How To Apply For A Saudi Visa Waiver (EVW) For UK Residents | The Travel Tips Guy

In this video I explain exactly how you should apply for a Saudi Electronic Visa Waiver. It isn't all smooth sailing as I found out which is why I made this video so you can avoid the mistakes that I encountered. The electronic visa waiver can be used for tourism and umrah and is currently only open to UK residents.
Saudi MOFA Visa:
visa.mofa.gov.sa
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[@khawarmahroof4984]

When I apply for my children’s EVW’s I am presented with an error message I can’t get past > “Main visitor application data is not valid or not paid”. Have phoned and emailed Saudi MOFA without any resolution.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Sent you an email. Make sure the adults visas are paid and issued just in case the system does a check to prevent kids visas being issued by themselves without adults.

[@khawarmahroof4984]

Thanks I resolved the issue. For a child's application you have to enter the parents 'Application ID' - this is found under 'Visa Applications' in your profile section on the KSA Visa site (screenshot below).

[@umulqayrmohamed4227]

Salam I have same problem but still can’t get. Did u have to wait for 3 day then apply for the kids

[@Cricket_with_Hamid]

Salaam thanks for the very informative video, I am yet to apply in sha Allah will very soon. My question is I will be applying for myself, my wife and 3 kids do I need to use different emails for each one or can I do all of them if my account? Jazakallah

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@Cricket_with_Hamid Salam. You would apply for the adult first and then just put the adults application number(not visa number) in the form for the child.

[@MuhammadAli-cw1ed]

Jazakala great instructions brother Eshaq!

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

My pleasure

[@cadaaniibrahim1809]

Jzk brother, I got my visa, it was so quick.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Good to hear!

[@sandycb3722]

Very helpful. I've been wrestling with this all day. I think there have been some updates BUT they are not good! There's a Beta site but when you try it, there is no option for the e waiver.... only the $147 visa. So I went to the MOFA site like you say. HOWEVER..... a) after several attempts, a little tick box appeared to fill in if you don't have a previous nationality.... so that issue went away! B) I was presented with a long list of insurances that I had to select from.... weird... all at different prices, but no description of the policies! C) when I came to pay, it came up at $187.81. A seemingly random number AND NOT $40! I gave up and will try again tomorrow. But this has been a nightmare.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

For previous nationality just put down the same nationality if you don’t have a previous one. Remember this is only for uk citizens and residents.

[@manzoor4687]

Please put in the title only for United Kingdom. It will help alot. Thanks

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Thanks will do.

[@munsifiqbal9528]

Asalaamualaikum. Brother ive not booked hotel just yet so could i fill it with a random hotel name along with my phone number, just as you did.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes that would work. The visa is issued instantly so I guess they don’t really check the bookings.

[@AKj-x5y]

If we are travelling to a different country for a few days before going to saudi for umrah, do we still do uk as the departure country. Or do we do the country we will be flying from on the day, e.g. dubai or qatar?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Put the country you’re coming from so Dubai or Qatar etc.

[@rdmakeupartist]

Hi, Need a little help. Me and my brother (both British) have applied for E visa for our sister and her husband who are Pakistani citizen . My brother is not travelling with us anymore but I will be alongside my other brother who is also British citizen. My sister and husband are travelling from Pakistan to Abu Dhabi where they will meet us and travel to Jeddah with us. The are concerned if they will be allowed to exit Pakistan on this visa asi won’t be with them. Also the fact that my sisters visa application was done under my brother who is not travelling, so we are concerned whether her visa may be rejected upon arrival. We have thought about applying for visa upon arrival if that happens. Could you please shed some light on this? Thanks in advance

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

How have the Pakistani passport holders applied for their visa? Is it linked to yours or your brothers?

[@rdmakeupartist]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy yes my brother in laws is linked to mine and sister’s one linked my brother who is not travelling

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@rdmakeupartist depending on how far away the trip is you have two options. Apply for a new visa linking it to another person travelling or try to get the existing visa changed so it links to a person now travelling. The latter option will require you contacting the Saudi visa services Mofa which isn’t the easiest task unfortunately.

