How to apply for a UK visa

Where can I get information?

The UK Border Agency and the British Embassy/High Commission Riyadh work in partnership with a commercial organisation, VFS  

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through VFS website. http://www.vfs-uk-sa.com . VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is

Riyadh
+966 1 2886644 / +966 1 2886771 / +966 1 2886541  

Jeddah
+966 2 6143211 / +966 2 6143201 / +966 2 6143842

Al Khobar
+966 3 8976254

All the information provided is supplied and approved by the UK Border Agency.

"Please note that the Embassy is unable to provide visa information to personal callers. Please contact VFS as described above."

Do I have to pay?

There is a charge for using the phone service, but information from the website and by email is free of charge.

Where can I get advice?

VFS and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for.   If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner  or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies.  Their websites are:

Law Society of England and Wales
Law Society of Scotland
Law Society of Northern Ireland
Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

VFS manages Visa Application Centres in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UK Border Agency staff will process and decide your visa application. VFS and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way.  If any member of staff employed by VFS say they can influence your application, you should tell the British Embassy immediately.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback it helps us to see where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days

If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK Border Agency at this Embassy, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at British Embassy , Diplomatic Quarter, PO Box 94351, Riyadh 11693, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , or by e-mail  visa.riyadh@fco.gov.uk
If you wish to complain about the service you received from VFS, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager above.