UK’s Visa-Free Travel for GCC Citizens: Everything You Need to Know
The UK’s new visa-free travel waiver for nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is set to come into effect soon.
Starting from February 22, 2024, citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
The ETA is already available for Qatari citizens.
The new scheme is a much cheaper and faster process to secure entry into the UK compared to the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) currently in place.
For just $12.75 (£10), the ETA allows GCC travelers multiple entries into the UK for two years.
An ETA is available for GCC travelers if they are:
- Coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, to visit family and friends, business or short-term study
- Coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- Coming to the UK for up to 1 month for a Permitted Paid Engagement
- Transiting through the UK – including if they are not going through UK border control
- Those who are not coming to the UK for the above-mentioned reasons will need to apply for a regular visa.
Those who are not coming to the UK for the above-mentioned reasons will need to apply for a regular visa.
Travelers can apply for an ETA through the UK government’s website and can expect to receive a decision within three working days. However, the UK government’s website notes that a decision may be issued earlier.
Once the traveler receives confirmation that they have been issued an ETA, it will automatically be linked to the passport that was listed in the application.
If an individual renews their visa, they must apply for a new ETA.