[@rdmakeupartist]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy thanks a lot for your response. Can they exit Pakistan on this visa without us as they have all copies of all Our passports, hotels bookings and proof that we are related

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@rdmakeupartist I can’t say for 100% but I would imagine that as long as the visa is still valid, they should be able to exit Pakistan. All they will do in Pakistan is visually check that all the details of the visa and passport match up. They won’t know that the linked visa person isn’t travelling.

[@sulimanrafiq]

assalamalikum brother, just realised I put the arrival date as 7th May which is my departure from UK date however I will be arriving on 8th May. Do you think this will be a problem and if so should I apply for another EVW? Jazak'Allah khair

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

That should be ok. I think as long as the dates cover the time you are there you should be fine. It’s when you put a date that is after the time you arrive then you might have to do either another visa or just get a visa on arrival when you’re there. Like I said you’ve put a date before so you should be ok as I’m sure putting a day earlier would also cover you if you’re flight was delayed for example and you arrive a day later.

[@zeeshanhussain3660]

Slaam brother with the visa waiver from uk to Saudi can I create multiple visas (for my brothers) under one account ?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes you can.

[@malikahcooke3369]

Assalamu alaikum, I have been approved for the visa waiver and inshaAllah I intend to do umrah towards the end of July 24. Do I need an umrah permit as well? Nusuk app is not showing dates over next 3 months. I don't want any issues when we arrive as this is our first time b'ithnillah. JazakAllahu khairan for any help with this.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

You will need umrah permit. Keep checking as it will show it as soon as umrah season is declared open after hajj finishes.

[@nk1]

Assalamualaikum brother, would you happen to know how old the picture for the visa can be?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

The picture can be any age I guess as long as it is similar to the passport picture.

[@m.a.9774]

Salam, thank you for this vid it helped a lot, I have completed my application and now the application status is Send to Embassy, does that mean is approved?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I’ve not come across send to embassy status. Best to call the helpline and ask what it means. They usually approve it instantly.

[@privateprivate9125]

Slm bro how long does the evisa last and how early can you apply? Im tarveling end of Oct

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

W/salam. You need to apply at least 48 hours before your flights, or up to 90 days in advance. You will need to give your flight details. Visa is a single entry and you can stay for up to 6 months.

[@privateprivate9125]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy thanks Allah bless you.

[@junedahmed3433]

Salaam brother… am i able to apply for each family member from my account - wife & kids or i need to create an account for each individual…

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Salam. You can apply for everyone using one account.

[@junedahmed3433]

The new site seems to be working, would you recommend using that instead of the old one u are using?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

If it is working, then yes you can go ahead and try that although as I have no experience of it, I cannot say for certain how the form is compared to the old one. Hopefully it should be somewhat similar. Just make sure the visa waiver option is there and priced correctly.

[@mehreenabbas7314]

Salam brother I applied for this visa for each family member and they were all issued instantly however I realised I had missed the first name of one person and used their second instead and on another application missed out a middle name. All the names on the e waiver do appear in their passports but just concerned will this cause an issue at immigration ? Thanks

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Again I am not 100% certain but I think you should be ok. I think (I have no evidence) they just want you to have done an application and paid the fee. Worse case scenario you can always get visa on arrival at the airport if they reject the application you’ve done. Visa on arrival is about £100 I think.

[@arsalaanahmed3509]

Need help! I have submitted an application for children with first, middle and surename but when i filled application out i put first name and middle name as their surname and i didn’t type their surname how do i amend this?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Contact the helpline. There isn’t a way to amend unfortunately. However you may get away with it as everything else matches up and they also have copies of your passport anyway.

[@aayanhanif1928]

Can I use this to transit and go through immigration in the Airport? And how would I complete it if I can?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes this would allow transit although if you aren’t actually stopping in Saudi and using a carrier like Saudi airlines then there is no need for a visa as you won’t pass through immigration. You’ll simply connect airside from one flight to another. If you are intending to leave the airport then you will need a visa. You can apply for this online.

