As a result the Visa Application Centers in Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar are now open and taking applications.

“Now that the system is up and running the embassy’s visa section will be working flat out to process applications as quickly as possible,” said embassy spokesman Nick Heath, adding that extra staff was brought in to expedite the process.

Heath urged Saudis to plan early as they need at least 10 days to get a UK visa.