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UK Visa Fees

12.50 US Dollar Entry fee for Visa Exempt Travellers to the UK

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The United Kingdom on 6th June 2023 announced a 12.50 US Dollar entry fee for Visa-exempt travellers to the UK. This is something that we had been awaiting since the 9th March 2023 of this year when the UK announced the updates to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The United Kingdom is not the first one to introduce a nominal fee of this type. The United States and Europe both had a fee of 21.50 US dollars and 7.50 US Dollars for Europe.

Who is affected by the 12.50 US Dollars Visa Fee?

The 12.50 US Dollar or 10 GBP is for travellers who are eligible under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. As per gov.uk website, the visa exemption is getting introduced from 15th November 2023, starting from the nationals of Qatar. Going forward the further 6 more countries will get added under the ETA scheme. Following are the countries which will get added from 22nd February 2024:

  • Bahrain
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates

More nationalities will be added to the scheme later. To know more about Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) check out our detailed news article here “Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme for Visa-Exempt Nationals”

If you are a traveller who is planning your holidays in London, United Kingdom. You can book your visa consultation with iVisa here, they will take care of all your visa requirements and compliances basis the recent changes in the UK visa application processes.

Apply for UK Visa

On 25th July 2023, further changes were brought into effect for people who are travelling from Ireland

If you live in Ireland and you’re not an Irish citizen

You will not need an ETA if all of the following apply:

  • you’re legally resident in Ireland
  • you do not need a visa to enter the UK
  • you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

You can prove you live in Ireland by showing any of the following:

  • Irish driving licence
  • Irish learner permit
  • medical card
  • GP visit card
  • European Health Insurance Card
  • Irish Residence Permit
  • Permanent Residence Certificate
  • Temporary Residence Certificate
  • National Age Card

The document must be:

  • an original
  • issued by the Irish government
  • valid at the time you travel

If you’re under 16, you will not be asked to show a document.

How to apply for the UK Visa hassle-free?

As there are so many rules and regulation updates happening around the UK visa every now and then, a lot of time inevitably goes into organising the paperwork, appointments and processing time. On top of all this, keeping up to date with the latest changes and updates ever since Brexit, is confusing. Who wants to get bogged down by the paperwork and long waiting time in the queues at the embassies?

We have recently partnered with iVisa.com. Their expertise lies in helping get you a visitor visa to travel to the UK and around the world. Simply create your account online, and share all the information, from passport-size photos to the type of documents you require. They cover all, helping you get your UK tour visa hassle-free.

uk tourist visa
UK Tourist Visa

Your visa application will get reviewed by the visa expert at iVisa, making sure that if any of the document is missing, they inform you well in advance and make sure the application gets approved swiftly. If the passport-size photo you have provided, does not match the visa compliance then the visa expert working on your application will inform you and will help you get new photos digitally.

They also offer passport renewal services, however, this is not for all countries but they offer this service for the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Ireland as of now.

iVisa offers 24/7 customer service, no matter if you are living in any part of the world and are planning your travel to the UK. iVisa representatives will help you throughout the visa process and let you worry about London tour and vacation plans.

Apply for UK Visa

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Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for Visa Exempt Nationals

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The UK is Introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for Visa Exempt Nationals. The changes will come into effect from November 2023 onwards. The rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme will happen in phases and will impact people who were not required to get a visa before travelling to the UK currently.

Which Country Nationals will need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

From 15 November 2023, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of Qatar.

From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of the following mentioned countries:

  • Bahrain
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates

More countries will be added to the scheme later.

Apply for UK Visa

Which country Nationals can travel to the UK without ETA?

You will not need an ETA if you have either:

  • a British or Irish passport
  • permission to live, work or study in the UK
  • a visa to enter the UK

If you’re legally resident in Ireland, and you do not need a visa to visit the UK, you will not need an ETA if you’re entering the UK from either of the following countries:

  • Ireland
  • Guernsey
  • Jersey
  • Isle of Man

How to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

You’ll need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK.

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.

It may take longer than 3 working days if we need to make further checks.

How much does the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Cost?

As of now the Gov.uk website has not disclosed the cost of the ETA, However, it will be published soon, And we will keep you posted.

Please note, that each traveller must apply for their own ETA, including children.

Basis the recent updates as on 6th June 2023, There is a $ 12.50 USD fee introduced for ETA applications.

Apply for UK Visa

How you will get your ETA?

You’ll get an email confirmation if your application is approved.

We’ll link your ETA electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.

Note: Make sure to check your spam/junk folders, in case the mail goes there.

How long is ETA valid?

Your ETA will last for 2 years.

Can I use the ETA for multiple UK visits?

