If you live in Saudi Arabia and plan to visit the UK regularly for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending business meetings, a long-term Standard Visitor Visa may be suitable for you. It allows eligible applicants to make multiple visits to the UK during its validity period.
However, not everyone qualifies for a long-term visitor visa. Before applying, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements, available visa durations, application fees, required documents, and application process of the UK visitor visa.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about applying for a long-term UK Standard Visitor Visa from Saudi Arabia, including who can apply, how long you can stay, and what to expect during the application process.
Let’s start by understanding what a UK Standard Visitor Visa is.
What Is a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa?
The UK Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows you to travel to the UK repeatedly over a period of 2, 5 or 10 years. However, you can stay for a maximum of six months during each visit.
This visa does not allow you to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. It also does not give you the right to work or permanent residence.
You can use this visa for tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, studying, or volunteering.
If you are under 18 when you apply, your visa will only be valid for six months after you turn 18.
You must apply online for the visa before travelling to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. You can apply up to three months before your planned travel date.
Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa to visit the UK. Instead, you may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA allows you to visit the UK for up to six months without a visitor visa.
Who is eligible to apply for a UK long-term visitor visa from Saudi Arabia? Let’s find out.
Who Should Apply for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa from Saudi Arabia?
- Frequent Business Visitors: Business owners, company executives, consultants, and sales professionals who regularly travel to the UK for client meetings, business events, board meetings, or industry conferences.
- Family Members: Parents, grandparents, and other close relatives who regularly visit their children or family members living in the UK.
- Property Owners and Regular Tourists: People who own a second home in the UK or visit the country several times a year for holidays.
- Foreign Residents in Saudi Arabia (Iqama Holders): Saudi citizens can visit the UK for up to six months without a visitor visa by obtaining an ETA. However, foreign residents living in Saudi Arabia whose nationality does not qualify for an ETA must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. They may choose a long-term visa if they plan to visit the UK regularly.
Types of Long-Term UK Visitor Visas: 2, 5 and 10 Years
- 2-Year Visa – £506: Suitable for people who plan to visit the UK regularly over the next two years.
- 5-Year Visa – £903: Suitable for people who regularly visit family, manage property, or attend business meetings in the UK.
- 10-Year Visa – £1,128: Suitable for frequent travellers who expect to visit the UK regularly over a longer period.
Gentle Reminder: The standard U.S. visa fee is USD 226. Fees may vary, so please contact our visa consultants for the exact amount
How to Choose Between a 2-Year, 5-Year and 10-Year UK Visitor Visa
To qualify for a 2-, 5-, or 10-year UK visitor visa, you must show UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that:
- You have a genuine reason for regular visits: Explain why you need to visit the UK several times over the chosen visa period.
- You have strong ties to your country of residence: Show that you have a job, family, property, or other commitments that require you to return after each visit.
- You have enough money: Prove that you can pay for your travel and living expenses during each visit without relying on public funds.
- You have a good travel history: Show that you have followed visa rules during previous trips and have not overstayed or worked without permission in the UK or other countries.
Eligibility Requirements for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa
To qualify for a long-term UK visitor visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Genuine Visitor Intent: You must show that you plan to visit the UK temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, or permitted business activities. You must also show that you will leave the UK at the end of each visit.
- Strong Ties to Your Country of Residence: Show that your job, business, property, family, or other commitments remain outside the UK.
- Enough Money: Prove that you have enough money to cover your travel, accommodation, and living expenses during each visit without working or using UK public funds.
- A Genuine Need for a Long-Term Visa: Explain why you need a 2-, 5-, or 10-year visa. For example, you may need to visit family regularly or travel to the UK for business meetings.
- No Intention to Live in the UK: You cannot use frequent or repeated visits to live in the UK or make it your main home.
Documents Required for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa from Saudi Arabia
Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport or travel document that covers your entire stay in the UK.
Travel Dates: Provide the dates you plan to travel to the UK.
Accommodation Details: Give the address of the place where you plan to stay during your visit.
Trip Expenses: State how much you expect to spend on your trip.
Current Address: Provide your current home address and how long you have lived there.