[@qaiseryaqoob91]

Aslamo alakum brother jazakAllah good information, I ask u one question that I have BRP card , and also I got travel documents, I got NO full British passport. so can I apply for umra visa from uk? Please reply brother jazakAllah

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes I believe you should be able to. The application isn’t clear and simply states that they need to be of British Nationality. I would try applying and see if it accepts it. You can also try calling the helpline or the Saudi Embassy.

[@qaiseryaqoob91]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy jazakAllah brother thanks for replying me 😊

[@qaiseryaqoob91]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy brother today (Friday) I called in Saudi embassy in London they didn’t gave me any authentic information about it, just said send email to(customercare @mofa.gov.sa) and they didn’t replied me. Even they don’t attend phone calls wallah,luckily today they just attend my call. Now Tuesday I will go to my solicitor.then will see.

[@aneesrafiq3005]

I’ve got an e waiver but it says 6th June entry not 6th July as I put down, I’ve done another waiver and it still comes 7th June entry when I clearly put 7th July 😂 this should be ok right as it’s single entry for max 90 days

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Not sure why it’s changing your date like that. I can only imagine that Hajj is putting a restriction of some sort on the visa waiver. But yes technically the visa is valid. Worse case scenario, they may ask you to pay for visa on arrival when you get there but that’s unlikely.

[@omds]

I hold an EU passport but I am a UK resident with ILR (Settled Status). You said in the video the visa waiver is also available to the residents as well as the nationals. However, on the website I only see that it is only available for the UK nationals, it never mentioned anything about the residents. Even when i try to fill in my application on the old platform it would automatically fill in my nationality as United Kingdom (which I don't have). How do i change this? and are you absolutely sure that RESIDENTS are also eligible for this e-visa waiver?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I’m sure it is. People with ILR with foreign passports have been. It states UK nationals and not UK passport holders. Just have some proof that you are a UK national eg ILR. Try applying and see what they do. Most likely you’ll be granted it I’m sure.

[@omds]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy but how do i apply for it to begin with? As soon as i open the application page the nationality box is already filled with United Kingdom & there is no way for me to change that. An example of this is shown in your video at 2:28 where it says Current nationality. How do i change that?

[@abubakarhabeeb3243]

Salam brother, please I leave in the uk but still on my Nigerian passport. How do I make the application please ?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

As long as you have residency in UK eg indefinite leave to remain, you can apply for an electronic visa waiver like a uk citizen or passport holder.

[@Healthy-wealthy836]

Hey what is Umrah permit? After E-visa do I need anything else?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

E visa allows you to perform umrah. An umrah permit is only specifically for umrah and is mainly used by visitors from other countries that cannot apply for an e-visa or a tourist visa.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Sorry I misread your question. Yes to perform umrah you need to download the nusuk app and submit for an umrah visa. You need to select a date and time for performing umrah. This essentially allows you access to the holy city although it isn’t strictly enforced but its advisable to have it. It is enforced if you are travelling from other cities like Medina using the trains.

[@Abdo-qf6ik]

I have a connected flight which flight number should I enter ??

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

The flight that comes into Saudi.

[@thusbaali8474]

How long does the procedure take, As I have applied for myself and have not heard anything from tgem

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

It’s usually instantly. On the login page there is an enquiry form that allows you to query your application. It’s possible that it was granted but the email failed to arrive. Try that form to retrieve your visa if it’s granted.

[@JasmirAbdul]

Assalamu alaykum brother, for the section about 5 years of travel history, how necessary is this because I am applying with multiple people and we can't remember/ don't have access to our travel history, so can I just leave it blank? Also, how does applying for multiple peoples' visas work under one account, if I am not related to them? Jazakallahu khayran.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Answer the travel history as best as possible. It doesn’t need to be 100% as they don’t really check from what I can see. It’s more of a declaration. With applying for multiple people, there is no requirement that they be related. It can be for friends and family.

[@JasmirAbdul]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy If I leave it blank does it matter too much?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@JasmirAbdul don't think it does but to be on the safe side, I would put something on there. Also definitely put if you've travelled to Saudi as they'll know about that.

[@shahbazhussain1385]

Can you bring zamzam with evw?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes.