Yes, You can use it to make multiple visits to the UK. You still need to either use an ePassport gate if you are eligible to use one or see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.

If you get a new passport in less than 2 years, you’ll need to get a new ETA.

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

Please see the below video published by Gov.UK explaining the new Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme and who will get impacted by this new visa process.

Please keep checking our Visa section to see the latest news and updates happening on the UK visa processes. Gone are the days when people from certain countries/nationalities were travelling to the UK without the hassle of applying for a visa. Going forward the UK is getting stricter with its visa and border policies.

Check by searching below the documents you will need to travel to the UK:

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Riyadh to London Tour Packages

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Are you planning your vacation from Riyadh to London? Your search ends here, as this post exclusively focuses on comprehensive Riyadh to London tour packages, providing you with all the essential details you need for your trip.

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and the largest city on the Arabian Peninsula. The population of Riyadh was 7.6 million in 2019, making it the most populous city in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh’s GDP per capita income is $ 32,372, the second-highest after Dhahran’s $55,940. This gives the city a high disposable income to travel worldwide and a high inbound travel destination to the UK.

Riyadh to London Travel

The distance between Riyadh and London is a whopping 6,118 km by road and 4,946 km by air. You need to be super adventurous to do road travel to reach London from Riyadh. By Road, it can take a minimum of 62 hours to reach London. Of course, you will be taking breaks throughout your journey. So it can take up to 7 -9 days of being on the road to reach London. However, the best alternative we would recommend to travel to London from Riyadh will be Air travel.

Riyadh to London flights

The best airline service and most efficient on-time arrival will be the national airline of Saudi Arabia which is Saudia. Reviewers on Tripadvisor have given 3.5 stars to the Saudia airline. Following are the topmost recommended airlines for travel to London from Riyadh:

  1. Saudia (3.5 stars on Tripadvisor)
  2. Emirates (4 stars on Tripadvisor)
  3. British Airways ( 3.5 stars on Tripadvisor)
  4. Qatar (4 stars on Tripadvisor)
  5. KLM (4 stars on Tripadvisor)

The fastest among the above-mentioned flights will be Saudia and British Airways which will take roughly 7 hours to reach London. Both these flights offer non-stop flight from Riyadh to London. We recommend Saudia and Qatar Airways as a flight to book your trip from Riyadh to London.

Top London hotels to stay for Riyadh Tourists

Once you are done with the visa formalities and flight booking, you will need to sort out the hotel booking. London has the most beautiful and highest number of 5-star hotels in the world with 75 hotels in total. Surpassing Dubai which has 61 5-star hotels. The top 10 London hotels as per travel and leisure in 2022 are as follows:

S.No Hotel Name Score  
1 Shangri-La the Shard, London 97.86 Check Availability
2 The Goring, Belgravia 96.55 Check Availability
3 The Connaught, Westminster 95.79 Check Availability
4 The Lanesborough, Oetker Collection 95.50 Check Availability
5 Kimpton Fitzroy London 95.24 Check Availability
6 Claridge’s, Mayfair 94.60 Check Availability
7 The Savoy, Strand 93.63 Check Availability
8 Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 92.95 Check Availability
9 Four Seasons Hotel London, Park Lane 92.50 Check Availability
10 Rosewood London 92.39 Check Availability

In case you are looking for other specific London hotels you can search and book below basis availability:

Visa requirements for Travelling to London from Riyadh

For Riyadh to London travel, it is mandatory for Citizens as well as ex-pats to apply for a visa to travel to the UK. Following is the process for booking your UK tourist visa:

1. Choose the UK Visa Type

You will have to choose the right visa to travel to the UK. Generally, tourists who are travelling to the UK for a short term can apply for a short-term visa which is valid for up to 6 months. You can see all visa types here Link

2. UK Visa Fees

Following are the visa fees to travel to the UK:

    • Standard Visitor visa – for the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
Visa types – Standard Visitors Visa application fee in Saudi Arabian Riyal (﷼) Visa application fee (USD)
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) SAR 499 $ 133
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) SAR 1,890 $ 504
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) SAR 3,431 $ 915
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) SAR 4,305 $ 1,148
Visiting academic – more than 6 months up to 12 months SAR 994 $ 265
Marriage visitor visa SAR 499 $ 133
Permitted paid engagement visa SAR 499 $ 133
Private medical treatment – more than six months up to 11 months SAR 994 $ 265
Visit the UK in a Chinese tour group (the UK only) SAR 499 $ 133
    • Child Visitors
Visa types – Child Visitors Visa application fee in Saudi Arabian Riyal (﷼) Visa application fee (USD)
Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) SAR 499  $ 133
Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) SAR 1,890 $ 504
Longer-term (valid for up to 5 years) SAR 3,431 $ 915
Longer-term (valid for up to 10 years) SAR 4,305 $ 1,148

Please Note: The visa fees may change from time to time. We will keep it updated, in case the changes are frequent, you may also visit the “Gov.UK” website to check the latest UK visa fees from Riyadh.

