UK Announces Groundbreaking Visa Change for Visitors from GCC Countries and Jordan

The United Kingdom has recently unveiled a significant visa change that will revolutionize travel for visitors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan. The UK government's latest announcement marks a major milestone in visit visa requirements for nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan.

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Removing Visa Requirements and Introducing Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

In a groundbreaking move, the UK government will eliminate visit visa requirements for citizens from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan. Instead, these travelers will be offered an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that grants them a two-year entry permit at a remarkably affordable cost of just £10 ($12). This progressive change aligns the entry requirements for Gulf travelers and Jordanians with those of esteemed visitors from the United States and Australia.

Simplifying the Process and Boosting Security

Previously, GCC nationals had to navigate the process of applying for a £30 ($37) document for each visit to the UK. However, the new announcement ensures that nationals from GCC states and Jordan will only need to pay £10 to apply for an ETA, granting them multiple visits to the UK over a two-year period. This is a significant improvement compared to the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme, where Gulf nationals are required to pay £30 per visit, while Jordanian nationals need to pay £100 for a visit visa.

The scheme is set to launch for Qatari nationals in October 2023, followed by the remaining GCC states and Jordan in February 2024. This strategic move precedes a global expansion throughout 2024, demonstrating the UK's commitment to creating a digitized border system to enhance border security and provide a seamless customer experience.

The Significance of ETA and Strong Bilateral Relations

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital permission to travel granted to visitors transiting through or visiting the UK for short stays, eliminating the need for a traditional visa. This innovative approach aligns with the UK government's vision to digitize the country's border by 2025, ensuring enhanced security measures while streamlining travel procedures for tourists and business travelers.

Robert Jenrick, the Immigration Minister, expressed his enthusiasm for the new ETA scheme, emphasizing the significant contribution that visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan make to the UK's thriving tourism industry. He highlighted that the cost of an ETA will be one of the most competitive rates globally, enabling the UK to strengthen border security and ensure community safety while providing greater convenience and affordability for visitors.

Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, Lord Ahmad, celebrated the introduction of the ETA scheme, acknowledging the strong partnership between the UK and countries across the region. By reducing costs and visa requirements, this scheme aims to facilitate seamless travel for visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan, fostering business and tourism links between nations.

Economic Impact and Equal Opportunities

Gulf visitors have always played a pivotal role in contributing to the UK's economy, with over 790,000 visitors spending an impressive £2 billion ($2.5 billion) during their stays in the United Kingdom last year. With the transition to the ETA scheme, the visa requirement for nationals from GCC states and Jordan will be eliminated, providing them with equal opportunities to visit the United Kingdom, just like visitors from the US and Australia.

Simple and Fast Application Process

The application process for an ETA is designed to be simple, fast, and entirely digital through a user-friendly mobile phone app. To apply, individuals will be required to provide biographic and biometric details, including a digital photograph, and answer a set of suitability questions. This streamlined process ensures that travelers can easily obtain their ETA and embark on their journey to the United Kingdom hassle-free.

This transformative visa change showcases the UK's commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and promoting inclusive travel opportunities. As the ETA scheme unfolds, visitors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan can look forward to a more accessible and affordable experience when visiting the United Kingdom, bolstering tourism and business ties between our nations.

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