Saudi Arabia has reminded UK nationals travelling to the Kingdom that its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) comes with specific restrictions, including a ban on using it for employment or Hajj.
The Kingdom currently allows UK citizens to enter without obtaining a traditional visa, making Britain the only country covered by the policy, according to the report.
Eligible UK travellers can instead apply for an ETA, a digital travel authorisation that permits entry under specified conditions.
What does the Saudi ETA not cover?
Despite making entry easier for eligible UK nationals, Saudi Arabia has clarified that the authorisation cannot be used for certain purposes.
The Kingdom stated: “ETA cannot be used for work or Hajj.”
This means UK nationals entering Saudi Arabia with an ETA can travel for tourism or short stays but cannot use the authorisation to take up employment or participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Those intending to work or perform Hajj must obtain the relevant documentation and approval from the Saudi authorities.
Why the distinction matters
The ETA does not provide UK citizens with a route to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam and a pilgrimage that attracts millions of Muslims to Mecca annually.
Prospective pilgrims, regardless of nationality, are required to complete the official Hajj visa process.
Similarly, people seeking paid employment in Saudi Arabia cannot use an ETA in place of a valid work authorisation or employment visa.
Saudi Arabia maintains separate procedures for labour-related entry, and individuals who work without the required documentation could face legal consequences under the country’s laws.
The clarification highlights the limitations of the ETA scheme, which facilitates short-term travel for eligible UK nationals but does not grant unrestricted permission for activities within the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia recently confirmed that UK citizens are eligible to apply for the ETA instead of a standard visa.
The authorisation allows UK nationals to make multiple trips to Saudi Arabia over a two-year period. However, each traveller, including minors, must submit a separate application.