Saudi Arabia recently announced that it has launched Electronic Travel Authorisation service for the UK citizens. As a result, they can now enter the Kingdom multiple times and stay for up to 180 days in a year with this system, as announced by the Saudi foreign ministry on June 25th. Here’s all you need to know about the Electronic Travel Authorisation service.
Saudi Arabia Launches ETA Service For UK Citizens
This move reflects the historic and distinguished ties between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Not to mention, it follows similar travel facilitation, which is offered by Britain to Saudi citizens. Under the ETA scheme, UK citizens can now visit Saudi Arabia for tourism, short-term study, and business purposes. It does not cover work, residency, or Hajj visa, as those are separate visas, which are still required.
The Service Will Come Into Effect From July 1st
The service is going to take effect on Wednesday, July 1st. Not to mention, it will apply to all the categories of British passports as confirmed by the ministry. Saudi Gazette, in its report, mentions how the move aims to open more prospects for partnership between the two countries.
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Saudi Arabia & Russia Officially Implement Mutual Visa Exemption
This development comes just a few weeks after Saudi Arabia and Russia officially implemented the mutual visa exemption agreement. Yes, citizens of both countries can now travel without visas. Deepening the ties between Riyadh and Moscow, the agreement applies to all passport categories, including special, ordinary, and diplomatic passports. Basically, under this arrangement, travellers will be able to stay for up to 90 days per visit or for multiple periods within a calendar year. However, this exemption does not extend to employment, academic study, Hajj travel, or residency.
With travelling becoming more seamless for UK citizens, it’s bound to boost tourism in the Kingdom.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Azzam Aljuaid from Getty Images (Cover image is for representative purposes only)
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Saudi Arabia has opened ETA scheme for which country?
Saudi Arabia has opened ETA scheme for British citizens.
Under the ETA scheme, UK citizens can stay in Saudi Arabia for how many days?
Under the electronic travel authorisation service, British citizen can enter multiple times and stay for up to 180 days in a year.
When will the ETA service for British citizens come into effect?
The British citizens can expect ETA service scheme to take place on Wednesday, July 1st in Saudi Arabia.