Seamless Stays and Seafaring Access: Navigating Saudi Visas for UK Residents for 90 Days and Saudi Arabia Marine Visas

Saudi Arabia's ambitious transformation, fueled by Vision 2030, is rapidly reshaping its global image, attracting visitors for tourism, business, and specialized industries.1 This expansion necessitates clear and efficient visa pathways. This article will delve into the nuances of obtaining a Saudi visa for UK residents for 90 days, focusing on common visitor types, and provide a comprehensive understanding of the specialized Saudi Arabia Marine Visa for maritime professionals.

Saudi Visa for UK Residents for 90 Days: Pathways to Entry

For individuals residing in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia offers several accessible visa options for stays up to 90 days, primarily for tourism, business visits, and pilgrimage (Umrah). The most significant development in recent years has been the introduction of the electronic visa (eVisa) system.

1. The Tourist eVisa/Visa on Arrival (for UK Citizens and Permanent Residents):

For UK citizens and permanent residents of the UK (holding an Indefinite Leave to Remain/ILR), the Saudi tourist eVisa is the most convenient option for stays up to 90 days. This eVisa is a multiple-entry visa valid for one year from the date of issue, allowing a total stay of 90 days within that 365-day period.2 It covers tourism, leisure, visiting family and friends, attending events, and performing Umrah (outside the Hajj season).3

The application process is entirely online:

• Access the Portal: Visit the official Saudi eVisa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com).

• Complete Form: Fill in personal details, passport information (must be valid for at least six months from entry), and travel plans.4

• Upload Documents: Submit a recent, high-quality digital passport-sized photo meeting Saudi specifications (white background, neutral expression).

• Pay Fee: Securely pay the visa fee online, which includes mandatory health insurance.5

• Receive eVisa: The eVisa is typically processed within 1-3 business days and sent to your email.6

UK citizens and permanent residents of the UK also have the option of obtaining a Visa on Arrival at Saudi international airports.7 While this offers flexibility, applying for the eVisa in advance is highly recommended to avoid potential queues or delays upon entry.8 This is particularly true if you are travelling with a non-UK passport but hold a valid UK permanent residency.

2. Business Visas for UK Residents (for specific business activities):

For UK residents undertaking specific business activities that might not be covered by the tourist eVisa, or for those seeking a dedicated business visa (e.g., attending specialized conferences where an invitation is required, or specific contractual negotiations), a business visit visa remains an option. While the tourist eVisa allows for some business activities, a dedicated business visa might be preferred or required by the inviting Saudi entity.

This typically involves:

• Sponsorship: An invitation letter from a Saudi company, approved by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or stamped by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.9 This letter should specify the purpose of the visit and desired validity (which can be up to 90 days or longer, often multiple entry).

• Applicant's Company Letter: A letter from the UK-based company detailing the purpose of the visit, guaranteeing financial responsibility, and outlining the applicant's role.

• Other Documents: Valid passport, photos, completed application form, proof of UK residency (BRP/ILR), and potentially academic qualifications or professional certifications.

• Submission: Applications are usually submitted through the Saudi Embassy in London or authorized visa application centers like VFS Global. Biometrics are typically required.

Important Note for UK Residents: If you are a resident of the UK but not a UK citizen, your eligibility for the eVisa depends on your nationality. If your passport-issuing country is on Saudi Arabia's eVisa eligible list, you can apply online. If not, you will typically need to follow the traditional embassy application route through the Saudi Embassy in London, submitting your UK residency permit as proof of legal status in the UK.

Saudi Arabia Marine Visa: Access for Seafarers

The Saudi Arabia Marine Visa is a specialized category designed for seafarers and maritime professionals whose work requires them to enter Saudi territorial waters or dock at Saudi ports. This visa is distinct from tourist or general business visas, reflecting the unique nature of maritime operations.

The need for a Marine Visa arises for:

• Crew members joining a vessel in a Saudi port.

• Crew members disembarking a vessel in a Saudi port (e.g., for repatriation, medical reasons).

• Marine personnel involved in shipbuilding, repairs, or specialized maritime services within Saudi Arabia.

• Those transiting through Saudi waters as part of their maritime duties.

The process for obtaining a Saudi Arabia Marine Visa is generally initiated by the shipping company, vessel owner, or a local Saudi agent/sponsor. It is typically not an online eVisa application and involves coordination with Saudi authorities.

Key requirements and processes usually include:

• Sponsorship: A crucial element is sponsorship by a Saudi shipping agent, company, or the vessel's local representative. They will typically secure the necessary approvals from relevant Saudi maritime authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Official Invitation/Guarantee Letter: A formal letter from the sponsoring entity detailing the seafarer's purpose of entry (e.g., joining vessel, crew change), duration, and guaranteeing responsibility for their stay and departure.

• Seaman's Book/Identification Card: An original and valid Seaman's Book or equivalent maritime identification document.

• Valid Passport: With sufficient validity (usually at least six months) and blank pages.10

• Crew List: A certified copy of the vessel's crew list.

• Employment Contract: Proof of employment with the shipping company.

• Passport-Sized Photos: Recent and compliant with Saudi specifications.11

• Medical Fitness Certificate: Proof of medical fitness to work at sea.

• Flight/Travel Itinerary: Details of arrival and departure to/from the Saudi port.12

• Submission: Applications are usually submitted to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in the seafarer's country of residence or directly by the sponsoring agent in Saudi Arabia. Biometric data collection is often required.

• Processing Time: Can vary depending on approvals from multiple Saudi agencies.

Important Considerations for Marine Visas:

• Job Title Consistency: The seafarer's position must often align with recognized marine professions within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.13

• Strict Adherence to Purpose: The Marine Visa is specifically for maritime-related activities. Engaging in other forms of work or extended stays unrelated to the maritime purpose is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe penalties.

• Dynamic Regulations: Maritime visa regulations can be subject to specific industry-related rules and security protocols. It is paramount to rely on the latest information from the sponsoring company, their Saudi agent, or the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In conclusion, for UK residents, Saudi Arabia offers a range of visa options for stays up to 90 days, with the tourist eVisa being the most convenient for many. For those in the maritime sector, the Saudi Arabia Marine Visa is a distinct and essential pathway, necessitating careful coordination with Saudi sponsors and adherence to specialized requirements to ensure smooth access to the Kingdom's crucial port facilities and waters. All travelers should prioritize consulting official Saudi government sources for the most current and accurate visa information.