Saudi Visa for UK Residents (90-Day Stay) & Saudi Arabia Marine Visa – Complete Guide for Travelers and Seafarers

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major global destination for tourism, religious pilgrimage, business, and maritime industries. With the Kingdom's progressive changes under Vision 2030, it is now more accessible than ever before. UK residents interested in visiting Saudi Arabia for tourism or work — including maritime professionals — have clear pathways to get the appropriate visa.

This comprehensive blog post explains the Saudi visa for UK residents 90 days, and provides detailed insights into the Saudi Arabia Marine Visa, designed for professionals working in the shipping and offshore industries.

Part 1: Saudi Visa for UK Residents – 90 Days

Is a Visa Required for UK Passport Holders?

Yes, UK citizens and residents need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. However, the Kingdom has introduced a convenient eVisa system that allows UK citizens to apply online for a tourist visa, valid for multiple entries and allowing up to 90 days per visit.

What is the Saudi eVisa?

The Saudi eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows tourists from eligible countries, including the UK, to visit for leisure, events, and short-term business purposes.

Key Features:

Validity: 1 year from the date of issue

Duration of stay: Up to 90 days per visit

Type: Multiple-entry

Processing time: 24–72 hours

Fee: Approx. $120 (including medical insurance)

Who Can Apply?

UK citizens with a valid UK passport can apply directly online. If you are a non-UK national residing in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa through the Saudi Embassy or a licensed visa center, depending on your nationality and reason for travel.

Saudi eVisa Application Process for UK Citizens

Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal: https://visa.visitsaudi.com

Create an account and fill in your personal and passport details.

Upload a recent passport-style photo and a scanned copy of your passport.

Pay the visa fee using a credit/debit card.

Receive the eVisa via email once approved.

Documents Required:

Passport valid for at least six months

Passport photo

Email address

Payment method

Travel insurance (usually included in the visa fee)

Allowed Purposes of Visit for the 90-Day eVisa

Tourism and leisure

Visiting family and friends

Attending cultural or sports events

Business meetings or short-term work (non-contractual)

Religious tourism (excluding Hajj)

Note: For Umrah, UK Muslims can use the tourist eVisa, but Hajj requires a separate visa applied through licensed Hajj operators.

Part 2: Saudi Arabia Marine Visa – What Seafarers Need to Know

Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in the global energy and maritime sectors. Ports such as Jeddah Islamic Port, Dammam’s King Abdul Aziz Port, and offshore zones in the Arabian Gulf require thousands of marine professionals and crew members annually.

If you’re part of the maritime industry, a Saudi Marine Visa is essential to work or transit through Saudi territorial waters.

What is a Marine Visa?

A Marine Visa is a work-related entry permit for crew members, offshore workers, shipping professionals, or engineers who need to board or disembark vessels operating within or docked at Saudi ports.

Who Needs a Marine Visa?

Crew members joining or leaving a vessel in Saudi Arabia

Offshore oil rig workers

Technical marine engineers or consultants

Port-based staff on short-term assignments

How to Apply for a Saudi Marine Visa

Unlike tourist visas, Marine Visas cannot be applied for online by individuals. Instead, they must be arranged by:

A sponsoring company or shipping agent based in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi port authority or the ship operator.

Steps to Apply:

Employer or agent submits a request to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

MOFA issues an invitation letter or visa reference number.

The applicant submits the required documents to the Saudi Embassy or authorized visa service center in their country.

Visa is stamped in the passport after approval.

Required Documents for Marine Visa

Valid passport (6+ months validity)

Recent passport-size photos

Letter of invitation from Saudi shipping agent or employer

Seaman’s book (if applicable)

Employment contract or assignment letter

Travel insurance (as per Saudi regulations)

Medical fitness certificate

Proof of return travel or onward journey

Duration and Validity

Single-entry marine visas typically allow a stay of up to 30 days, extendable depending on contract or project requirements.

Multiple-entry marine visas may be issued for longer-term offshore assignments with 90-day per visit limits.

Additional Notes

Some marine visas are issued on arrival at port with prior MOFA authorization.

Working without a proper visa in Saudi Arabia is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, or imprisonment.

Non-compliance with Saudi maritime regulations may affect future visa issuance.

Final Tips for UK Residents and Marine Professionals

For UK Tourists:

Always carry a printed or digital copy of your eVisa.

Dress modestly and respect Saudi cultural customs.

Use official taxis or ride apps like Careem or Uber.

Register with the UK Foreign Office for travel updates.

For Marine Professionals:

Confirm visa arrangements well in advance through your employer.

Keep your invitation letter and visa approval document during travel.

Respect maritime laws and avoid unauthorized shore leave.

Conclusion

Whether you are a UK resident planning a 90-day visit or a marine worker entering Saudi waters, obtaining the right visa is the key to a smooth experience. The Saudi eVisa simplifies leisure and short-term travel for UK citizens, while the marine visa enables skilled professionals to contribute to the Kingdom’s vital shipping and offshore sectors.

Understanding the correct visa type, application procedures, and legal requirements will not only make your entry seamless but also ensure full compliance with Saudi regulations.