UK opens electronic travel authorisation scheme
Travel Biz News —
The UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme has opened for Qatari nationals, who can now benefit from cheaper and smoother travel.
The UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme has officially opened for Qatari nationals who, from 15 November , need one to travel to the UK.
This landmark opening demonstrates the UK government’s delivery in transforming and digitising the UK border, enabling an increasingly seamless customer experience in the future for the millions of legitimate visitors who come to the UK , according to a release issued by the UK Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration.
Qataris have been able to apply for their ETA since 25 October 2023, with most doing so using the mobile app, which allows for a simple and fast application.
Last year, the UK welcomed almost 800,000 visitors from the Gulf, 45,000 of whom came from Qatar, with this set to increase over the next few years.
Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan will need an ETA if they’re visiting the UK from 22 February 2024, and can apply for their ETA from 1 February 2024.
“ETAs are replacing Electronic Visa Waivers (EVW) which the majority of Gulf nationals currently apply for. An ETA is an improvement from the EVW, being a third of the price at £10 and allowing unlimited visits to the UK over two years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. The move to the ETA scheme means that the visa requirement will be removed for short stays to the UK for nationals from the Gulf and Jordan, ” reads the statement.
While the standard processing time for an application is 3 working days, the majority of applications so far have been decided within hours.
In the future, the scheme will apply worldwide to those who do not currently need a visa to visit or transit through the UK or who do not hold a UK immigration status, including nationals from Europe and America.
16 November 2023
Photo by Qatar Tourism
