Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Address: 30 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5DZ
- Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7917 3000
- Tourist visa applications use the Saudi e-Visa portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa
- Hajj, Umrah, work and study visas use the Enjaz system and Tasheer service centres
- The embassy itself focuses on attestation, official and complex cases
The Saudi Arabian Embassy in London represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It provides consular services for Saudi citizens, attestation of documents, and oversight of visa categories that are not handled through the standard e-Visa portal. The Kingdom has digitalised most short stay tourist visa processing through the MOFA visa portal, and many work and pilgrimage visas are routed through external service providers. Applicants typically interact with the embassy directly for attestation, Hajj logistics handled through the Ministry, and certain employment matters.
Address and Contact Details
The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia is located at 30 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5DZ. The building sits in central London close to Green Park and Berkeley Square. Nearest stations are Green Park on the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines, and Bond Street. The main telephone number is +44 (0)20 7917 3000. The embassy website is saudiembassy.org.uk, which lists consular sections, opening hours and notices. The cultural bureau and the health attache operate separately from the chancery and handle student sponsorship and medical referrals. Public holidays in both Saudi Arabia and the UK affect opening hours, and the website publishes closures in advance.
Visa Services Available
Saudi Arabia issues several visa categories relevant to UK based travellers. The Tourist Visa is available to UK passport holders through the official e-Visa portal and is also issued on arrival in some cases. The Business Visa covers meetings, conferences and short term business activity. The Hajj Visa and Umrah Visa are issued for the pilgrimage seasons and have specific quotas and operator routes. The Student Visa supports study at Saudi universities, often linked to the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau. The Work Visa supports employment under sponsorship. The Family Visit Visa allows relatives of residents to visit. Each category has its own documentary requirements and route.
How to Book an Appointment
For tourist applications, the e-Visa portal at visa.mofa.gov.sa is the main channel and does not require an embassy appointment. Hajj and Umrah applicants typically book through licensed UK tour operators that hold pilgrimage quotas, with biometrics taken at designated centres. Work, business and family visit applications often use the Enjaz electronic system, with biometrics and document submission through Tasheer visa application centres. Where embassy attendance is needed for attestation or specialised cases, appointments are arranged by telephone or by email through saudiembassy.org.uk. Walk in attendance is limited to certain consular services and may require prior booking.
Documents and Requirements
Standard documents include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay with two blank pages, recent passport photographs to specification, a completed application form, evidence of accommodation in Saudi Arabia, a return flight booking and the visa fee receipt. Business applicants need an invitation letter from the Saudi counterpart and a covering letter from the UK employer. Work applicants need a signed employment contract, medical certificate, attested degree certificate and a police clearance. Hajj and Umrah applicants follow pilgrimage specific requirements set each season by the Ministry. Document attestation often involves the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office before submission.
Processing Times and Fees
Tourist e-Visas are often issued within minutes through the MOFA portal, although some applications are referred for further checks and take longer. Hajj and Umrah visas follow seasonal timelines set by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and are processed through licensed operators. Work and study visas typically take two to four weeks after a complete file is lodged, subject to attestation and contract checks. Fees vary by category, with tourist e-Visas carrying an issue fee and mandatory insurance, work visas attracting higher charges, and pilgrimage packages bundling visa fees with travel and accommodation. The latest fee figures appear on the relevant portal or service provider site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes, UK passport holders need a visa for most travel. The Tourist Visa is available online through the MOFA e-Visa portal. Other categories use Enjaz and Tasheer.
Where do I apply for an Umrah visa?
Umrah applications run through licensed UK tour operators and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah systems. Biometrics may be required at designated centres.
What does document attestation involve for a Saudi work visa?
Attestation typically includes notarisation, FCDO legalisation in the UK, and Saudi Embassy attestation before submission of the work visa application through Enjaz.
Are family members allowed to visit Saudi residents?
Yes, the Family Visit Visa allows close relatives of Saudi residents to visit, subject to the sponsor lodging an invitation through the Enjaz system.
How long is a Saudi tourist e-Visa valid?
The standard Tourist e-Visa is typically a one year multiple entry visa with a per visit stay limit. The exact validity is confirmed at issue on the MOFA portal.
How We Verified This
Details were checked against the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia London website, the MOFA visa portal, GOV.UK travel advice for Saudi Arabia and publicly available pilgrimage guidance. Address, phone and visa categories were cross checked across official sources. Fee figures and processing times are illustrative and vary by category and provider.
