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Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens

Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens
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Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens

Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Launches Electronic Travel Authorization Service for UK Citizens

As a continuation of the longstanding and distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) service for citizens of the United Kingdom, enhancing travel facilitation for those wishing to visit the Kingdom, in line with the reciprocal arrangements extended to Saudi citizens through the same service by the British side, SPA reported.

The ETA allows UK citizens to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under an electronic travel authorization with multiple entries and to stay for up to 180 days, either consecutively or across multiple visits within one year.

The authorization also permits travel to the Kingdom for a range of purposes, including tourism, short-term study, and business. It does not apply to work, residence, or Hajj visas, for which the relevant visa must be obtained.

The service will enter into effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and will be available to holders of all types of UK passports, opening broader prospects for the distinguished partnership between the two countries and their friendly peoples.

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Gulf

Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Talks with Qatari, Omani and US Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA
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Saudi Foreign Minister Holds Talks with Qatari, Omani and US Counterparts

Saudi Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA
Saudi Foreign Minister and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - SPA

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held separate meetings in Manama with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi on the sidelines of the joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States, SPA reported.

During the meetings, Prince Faisal reviewed bilateral relations with Qatar and Oman and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in support of mutual interests and joint Gulf action.

The talks also focused on regional and international developments, particularly the latest developments regarding the US-Iran agreement and the progress of negotiations between Washington and Tehran, as well as their implications for regional security and stability.

The discussions covered efforts to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and enhancing regional security and stability, in addition to developments in Gaza and Lebanon.

Prince Faisal and Rubio also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions.

The meeting with Rubio was attended by Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan, Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain Naif Al Sudairi, Director General of the Office of the Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Ismail, and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Manal Radwan.

Gulf

GCC and US Stress Commitment to Strategic Partnership, Regional Security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool
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GCC and US Stress Commitment to Strategic Partnership, Regional Security

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a meeting with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Eric Lee/Pool

Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressed on Thursday their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership and intensifying coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During a meeting in the Bahraini capital, Manama, the ministers discussed a number of regional and international issues, emphasizing the importance of enhancing coordination and joint consultation in a manner that supports regional security and stability and protects shared interests.

The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in investment, trade, energy, and advanced technologies, in addition to supporting initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development and promoting economic prosperity.

Participants stressed the importance of collective action to confront common challenges and of adopting diplomatic solutions to resolve crises, in a way that enhances security and peace in the region and the world.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani, who chaired the gathering, said GCC countries stress the need to respect national sovereignty and protect maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.

In his opening remarks, Al Zayani welcomed the efforts that led to the cessation of hostilities and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. He also welcomed the announcement by the Sultanate of Oman of a corridor for the safe passage of vessels through the strait.

As for Rubio, he said that any deal with Iran would take the interests of Gulf states into account.

"The reality of it is that no country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways. And that will never be an acceptable condition of any deal. The president's been fundamentally clear about that," said Rubio.

Gulf

Rubio: Kuwait is an Indispensable Partner for Regional Security and Stability

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)
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Rubio: Kuwait is an Indispensable Partner for Regional Security and Stability

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)
Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (KUNA)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Kuwait as “an indispensable partner for regional security and stability.”

Rubio held talks with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah on efforts to bolster security and stability, Kuwait's state news agency KUNA said on Wednesday.

He also attended a flag-raising at the US Embassy, which resumed operations after Iran-linked attacks forced a suspension, the State Department said.

"The American flag: a symbol of liberty, unity and freedom now flies proudly once again over Kuwait City. Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability," Rubio wrote on social media following the ceremony.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio upon his arrival in Kuwait as part of his Gulf tour (US Secretary of State's account on social media)

Earlier, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with Rubio strategic cooperation between the two countries and ways to further strengthen coordination across various fields in support of shared interests, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The meeting in Abu Dhabi also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a focus on developments in the Middle East. Sheikh Mohamed and Rubio underscored the importance of advancing the foundations of security, stability, and lasting peace across the region, WAM said.

On Monday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio will travel to the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 23-25.

“The Secretary will discuss a range of regional priorities including the memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region. In Bahrain, the Secretary will also meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss shared priorities across the region,” Pigott said.