0:00
0:00
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Enhanced travel facilitation and increased flight routes contribute to a projected 34% rise in spending by Saudi tourists.
The United Kingdom anticipates a significant increase in tourism from Saudi Arabia in 2025, with projections indicating that Saudi visitors will spend approximately £942 million, marking a 34% rise from 2023. This surge is attributed to improved travel facilitation measures and expanded flight connectivity between the two nations.
In February 2024, Saudi Arabia was incorporated into the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme, allowing Saudi nationals to apply for a two-year permit enabling multiple visits, replacing the previous six-month electronic visa waiver.
This initiative has streamlined the travel process, making the UK more accessible to Saudi tourists.
Tourism authority VisitBritain forecasts 320,000 visits from Saudi Arabia in 2025, a 12% increase from the 286,000 visits recorded in 2023. The average expenditure per visit is expected to rise, contributing to the overall increase in spending.
The growth in visitor numbers is further supported by the introduction of new flight routes.
In March 2025, UK-based airline Virgin Atlantic will commence daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow, while budget carrier Wizz Air will launch services connecting Jeddah and London Gatwick.
These additions are set to enhance connectivity, providing more options for travelers.
The ETA scheme, which requires a £10 application fee, permits stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or short-term study purposes.
The application process is conducted online, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for travelers.
Overall, tourism to the UK is forecasted to reach record levels in 2025, with an estimated 43.4 million visits from all countries, generating £33.7 billion in spending.
The influx of Saudi visitors significantly contributes to this growth, reflecting the strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
In February 2024, Saudi Arabia was incorporated into the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme, allowing Saudi nationals to apply for a two-year permit enabling multiple visits, replacing the previous six-month electronic visa waiver.
This initiative has streamlined the travel process, making the UK more accessible to Saudi tourists.
Tourism authority VisitBritain forecasts 320,000 visits from Saudi Arabia in 2025, a 12% increase from the 286,000 visits recorded in 2023. The average expenditure per visit is expected to rise, contributing to the overall increase in spending.
The growth in visitor numbers is further supported by the introduction of new flight routes.
In March 2025, UK-based airline Virgin Atlantic will commence daily flights between Riyadh and London Heathrow, while budget carrier Wizz Air will launch services connecting Jeddah and London Gatwick.
These additions are set to enhance connectivity, providing more options for travelers.
The ETA scheme, which requires a £10 application fee, permits stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or short-term study purposes.
The application process is conducted online, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for travelers.
Overall, tourism to the UK is forecasted to reach record levels in 2025, with an estimated 43.4 million visits from all countries, generating £33.7 billion in spending.
The influx of Saudi visitors significantly contributes to this growth, reflecting the strengthening ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