[@fiirifiiri1665]

Can I apply Saudi Arabia visa waiver if I live in UK, but with France passport? Any idea?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes if you can show that you have permanent residence(leave to remain) in uk.

[@TheUmp001]

AA can I add multiple applications in the same account or do I need to create separate accounts for my children

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Multiple applications can be done on the same account.

[@TheUmp001]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy جَزَاكَ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرً

[@j2shoes288]

need more info. how long is the visa for?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Electronic Visa Waiver allows a single entry and a stay of up to 6 months. www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia/entry-requirements#

[@arsalaanahmed3509]

If i made a mistake and ive already paid for it and been issued can i submit it another application?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes you can submit another application.

[@MuhammadKhan-og2qo]

Brother I got an issue I applied for EVW for myself, wife and 2 children. All of the visas came through right away except mine. I waiting couple of days but still no luck. The status of the application say “ send to embassy” I went to London embassy but they said they don’t have access to EVW so they cannot see it and assist me. It’s been 3 weeks now but no update. What shall I do ? Do they provide EVW on arrival at Saudi airport?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Firstly try the inquiry for applied requests section on this page visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index. If that doesn't work, try contacting the support line [phone] or emailing them [e-mail]. Worse case scenario, you can either apply for another visa or just get a visa on arrival when you get to the airport which will cost more but should be accepted.

[@MuhammadKhan-og2qo]

Thank you very much for the reply. I tried both options already. Called the above number and they said you would need to contact embassy. When sent them the email their reply was “in exceptional cases it may take longer than the usual to process the application due to some additional procedures”.

[@MuhammadKhan-og2qo]

Do you think it may be better cancel this application and apply a new one. I saw one of the comments on Reddit where the person encountered the same issue and he cancelled the app and replied and got the visa. Do you reckon they could help me look at my existing application on arrival or just ask to apply for a new one. For new application the cost is 480 SAR (approx £100) compare to £32 if EVW issued.

[@ZA-np4st]

Can you apply for this visa if you are a British resident but have European passport?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes as long as you can demonstrate you have permanent British residency.

[@imran-sx9vp]

Assalamu alaikum i need information pls reply I came final exit from saudi arabia in 2012 and i was Indian citizen that time after i came i change my surname and made correction in my date of birth in year example 10/08/1978 to 10/08/1976 after that i came to united kingdom and now i am a British citizen so i want to go for umrah with the changes of my British passport should immigration allow me to enter to saudi arabia i gave biometric before but i am clean no crime nothing so please could you reply me thanks

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I can’t say for 100% but I think as long as you just use your British citizenship details then it should be fine. I wouldn’t complicate the situation by telling them that you had all these corrections. All that should matter to them is your current credentials.

[@imran-sx9vp]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy yes sir but i gave fingerprints before so they will know automatically my old details but I didn’t made any crime there

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@imran-sx9vp I think finger prints are recorded when coming in. I don’t think they actually check against anything.

[@imran-sx9vp]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy thanks sir insah allah

[@zohaibilyas2148]

Does purpose of visit have to be tourism right?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

No, it can be: tourism business medical treatment study Umrah

[@faizakasher3508]

What does primary request number mean? For my child's application? Thanks in advance

[@faizakasher3508]

Your video was very helpful wish I had watched it before!

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

This is the application number of the parents visa.

[@waqasjamil6200]

Bro I’m going in November how long before can I apply for this visa ?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

90 days

[@ynwa4315]

Why does it only show the visa as being valid for 30 days on the application??

[@AbdullahTV91]

The application process is simple and fast. Applicants usually get a decision within three working days, but they may get a quicker decision. The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the Can you please tell me do they make the decision before 3 days

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

I got the Visas instantly. Once payment was completed, the visas arrived in my email within a few seconds.

[@hooriyasheikh7628]

Salam, I keep going on the link and no visa waiver option is coming up so what do I do?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

visa.mofa.gov.sa/Home/Index2?service_type=1

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Scroll to bottom of page

[@hooriyasheikh7628]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy the link doesn't show an e waiver option

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@hooriyasheikh7628 Try this direct link. You'll need to register for an account and then login visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/Loginindividuals

[@shimaaelbaz208]

I hold British Passport. Can I apply for a visa for my mum who is not UK Passport holder?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

If your mum has permanent uk residency then yes you can.

