The UK is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with several direct flights a day from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi to London and other British cities. Whether you are dreaming of Edinburgh's cobbled streets, shopping on Oxford Street, or the green hills of the English countryside, this guide covers what you need to know: entry requirements, the best time to visit, top places to go, shopping, and practical tips.
UK Entry Requirements for Saudi and UAE Travelers
What you need depends on your nationality, not where you live.
Saudi and Emirati citizens: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Citizens of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, don't need a visa for short visits to the UK. Instead, they need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they travel. The ETA replaced the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) in 2024.
- Purpose: Tourism, visiting family, business meetings, and short courses, for stays of up to six months.
- How to apply: Online or through the official UK ETA app, with your passport, a photo, and a fee.
- Validity: An ETA is usually valid for multiple trips over two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Processing: Many decisions arrive quickly, but apply well before you fly.
Rules and fees change, so always check the official GOV.UK ETA page before you travel. Only use the official website or app, as unofficial sites may charge extra.
Expat residents of Saudi Arabia and the UAE
If you live in Saudi Arabia or the UAE but hold another passport, you follow the rules for your nationality. Some nationalities need an ETA, while others need a Standard Visitor visa. If you need a visa, you usually apply online, then provide your biometrics at a UK visa application center in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi. You will typically need your passport, residence permit, proof of funds, accommodation details, and a travel plan. Apply well ahead, especially before the summer peak. Use the UK visa checker to see what applies to you.
Best Time to Visit the UK
For many Gulf travelers, the UK's cool summers are the main attraction, but every season has something to offer.
- Spring (March to May): Mild weather and blossoming parks. A lovely time for Kew Gardens, Hyde Park, and the countryside.
- Summer (June to August): The warmest and busiest season, with long days, Wimbledon, outdoor concerts, and festivals. It coincides with school holidays in the Gulf, so book flights and hotels early.
- Fall (September to November): Cooler days, autumn colors in the Lake District and Scottish Highlands, and fewer crowds.
- Winter (December to February): Cold but festive, with Christmas markets, lights, and ice rinks, and lower prices after New Year. See our guide to places to visit in the UK at Christmas.
April to early June and September to October offer the best balance of pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and better prices.
Top Places to Visit in the UK
London
Britain's capital blends history and modern life. Highlights include the British Museum, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the views from the Shard, the UK's tallest building. See our list of the best things to do in London.
Edinburgh
Scotland's capital is full of history. Visit Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, climb Arthur's Seat for city views, and see the Gothic Scott Monument on Princes Street.
Bath
Explore the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent, a sweeping row of 30 Georgian townhouses.
Manchester
Football fans won't want to miss Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium. Also visit Manchester Cathedral and the John Rylands Library, a spectacular neo-Gothic reading room.
Cambridge
See King's College Chapel, visit the free Fitzwilliam Museum, and go punting on the River Cam.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital has Cardiff Castle, with 2,000 years of history, the revitalized waterfront of Cardiff Bay, and National Museum Cardiff.
For more ideas, read our UK travel guide and the best day trips from London.
Shopping in the UK
- Oxford Street and Regent Street, London: Hundreds of shops, including Selfridges and Liberty.
- Knightsbridge and Bond Street, London: Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and luxury boutiques.
- Bullring & Grand Central, Birmingham: One of the UK's largest shopping centers.
- Victoria Quarter, Leeds: Upscale shopping under ornate Victorian arcades.
- Bicester Village, near Oxford: A popular designer outlet village with direct trains from London Marylebone.
The UK no longer offers VAT-free shopping refunds for most visitors, so prices you see are what you pay.
UK Travel Tips for Saudi and UAE Travelers
- Flight time: Direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi to London take around 6.5 to 8 hours.
- Time difference: The UAE is 4 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 3 hours ahead during British Summer Time. Saudi Arabia is 3 hours ahead in winter and 2 hours ahead in summer.
- Currency: The pound sterling (£). Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere.
- Plugs: The UK uses Type G three-pin plugs at 230V. These are common in the UAE and Saudi Arabia too, so many travelers won't need an adapter, but check your devices.
- Halal food: Halal restaurants and butchers are easy to find in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and other big cities.
- Prayer: Major cities have mosques, including the London Central Mosque near Regent's Park, and many airports and shopping centers have prayer rooms.
- Weather: Even in summer, pack a light jacket and an umbrella.
- Getting around: Use contactless payment on the London Underground and buses. Trains link the main cities, and a car is best for the countryside. See the cheapest way to get from Heathrow to London.
Stay Connected in the UK
Roaming from a Gulf mobile plan can be expensive. An egoViet UK eSIM installs before you leave and connects as soon as you land, so you can use maps, ride-hailing apps, and messaging without roaming charges. Continuing to Europe? The Europe eSIM covers the UK and 32 other countries. For your return, see our UAE eSIM and Saudi Arabia eSIM.
FAQs: Traveling to the UK From Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Do Saudi and UAE citizens need a visa for the UK?
No visa is needed for short visits of up to six months, but Saudi and Emirati citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Do expats living in the UAE or Saudi Arabia need a UK visa?
It depends on your nationality, not your residence. Use the UK government's visa checker to see whether you need an ETA or a Standard Visitor visa.
How long is the flight from Dubai or Riyadh to London?
Direct flights take around 7 to 8 hours from Dubai and about 6.5 to 7 hours from Riyadh.
What is the time difference between the UK and the Gulf?
The UAE is 3 to 4 hours ahead of the UK, and Saudi Arabia is 2 to 3 hours ahead, depending on British Summer Time.
When is the best time to visit the UK from the Gulf?
April to early June and September to October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the most popular time to escape the Gulf heat, but book early.