UK government removes visit visa requirements for GCC and Jordan citizens

In a move to simplify travel, the UK Government has announced the abolition of visit visa requirements for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordanian citizens. Travelers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan are now eligible for a two-year Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for $12.

This decision aligns the visitation policies for citizens of these countries with those of the US and Australia, exempt from requiring visit visas. Previously, GCC nationals had to pay $37 for each trip to the UK, which was costly.

The official announcement on the UK government website detailed the replacement of the existing Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme. Under the new system, nationals from GCC states and Jordan can apply for an ETA that permits them to visit the UK multiple times over two years. It is set to launch for Qatari nationals in October 2023, with a full roll-out to the rest of the GCC and Jordan by February 2024.

This move is part of the UK's broader digitization strategy to enhance border security and improve customer experience by 2025. The ETA, a digital travel permission, serves those planning short visits or transit through the UK and do not currently hold a UK visa.

Robert Jenrick, Immigration Minister, emphasized the significant contribution of visitors from these countries to the UK's tourism sector, asserting that the new scheme will facilitate and reduce travel costs. The ETA's low cost will be globally competitive and will assist in strengthening UK border security. Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, hailed this as an indication of the robust partnership between the UK and these regions.

With around 790,000 tourists spending $2.5 billion in the UK last year, the Gulf visitors are crucial to the UK's economy. The new ETA scheme removes visa requirements for these travelers, thus streamlining their journey to the UK.

Applying for an ETA is expected to be a quick and easy digital process carried out via a mobile app. It involves providing basic information and biometric details, such as a digital photograph, alongside responses to suitability questions.

Article Writer - LexaNews Journalist