3. Apply for a UK visa Online and Pay

Once you have decided the type of visa you want to apply you, you will then have to fill out the application form on the Gov.UK website in English and pay online for the visa type selected. At the bottom of the page, you will see a “Start Now” button to start a new application. Apply Here

4. Appointment at VFS Global Riyadh

Once you have completed the application and paid the fees online, you will be redirected to the VFS Global website to book a face-to-face appointment to submit the visa application documents and biometric capture. Following is the Riyadh UK Visa application centre:

VFS Global Riyadh Address Opening Hours
UK Visa Application Centre 2591 Makkah road, al Hada, Riyadh 12913, Saudi Arabia, (Beside Marriott Courtyard, Opposite of Diplomatic Quarters Gate 2) Business hours are Sunday to Thursday 09:00 – 16:00

To know more about the Riyadh UK visa application centre click here. To edit or reschedule your booked appointment you can Log in to VFS global here.

5. Documents to carry on the appointment day

Once your appointment is fixed, you will have to carry the following documents with you to the visa application centre:

  • Printout of the Appointment Confirmation letter confirming the details of your appointment (Received from VFS Global)
  • Valid passport or travel document (With at least 1 page that is blank on both sides)
  • Printout of your checklist (From your completed application on GOV.UK)
  • Supporting documents you have not uploaded your documents online, you will need to bring them with you to the Visa Application Centre. Please refer to UKVI guidelines for your visa type for the documents you must provide. Documents should be sized, sorted and separated according to the supporting documents guidelines, to ensure swift processing at the Riyadh Visa Application Centre.

Once you have sorted your visa, you will have to Book your flights which we have recommended above. And once you have booked your flight you land in the dreamland of London. Below you can see our top-selling London tour packages you must check out and book.

Latest News: Going forward from 22 February 2024 onwards, Saudi Arabian Nationals will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they are travelling to the UK. Click here to know more. 

You can also apply for the UK Visa from our partner iVisa by clicking below: 

Apply for UK Visa

Best London Tour Packages for tourists travelling from Riyadh

We have listed below top London tours curated for Riyadh tourists, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience in the vibrant city, encompassing its iconic attractions and cultural highlights. 

1. Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Tour

Experience the original Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace tour. Enjoy traditional sandwiches, cakes & scones on the grounds of the Palace by the Diana Statue.

royal high tea at kensington palace tour
Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Tour

BOOK AFTERNOON TEA

2. Warner Bros. Studio: The Making of Harry Potter with Luxury Round-Trip Transport from London

Step into the mystical world of Harry Potter™ with a behind-the-scenes visit to Warner Bros. Studio London. With luxury round-trip transport from London Victoria to the north London studios included, this 7-hour experience enables you to discover the magic of the Harry Potter films without any hassle.
 
warner bros studio the making of harry potter with luxury round trip in London
warner bros studio the Making of harry potter with a Luxury round trip to London

BOOK TOUR

3. The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Admission Ticket

When in London, you don’t want to miss the fresh and fragrant air of “The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew”. Stroll along a walkway high up in the treetops, and explore acres of gardens under glass. Step inside a royal palace, discover galleries of botanical art, and experience 250 years of royal history at Kew Gardens, London’s largest World Heritage Site.

Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens

SEE ALL LONDON TOURS

4. Tower of London Early Access Tour including Private Audience with Beefeater

The Tower of London is steeped in rich history dating back more than 850 years. Explore the castle with a beefeater (also known as a Yoeman Warder) who knows the castle and its history better than normal tour guides do. 

Tower of London Early Access Tour including Private Audience with Beefeater
Tower of London Early Access Tour including Private Audience with Beefeater

BOOK TOUR

In case you are unable to find the right tour package from Riyadh for yourself, you can browse our tours section to see more existing London tour packages.

SEE ALL LONDON TOURS

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Visa for London

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London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. So, to travel to London you will need to apply for a visa unless you are from countries that are exempt from applying for any visa and are allowed to enter the UK. Visa for London will come under the Visa for the United Kingdom, as it is the capital city. The United Kingdom enforces one of the most stringent immigration laws in the world. So you need to make sure that whichever country you are coming from to visit London (UK) you have all the documents with you and are for you to get the visa.