Parents’ Details: Provide your parents’ names and dates of birth, if you know them.
Annual Income: State how much you earn in a year, if you have an income.
Criminal, Civil or Immigration History: Provide details of any criminal offences, civil penalties, or immigration offences you have committed.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide:
Travel History: Details of the countries you have visited in the past 10 years.
Employer Details: Your employer’s address and telephone number.
Partner’s Details: Your partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number.
Trip Sponsor’s Details: The name and address of the person paying for your trip, if someone else is covering your expenses.
UK Family Members’ Details: The names, addresses, and passport numbers of your family members living in the UK.
TB Test Certificate: If you plan to visit the UK for more than six months, you may need to provide a certificate showing that you have completed a tuberculosis (TB) test.
How to Apply for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa from Saudi Arabia
- Check Your Eligibility and Choose the Visa Duration
- A long-term UK Standard Visitor Visa allows multiple visits during its validity period. You can choose a 2-year (£506), 5-year (£903), or 10-year (£1,128) visa. You can stay for up to six months on each visit.
- You must show that you have a genuine reason to visit the UK, strong ties to Saudi Arabia through your job, family, or property, and enough money to cover your expenses. You must also show that you will not work or use public funds in the UK.
- Complete the Online Application
- Visit the official GOV.UK Visitor Visa page and complete the online application form.
- Select the visa duration you want: 2, 5, or 10 years.
- Pay the relevant visa application fee online.
- Book and Attend a VFS Global Appointment
- After submitting your application and paying the fee, book an appointment through VFS Global Saudi Arabia.
- VFS Global has visa application centres in major Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Najran.
- Attend your appointment to provide your fingerprints and digital photograph.
- Upload Your Supporting Documents
- Upload your supporting documents through the VFS Global portal. You may also be able to submit them at the application centre.
- The required documents usually include:
- Valid passport and Saudi Iqama (for non-Saudi residents)
- Personal bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months
- Employment letter, salary certificate, or business registration documents
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details, or an invitation letter
- Certified English translations of documents issued in other languages
- Receive Your Visa Decision
- Standard processing usually takes around three weeks.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive an electronic visa (eVisa). It will be linked to your online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
How Much Does a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa Cost from Saudi Arabia?
| Visa Type | Fee | Maximum Length of Stay |
| Standard Visitor visa | £135 | 6 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons | £234 | 11 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for academics | £234 | 12 months |
| 2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £506 | 6 months per visit |
| 5 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £903 | 6 months per visit |
| 10 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £1,128 | 6 months per visit |
UK Long-Term Visitor Visa Processing Time
The standard processing time for a long-term UK Standard Visitor Visa (2, 5, or 10 years) is usually 3 weeks (15 working days). The processing time starts after your biometric appointment or identity verification.
Key Processing Details
- When processing starts: The processing time starts on the next working day after you attend your appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and provide your fingerprints and photograph. If you verify your identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app, processing starts after you complete the verification.
- How working days are counted: The three-week processing period covers Monday to Friday. It also includes UK public holidays.
- Faster processing options: You may be able to pay an additional fee for a faster decision:
- Priority Service: Usually provides a decision within 5 working days. The additional fee is £500.
- Super Priority Service: Usually provides a decision by the end of the next working day. The additional fee is £1,000.
- When to apply: You can apply up to 3 months before your planned travel date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a UK Long-Term Visitor Visa
A long-term UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK multiple times over 2, 5, or 10 years. You can stay for up to six months during each visit.
To get this visa, you must show that you have a genuine reason for making regular visits. You must also prove that you have strong ties to your country of residence and enough money to cover your expenses.
Avoid these common mistakes when you apply.
- Not Explaining Why You Need a Long-Term Visa
- The Mistake: Applying for a 2, 5, or 10-year visa without explaining why you need to visit the UK regularly.
- How to Avoid It: Clearly explain why you need multiple visits over several years. For example, you may have close family members in the UK, attend regular business meetings, or own property there. You can also include your previous travel history to support your application.
- Providing Incorrect Personal Details
- The Mistake: Entering your name, date of birth, or passport number incorrectly. Even small differences between your application and passport details can cause problems.