[@Kim_Jong_Un-----353]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy how do you show if someone has permenant residenance in the uk because it doesnt give you the choice to choose another country if you have a different country's passport in the application form

[@ynwa4315]

When should i apply for the EVW's, i.e. how many days before i am due to travel?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

You can apply up to 90 days before your travel.

[@ynwa4315]

It only says the visa is for 30 days on the application....

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@ynwa4315 Are you sure you are in the correct location? The EVW application form is here visa.mofa.gov.sa/Account/Loginindividuals

[@ynwa4315]

What do you select as the 'Visa Type'?? If I select 'Umrah' it shows Visa validity as 30 days....other options are familiar visit, business, personal visit, tourist visit etc

[@ynwa4315]

Can I select 'family visit' and if so will i be able to perform umrah on this Visa?

[@shazb7243]

Iv done the visa but when i do my kids it doesn't work try 100s

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

You have to put your visa application number under the dependents section. This section will appear when you put your Childs date of birth in as the system will detect its a child.

[@maryamshaikh5764]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy ive been trying to apply for the past week :( no luck !!

[@Abdo-qf6ik]

My arrival date is 10/07/24 but when I got my my visa it says 7/10/24 this happened for my and my mom is it normal???

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

The date is in American format. That should be fine. It is the date you chose, just in a different format.

[@Abdo-qf6ik]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy Thank you

[@user-rn3bb3dj4p]

@@Abdo-qf6ik😂😂😂😂 Panic attack I understand

[@Abdo-qf6ik]

@@user-rn3bb3dj4p Did it happen to you as well??

[@Abdo-qf6ik]

@@user-rn3bb3dj4p did it happen to you as well ??

[@southafrica5626]

Any Idea if I can renew it

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

You have to make a new application. Visa waiver is a single entry visa.

[@naushsiddique6422]

Can I skip travel history as it is giving errors

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Best not to but if it’s giving you errors then you can skip it and it will still issue you a visa. Of course you do so at your own risk….a very small low risk.

[@naushsiddique6422]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy thankyou for your reply.

[@aneesrafiq3005]

How do I apply for a visa waiver? Can I get this for my kids too ?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes. Apply for the adults first then apply for the kids with the adults visa number as part of the kids application.

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

As another commenter said “For a child's application you have to enter the parents 'Application ID' - this is found under 'Visa Applications' in your profile section on the KSA Visa site (). Instead I was entering the application reference from my actual EVW visa and that's why it was being rejected.”

[@aneesrafiq3005]

Jazakallah Khair brother. Do you think I can do umrah on 6th July using the visa waiver ? Someone told me hajj season will be over by then and umrah is allowed, is this correct?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@aneesrafiq3005 Once Hajj is over, you have to wait for the announcement that Umrah season is open. Usually they announce on one of their twitter pages.

[@umulqayrmohamed4227]

Salam bro I got my visa buy I can get my kids one I try to add my account pls help

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Yes this is possible. One of the other commenters managed it. They wrote “For a child's application you have to enter the parents 'Application ID' - this is found under 'Visa Applications' in your profile section on the KSA Visa site ). Instead I was entering the application reference from my actual EVW visa and that's why it was being rejected.”

[@Kim_Jong_Un-----353]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy what if a parent applies for a tourist visa (e-visa), can you put the application number of that visa when making EVW for a child

[@Priv23679]

Sallam how long does it take for them to get back to us?

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

Generally your visa is issued instantly. If there’s an issue then I’m not sure how long it takes. Mine had no issues and were all issued instantly.

[@Priv23679]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy I applied in January they give me the visa but I didn’t end up going to Umrah and applied again yesterday it says send to embassy

[@TheTravelTipsGuy]

@@Priv23679 Contact the helpline or email the customer service team. They may be able to tell you the reason.

[@Priv23679]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy do you have their number and email address??

[@Priv23679]

@@TheTravelTipsGuy the order status it saying send to the representative