There are countries whose citizen doesn’t require to apply for a Visa to enter the UK. Citizens from EU and EEA countries are exempt to apply for entry to the UK for travel, studies, business and immigration purposes. They only need to make sure that they have valid passports for the whole duration of the UK visit.

Apply for UK Visa

Exempt European Union (EU) Countries

Following are the European Union countries that don’t require any visa to enter the UK:

Austria France Malta
Belgium Germany Netherlands
Bulgaria Greece Poland
Croatia Hungary Portugal
Republic of Cyprus Ireland Romania
Czech Republic Italy Slovakia
Denmark Latvia Slovenia
Estonia Lithuania Spain
Finland Luxembourg Sweden

Apply for UK Visa

The European Economic Area (EEA) Countries

The European Economic Area (EEA) includes EU countries and:

  1. Iceland,
  2. Liechtenstein and
  3. Norway.

The EEA allows them to be part of the EU’s single market.

Switzerland is neither an EU nor EEA member but is part of the single market – this means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals.

There will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens living in the UK until 2021. You and your family can apply for https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families to continue living in the UK after June 2021. The scheme will open fully by March 2019.

If you are not from an EEA Country you should have a valid passport to enter the UK. It must be valid for the whole time of your stay in the UK. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you are a citizen of and which country you are coming from.

Visa Changes Post Brexit

Post-Brexit the only changes that are brought to the UK travellers are that they must carry a valid passport during their time in the UK. Brexit has ushered changes for EU citizens visiting the UK. Previously, under the freedom of movement, EU citizens enjoyed seamless travel. Now, they face altered entry requirements, including a visa waiver system for short stays. The 90-day visa-free rule within 180 days applies, affecting travel duration and flexibility. Additionally, travellers must ensure compliance with health insurance and border checks. These changes influence travel planning, expenses, and experiences. While measures have been taken to facilitate smooth travel, the post-Brexit landscape calls for a more structured and cautious approach to visiting the UK for EU citizens.

Apply for UK Visa

How to apply for a Tourist Visa to London (UK)

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK:

  • For leisure, for example on holiday or to see your family and friends
  • For business, or to take part in sports or creative events
  • For another reason, for example, to receive private medical treatment

Check if you need this visa (https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa) if you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) (https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea) or Switzerland.

Your application will not be accepted and you will not get a refund if you have the right of abode in the UK (https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode) (for example you’re a British citizen). You need to apply for a certificate of entitlement (https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode) instead, which will prove you have the right to abode in the UK.

The Standard Visitor visa has replaced the:

  • Family Visitor visa
  • General Visitor visa
  • Child Visitor visa
  • Business Visitor visas, including visas for academics, doctors and dentists
  • Sports Visitor visa
  • Entertainer Visitor visa
  • Prospective Entrepreneur visa
  • Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa
  • Approved Destination Status (ADS) visa

If you visit the UK on business

If you wish to visit the UK on business, you can apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK for business-related activities, for example:

  • You’re coming to the UK for a conference, meeting or training
  • You want to take part in a specific sports-related event
  • You’re an artist, entertainer or musician coming to the UK to perform
  • Are an academic and are doing research or accompanying students on a study abroad programme
  • You’re a doctor or dentist and are coming to the UK to take a clinical attachment or observer post
  • Do you want to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or sit the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
  • You want to get funding to start, take over, join or run a business in the UK

Check the Visitor Rules (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-v-visitor-rules) to find the full list of business-related activities you can do with a Standard Visitor visa.

What you can and cannot do on UK Business Visa

You can:

You cannot:

Read the guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visit-guidance) for more information about what you can and cannot do with a Standard Visitor visa.

How long it will take to get the UK visa?

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. For example, you can apply from 16 March if you plan to travel on 15 June. You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. Check the guide processing times (https://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times) to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country you’re applying from.

How long you can stay in the UK?

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

You might be able to stay for longer if:

  • You’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment – up to 11 months (£ 186 fee)
  • You’re an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research – you, your spouse or your civil partner may be able to stay for up to 12 months (£ 186 fees)

If you’re staying in the UK as an academic or to receive private medical treatment for longer than 6 months, you must apply for a biometric residence permit (https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits). You might be able to get a visit visa for up to 30 days if you’re a visitor under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visit-guidance).

If you need to visit the UK regularly

If you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa that lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

If you’re under 18 years old when you apply (https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/if-youre-under-18), your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.

Following are the Visa Fees

A Standard Visitor visa costs £ 93.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

  • 2 years – £ 350
  • 5 years – £ 636
  • 10 years – £ 798

List of International organisations whose employees qualify for exempt entry clearances to the UK. CLICK HERE

You can also apply for the UK Visa from our partner iVisa by clicking below:

Apply for UK Visa

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