Are you planning a trip to London or Manchester from Saudi Arabia? Whether you travel for business, study, or tourism, understanding the expenses is the first step. A common question we get at The Pathfinder Visa is: how much does visa processing cost in Riyadh for UK visa applications?
After 25 years of helping thousands of applicants from Riyadh navigate the UK immigration system, I know that the “sticker price” on the government website is rarely the final cost. Exchange rates, service fees, and optional add-ons can change your budget significantly.
This guide breaks down every cost you need to know in 2025, from the mandatory government fees to the optional VFS Global services in Riyadh.
1. Standard UK Government Visa Fees
The main part of your expense goes directly to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You pay this fee online in US Dollars (USD) or Pounds Sterling (GBP), but it will reflect in your bank account in Saudi Riyals (SAR) based on your bank’s exchange rate.
Here are the current standard fees for 2025:
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Estimated Cost (SAR)* |
| Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months) | £127 | ~620 SAR |
| 2-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa | £475 | ~2,300 SAR |
| 5-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa | £848 | ~4,100 SAR |
| 10-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa | £1,059 | ~5,150 SAR |
| Student Visa (Student Route) | £524 | ~2,550 SAR |
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £769 | ~3,750 SAR |
| Spouse / Partner Visa | £1,938 | ~9,450 SAR |
> Note: The SAR amounts are estimates based on an exchange rate of roughly 1 GBP = 4.87 SAR. The actual amount deducted from your card will depend on the daily exchange rate and your bank’s international transaction fees.
2. Priority and Super Priority Services
If you need your visa faster than the standard waiting time (usually 3 weeks for tourist visas), you can pay extra for speed. You select these options when you book your appointment.
- Priority Service (5 Working Days):This service puts your application at the front of the queue.
- Cost: £500 (approx. 2,450 SAR)
- Total Time: You usually get a decision within 5 working days after your appointment in Riyadh.
- Super Priority Service (Next Working Day):This is the fastest option available.
- Cost: £1,000 (approx. 4,900 SAR)
- Total Time: You typically get a decision by the end of the next working day.
3. VFS Global Riyadh Service Fees
Once you pay the government fee, you must attend an appointment at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Riyadh. This is where you submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
When asking how much does visa processing cost in Riyadh for UK visa applications, many applicants forget these local center fees.
Mandatory Fees
- Standard Appointment: Free (at the standard center).
- User Pays Fee: Some specific appointment slots or premium locations (like the one at the Marriott in the Diplomatic Quarter) may charge an extra entry fee, often around 300 to 400 SAR. Always check if you are booking a “Standard” or “Premium” center.
Optional VFS Services
You can choose these add-ons for comfort or convenience:
- Document Scanning Assistance: If you do not want to upload documents yourself, the staff will scan them for you. (~ 100 – 150 SAR)
- Courier Return Service: They deliver your passport to your home in Riyadh or other Saudi cities so you do not have to pick it up. (~ 85 SAR)
- SMS Updates: Get text messages about your application status. (~ 15 SAR)
- Premium Lounge: Wait in a private lounge with refreshments and personalized service. (~ 450 – 700 SAR)
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4. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
If you apply for a visa that lasts longer than 6 months (like a Student or Spouse visa), you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This lets you use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- Students/Youth Mobility: £776 per year (approx. 3,800 SAR)
- Adults (Work/Family): £1,035 per year (approx. 5,050 SAR)
Visitor visas (tourist visas) do not pay this surcharge.
5. Hidden Costs You Should Budget For
To fully answer how much does visa processing cost in Riyadh for UK visa requests, we must look at the small expenses that add up.
- TB Test: Residents of Saudi Arabia usually do not need a TB test for the UK visa. However, if you recently lived in a country where TB is common, you might need one.
- Bank Charges: Since you pay fees in GBP or USD, your Saudi bank may charge a foreign transaction fee of 2% to 3%.
- Translation: If your documents (like bank statements or marriage certificates) are in Arabic, you must provide a certified English translation. This typically costs 50 to 100 SAR per page.
Summary: Total Estimated Cost for a Tourist
For a standard 6-month tourist visa from Riyadh, here is a realistic budget breakdown:
- Visa Fee: 620 SAR
- VFS Courier Service (Optional): 85 SAR
- SMS Service (Optional): 15 SAR
- Bank Fees (approx): 20 SAR
Total Estimated Cost: ~740 SAR
If you choose the Priority Service, your total jumps to approximately 3,200 SAR.
Final Thoughts from a Senior Writer
Paying the fees is just one part of the process. The most expensive mistake is a visa refusal, because UKVI does not refund your fees if they reject your application.
Make sure your documents are perfect before you pay. We have seen too many people lose thousands of Riyals because of simple paperwork errors.
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