Saudi Arabia entry requirements for UK travellers
Everything a UK traveller needs to know before visiting Saudi Arabia: visa and passport rules, recommended vaccines with lead times, and whether you need an International Driving Permit.
Quick answer for UK travellers
- Visa
- Yes - apply for an eVisa before travel
- Passport
- valid 6+ months beyond arrival
- Vaccines
- 1 recommended, 6 to consider
- Driving permit
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP if you plan to drive
Data is automatically refreshed from official UK government sources: gov.uk Foreign Travel Advice for visa and passport rules, NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro for vaccines, and gov.uk driving abroad guidance for International Driving Permits. Not medical advice - always confirm with a travel-health professional and the Saudi Arabia embassy before you travel. Read our full methodology →
Entry requirements for Saudi Arabia
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive.
Visas
British passport holders normally need a visa (eVisa) to enter.
Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice - Saudi Arabia · checked . Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.
Vaccines for travel to Saudi Arabia
Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.
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Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended
Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.
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Dengue Consider
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2 weeks before travelHepatitis A Consider
Recommended for those staying with local population, long-stay travellers, adventure travellers, and those with liver disease.
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3 weeks before travelHepatitis B Consider
Intermediate/high prevalence. Recommended for those with sexual risk, healthcare workers, and long-stay travellers.
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10 days before travelMeningococcal ACWY Consider
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4 weeks before travelRabies (Pre-exposure) Consider
Rabies risk in domestic animals. Recommended for animal workers, healthcare workers, long-stay travellers (>1 month).
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2 weeks before travelTyphoid Consider
Recommended for those at increased risk.
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro - Saudi Arabia · checked . Cross-check against NHS Fit for Travel and US CDC Traveller's Health.
Driving in Saudi Arabia
To drive in Saudi Arabia with a UK driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
- An IDP is typically needed to hire a car.
IDPs are issued by PayPoint (no longer the Post Office) - find an issuing store.
Saudi Arabia travel: frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Saudi Arabia from the UK?
Yes - British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia (specifically a eVisa). Apply before you travel and check the UK government's foreign travel advice for the latest requirements.
How long does my passport need to be valid for Saudi Arabia?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Saudi Arabia. Check your expiry date well in advance - renewing a UK passport currently takes around 3 weeks.
What vaccines do I need for Saudi Arabia?
No vaccines are listed as required for Saudi Arabia, but Tetanus / Diphtheria are recommended for UK travellers based on NaTHNaC guidance. Some vaccines need several weeks for full protection - book a travel clinic appointment well before you fly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Saudi Arabia?
If you plan to drive in Saudi Arabia on a UK licence, you may need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. UK IDPs are issued by PayPoint in person and cost £5.50.
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