- How to Avoid It: Check every detail against your passport and other official documents before submitting the form. Make sure your name and other personal details match exactly.
- Making Large, Unexplained Bank Deposits
- The Mistake: Depositing a large amount of money into your account shortly before applying without explaining where it came from. This may raise questions about the source of your funds.
- How to Avoid It: Submit clear bank statements covering the last 3 to 6 months. Explain any large deposits and provide evidence of their source. Your statements should clearly show your income and financial activity.
- Failing to Show Strong Ties to Your Country of Residence
- The Mistake: Not providing enough evidence to show that you will return after your UK visit. This may weaken your application, especially if you are retired, self-employed, or visiting family in the UK.
- How to Avoid It: Provide documents that show your commitments outside the UK. These may include employment contracts, business ownership documents, property documents, or evidence of close family members who depend on you.
- Hiding Important Information
- The Mistake: Not declaring previous visa refusals, deportations, or criminal convictions when the application asks for them.
- How to Avoid It: Answer every question honestly. Disclose your immigration and criminal history when required. Hiding information or providing false details may lead to visa refusal and serious immigration consequences.
- Applying for the Wrong Visa or Staying Beyond the Allowed Period
- The Mistake: Using a visitor visa to work, study for an extended period, or live in the UK. Staying beyond the permitted six months during a visit can also cause problems.
- How to Avoid It: Follow the rules of the Standard Visitor Visa. Use it only for permitted activities, such as tourism, family visits, and eligible business activities. Keep track of your travel dates and leave the UK before your permitted stay ends.
Before You Apply for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa, Consider This
Before you apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, think about your travel plans and choose the visa duration that suits your needs. A longer visa does not guarantee approval. The UK authorities will assess whether you qualify for the visa and whether your reasons for making repeated visits are genuine.
First-time travellers may get visa refusal.So,take extra care when preparing their applications. Make sure your details are accurate, your documents support the information you provide, and your travel plans are clear. Even small mistakes or missing information may affect the decision.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, use The Visa Guy’s free visa eligibility checker to get an initial assessment of your application.
You can also contact our team if you need professional visa assistance. We can guide you through the application process and help you prepare your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for a 10-year UK visitor visa if I have never visited the UK before?
Yes. Previous UK travel is not compulsory. However, you must explain why you need a 10-year visa and show that you meet the visitor visa requirements. UKVI will assess your circumstances and supporting documents before making a decision.
- Can I change my UK visitor visa from 2 years to 10 years?
No. You generally need to submit a new application to request a 10-year visa. You cannot upgrade an issued 2-year visa by simply paying the fee difference.
- Can I travel to other European countries with a long-term UK visitor visa?
No. A UK visitor visa does not allow you to enter Schengen countries. If you plan to visit Schengen countries, Check the visa and entry requirements of each country you plan to visit.
- Can I use my UK visitor visa if I renew my passport?
Yes, renewing your passport does not automatically cancel a valid UK visa. Depending on how your visa or eVisa is linked to your passport, you may need to carry your old and new passports when travelling. Check your UKVI account for the latest details.
- Can my spouse and children apply for the same long-term UK visitor visa?
Yes. Your family members can apply for long-term UK visitor visas. However, each person must submit a separate application and pay the relevant fee. UKVI assesses every application individually.
- Can I visit the UK for more than six months with a 10-year visitor visa?
No. A 10-year Standard Visitor Visa normally allows you to stay for up to six months per visit. Its 10-year validity does not allow you to stay in the UK continuously for 10 years.
- Is a long-term UK visitor visa cheaper than applying for a new visa every time?
It depends on how often you plan to visit the UK. A long-term visa may cost less than submitting several separate applications over time. However, compare the current fees before choosing a visa duration.
- Can I apply for another long-term UK visitor visa while my current visa is still valid?
You can submit a new application while your current visa is valid. However, a new application does not automatically extend your existing visa. Check your travel plans and current visa details before applying again.
- Does a UK long-term visitor visa allow me to attend business meetings?
Yes. You can attend permitted business activities, such as meetings and conferences, under the Standard Visitor route. However, this visa does not allow you to take up regular employment or work in the UK.
