK ETA Requirements for Saudi Arabian Citizens 

At the beginning of 2024, an electronic visa waiver system was implemented for Saudi citizens travelling to the UK, with the ETA visa replacing the EVW visa.

You can obtain an ETA, a type of visa, if you plan to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business purposes, or short-term study. Also, the ETA cardholder can

travel freely between its constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

ETA UK benefits for Saudi Arabian citizens:

1. Ease of use: The ETA application is available entirely online, enabling quick and easy application from home.

2. Affordability: The ETA is a budget-friendly option compared to other UK visas, making it ideal for short-term visits. With a fee of £10, the ETA is valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries during this period.

3. Flexibility: The ETA allows multiple entries into the UK during its validity period, giving Saudi nationals the freedom to visit multiple times.

4. A simplified Process: The ETA visa requires less documentation and has a more streamlined application process.

How to Apply for ETA: Application Process 

Bahrain and Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates & and Saudi Arabia citizens can apply for ETA. Every traveller, including babies and children, must obtain an ETA. You can also apply on behalf of others.

The simplest way to apply for an ETA is by using the 'UK ETA app.' Alternatively, individuals can search for 'Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the UK' on the GOV.UK website.

To apply for an ETA, you need to:

• Completed the application form

• Submit a Valid passport

• Pay the fee

• Submit 2 images with ( white background )

• Submit proof of UK accommodation

• UK tourist visa processing time:  the decision usually takes 3 working days, but sometimes you can get a quicker decision.

• UK tourist visa acceptance rate: For the year ending in September 2022, there was a success rate of 97.28% and a refusal rate of 2.35%.

UK Tourist Visa Appointment: Interview Preparation

Through this section, you will learn about the questions you will face during the interview and the necessary preparations to ensure visa approval. And some additional tips to avoid common mistakes.

Checklist Before Your Visa Interview:

1. Bring all the required documents, including your passport, application form and supporting documents.

2. Make sure your documentation is organised.

3. Be well-prepared to discuss your financial condition and your ties to Saudi Arabia.

Sample UK Standard Visitor Visa Interview Questions

1. What is the purpose of your visit to the UK?

2. How long do you plan to stay in the UK?

3. Do you have any relatives or friends in the UK?

4. How will you finance your trip?

5. What ties do you have to Saudi Arabia that will ensure your return?

Tips for Ensuring UK Tourist Visa Approval:

1. Provide answers that are accurate and honest during the interview.

2. Show strong connections to Saudi Arabia, such as family, work or properties.

3. Show proof that you have enough money for your stay.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incomplete applications:

One of the most common mistakes is applying incomplete or incorrect information. Double-check all the details and make sure you include all the required documents. Incomplete forms or missing documents can lead to delays or outright rejection.

2. Reasons for UK tourist visa refusals:

Visas are often refused due to insufficient financial evidence, unclear travelling intentions, or weak ties to the home country. To minimise the risk of refusal, provide clear and comprehensive documentation supporting the reasons for your visit and your intention to return home after your trip.