UK Announces Visa-Free Entry for Several Arab Countries

The UK government has decided to offer visa-free entry to travelers from several Arab countries starting February 22, marking a significant shift in its visa policies. This change aims to facilitate easier entry for residents of Jordan and all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

Individuals from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Bahrain will no longer require visas to enter the UK. Instead, they will only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting from February next year. Qatar’s residents have been using ETA since November 15, 2023.

According to a statement from the British government, the transition to an ETA system is intended to simplify the entry process, eliminating the need for obtaining a visit visa. Under this new system, tourists of all age groups will electronically apply for a £10 travel permit, valid for two years.

The strategic adjustment in visa regulations is aimed at streamlining entry procedures, making travel to the United Kingdom smoother and more accessible for citizens of these nations. The UK government had previously announced plans to introduce the ETA scheme as part of the digitization of the UK border by 2025, enhancing both border security and the overall customer experience.

An ETA serves as a digital travel permission for individuals visiting or transiting through the UK without requiring a visa for short stays or already holding another UK visa.

By reducing costs and visa requirements, the ETA scheme is expected to facilitate convenient travel for visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan, promoting stronger business and tourism ties between these nations, as stated by the UK government. Gulf visitors contribute significantly to the UK economy, with over 790,000 visitors from the region spending £2 billion during their stays in 2022.