Recent changes to UK visa policies have simplified entry procedures for citizens of member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan. On February 1, the UK will offer its electronic travel authorization to a number of new nationalities.
New rules for GCC and Jordanian citizens
Following a series of changes to visa policies, nationals from certain Middle Eastern countries will now have easier access to the UK for short tourist, business and family stays. Nationals of Bahreïn🇧🇭, Arabia saoudite🇸🇦, Koweït🇰🇼, Oman🇴🇲, the United Arab Emirates unis🇦🇪 and Jordanie🇯🇴 will no longer need a visit visa to travel to the UK., joining Qatar, which piloted the project last November.
Instead, tourists of all ages will have to obtain an electronic travel permit before they can enter the country. This document will cost £10 (12 €)and will be issued electronically after completion of a online form. This measure is designed to simplify entry formalities and make the process more convenient for visitors from these countries.
Nationals of these countries will need it to enter the country from February 22, 2024 but will be able to apply from February 1, 2024. Each ETA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entrances to transit or visit the Kingdom on 90 days maximum.
Citizens of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and Bahrain will not need visas for entry into the UK. They will just need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK from February next year. L pic.twitter.com/E5IbkvBxJo
- Daily Times (@dailytimespak) December 31, 2023
Applying for an electronic travel permit: how does it work?
With the introduction of this new system, residents will need to follow a few simple steps to obtain their electronic travel permit:
- Access the dedicated online portal And fill in a form with personal information such as name, date of birth, address and contact details.
- Pay fees 10 for the electronic document. This amount can be paid by credit or debit card.
- Wait for e-mail confirmation. The travel permit should be granted quickly if all the conditions are met and the information provided is accurate. Once obtained, simply print out the document and present it to the authorities at customs.
Ireland worries about tourism
The Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Department of the Economy, Ian Snowdenwas concerned by this change in the migration policy of its imposing neighbor.
I'm sure that many of you will be concerned about the electronic travel authorization system proposed by the British government. There is a real risk that this will discourage tourists from visiting Ireland, including Northern Ireland, as part of their itinerary.
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