By Rolando Corley 
Saudi Arabia, a land where ancient heritage meets modern ambition, has become a global travel magnet, welcoming over 2.7 million visitors in the first half of 2025. For Europeans eager to discover its deserts, Red Sea coasts, and bustling cities, the kingdom’s eVisa system offers a seamless entry process. The SAUDI VISA FOR LATVIAN CITIZENS provides Latvians with a streamlined digital pathway to experience Saudi’s cultural and economic vibrancy. Similarly, the SAUDI VISA FOR BRITISH CITIZENS ensures British travelers can easily plan journeys, from spiritual pilgrimages to business ventures in Riyadh. Aligned with Vision 2030’s goal to attract 150 million visitors by 2030, these visas reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accessibility and hospitality. This article explores the application processes, eligibility details, and practical tips tailored for Latvians and Britons ready to embark on an Arabian adventure.
Latvia, with its Baltic charm and rich history, finds a cultural parallel in Saudi Arabia’s blend of tradition and progress, making it an appealing destination for Latvian travelers. The Saudi visa for Latvian citizens, introduced under the 2019 eVisa initiative, simplifies entry for tourism, family visits, or short-term business, offering multiple entries over a one-year period with each stay up to 90 days, totaling 180 days annually. Eligible Latvians need a passport valid for six months beyond entry, a recent digital photo, and proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter. The application, processed through the official Visit Saudi portal, includes a fee of approximately $80 to $150, covering mandatory health insurance for medical emergencies.
The process is efficient, with approvals typically arriving within 24 to 72 hours, though peak seasons like Ramadan may extend this to five days. Latvians can present their eVisa digitally or printed at entry points like King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah or King Khalid in Riyadh, where smart gates with facial recognition streamline immigration to under 10 minutes. For Muslim Latvians, the eVisa supports Umrah outside Hajj season, with bookings managed via the Nusuk app for seamless Mecca access. Health requirements, such as meningitis vaccinations for coastal regions, ensure safety in a climate where summer temperatures often exceed 40°C. Latvia’s passport, ranked 11th globally in 2025, supports visa-on-arrival options at major ports, though pre-application is advised to avoid delays. This visa enables Latvians to explore Al-Ula’s ancient tombs, dive in Yanbu’s coral reefs, or engage in trade summits, leveraging the growing EU-Saudi economic ties valued at over €70 billion annually.
The United Kingdom, with its global influence and historic ties to the Gulf, finds Saudi Arabia a compelling destination for Britons seeking cultural immersion or business opportunities. The Saudi visa for British citizens mirrors the eVisa framework, accessible to over 60 nationalities, offering the same one-year multiple-entry structure with 90-day stays per visit. Requirements include a passport valid for six months, a digital photo, and accommodation proof, with applications submitted online via the Visit Saudi portal. The fee, inclusive of health insurance, ranges from $80 to $140, and approvals typically land in 1 to 3 days, ideal for Britons planning trips from London or Manchester.
Visa-on-arrival options at hubs like Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport cater to spontaneous travelers, though online applications minimize wait times. For Muslim Britons, the eVisa facilitates Umrah, with 2025 reforms streamlining Mecca access through Nusuk-integrated bookings. Health protocols, including digital declarations via the Tawakkalna app, align with global standards, and vaccinations may be required during flu season. The UK’s passport, ranked 5th globally, enhances regional mobility, with land borders like Al Batha from the UAE enabling overland entries. Britons can wander Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad, network at Riyadh’s LEAP tech conference, or explore Abha’s misty highlands, supported by Saudi’s upgraded infrastructure, including high-speed trains and new Red Sea resorts opening in 2025.
Both Latvians and Britons navigate a unified eVisa process: complete the online form with personal and travel details, upload documents, and pay securely, with no interviews required. Accuracy is critical—mismatched passport data can lead to rejections, though corrections are possible within 30 days. Entry ports, from Jeddah’s cruise-friendly seaports to Riyadh’s smart-gate airports, streamline arrivals with technology, reducing wait times significantly. Budget travelers benefit from affordable transport—Riyadh’s metro costs $2 per ride—and free sites like the National Museum, though premium attractions like Al Rajhi Grand Mosque tours average $20.
Cultural preparation enhances the experience: respect prayer times, when public life pauses, and wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Women travelers enjoy relaxed guardianship rules since 2023, but carrying ID is advised. Hydration is vital against arid heat, and apps like Careem offer rides from $5. For Umrah, book early via Nusuk, especially for winter months. Business travelers should verify event-specific rules, as conferences like LEAP require precise documentation. Saudi’s infrastructure, from Haramain trains to new coastal resorts, elevates accessibility for all.
The Saudi visa for Latvian citizens and the Saudi visa for British citizens embody a kingdom eager to connect with Europe, inviting Baltic and British travelers to its heart. As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, contributing 7% to GDP in 2025, flourishes with heritage sites and futuristic hubs like NEOM, these visas ensure effortless access. Whether Latvians trace ancient trade routes or Britons explore modern skylines, preparation transforms logistics into gateways for discovery. With hospitality at its core, Saudi Arabia welcomes both nations to craft unforgettable narratives amid its sands, seas, and skyscrapers.
Alex