Visitors travelling to the UK from the UAE and GCC countries can now look forward to a more seamless travel experience. The UK government announced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, and residents from February 2024, visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will be able to enjoy the new service.
what is the UK’s ETA Scheme?
Travellers can enjoy a hassle-free experience with the new service. The application process will be quick, light touch and entirely digital with most visitors applying via a mobile app and receiving a swift decision on their application.
Authorities also clarified that ETA is not a visa, which permits entry into the UK. Rather, it is a service which authorises an individual to travel to the UK. Upon arrival, all travellers will still need to obtain leave to enter, as per the process now, by seeing a Border Force Officer or using an eGate if eligible to do so.
The ETA scheme comes into place, after the approach taken by many of the UK’s international partners, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The cost of an ETA will be similar to international schemes, and individuals will be able to visit the UK multiple times during the two-year validity period. The scheme will also strengthen the UK’s border by requiring rigorous security checks on all visitors before they travel.
Individuals will be required to provide biometric information and answer a series of suitability questions as part of the application process. This will ensure that UK officials have information on those seeking to enter the UK, assisting in the prevention of dangerous individuals, such as criminals, from entering the country.
Individuals will be required to provide biometric information and answer a series of suitability questions as part of the application process. This will ensure that UK officials have information on those seeking to enter the UK, assisting in the prevention of dangerous individuals, such as criminals, from entering the country.
The new scheme will completely replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Scheme, which requires visitors from GCC countries to pay a higher fee for a single-use visit to the UK.
By the end of 2024, ETAs will be needed for all visitors who do not require a visa for short-term stays, including those from Europe. Visitors from Europe and other countries such as the United States and Australia currently don’t have to fill out any forms in order to visit the United Kingdom. However, this will change with the implementation of ETAs.
who can apply for the ETA?
Starting February 2024, visitors from GCC states and Jordan will be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) ahead of their trip, ensuring they meet the necessary security checks and requirements for entry into the UK. The scheme will eventually be available to travellers across the globe. However, Qatari residents will be the first to be able to apply for an ETA in October 2023, officials said.
Qatari visitors will require an ETA to travel to the UK beginning November 15, 2023, but can apply in advance beginning October 25, 2023. They will still need an EVW to travel to the UK before November 15, 2023.
Visitors from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 22 February 2024, but can apply in advance from February 1, 2024. Before February 22, 2024, they will continue to require an EVW to travel to the UK.
Similarly, visitors from Jordan will require an ETA to enter the UK beginning February 22, 2024, but can apply in advance beginning February 1, 2024. They will still need a visa to enter the UK before February 22, 2024.
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