The UK has expanded the digital journey authorisation (ETA) scheme to incorporate nationals from the Gulf Cooperation (GCC) international locations and Jordan.

As a part of this initiative, ranging from February 22, 2024, residents of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan will be capable to make their journey expertise to the UK cheaper and smoother, VisaGuide.World experiences.

The ETA scheme replaces digital visa waivers (EVW), and by the tip of the yr, it can apply to all foreigners who will not be required to acquire a visa to enter the UK.

Together with Qatar residents, who’ve been the primary in a position to apply for his or her ETA since October 25, 2023, residents of the six international locations talked about above will quickly be capable to make limitless visits to the UK for durations of greater than two years or till their passport expires, whichever comes first.

The applying price for the ETA is simply £10, which represents a considerably decrease quantity in comparison with the earlier expenses, the place nationals of Gulf international locations paid £30, and nationals of Jordan paid £115 for a single-use customer visa.

Guests from the Gulf international locations have been pivotal to the financial system of the UK. In 2022 alone, they contribute £2 million to the nation throughout their stays.

ETA is a part of the federal government’s efforts to rework in addition to digitize the border and immigration system, whereas on the identical time making certain a seamless expertise for guests.

Because the UK authorities observe, the safety checks carried out on guests pre-travel assist them to strengthen the nation’s border, stop any abuse, and improve security.

Highlighting the significance of the robust people-to-people hyperlinks, the UK House Secretary, James Cleverly, mentioned that this scheme is a vital step in the direction of UK’s place as a frontrunner in border innovation and safety.

The ETA will enhance the expertise of travelling to the UK for the 1000’s of holiday makers from the Gulf and Jordan, who characterize our second largest tourism market and contribute billions to the UK financial system.

VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates additionally praised the enlargement of the ETA scheme. She mentioned that the scheme will make journey to the UK cheaper, simpler, and extra accessible for Gulf nationals and Jordanians.

Mixed with our robust airline connections, the scheme boosts our aggressive tourism provide and our welcome to guests.

The applying for an ETA is easy and quick. The process is totally digital by way of a cell phone app. Candidates are required to offer biographic and biometric data and reply questions on sustainability and criminality. The processing of the applying is often made inside three working days, usually inside hours.

UK’s ETA scheme will ultimately apply worldwide to everybody who doesn’t presently want a visa to go to or transit by means of the UK. The enlargement of the scheme to incorporate different nationalities might be confirmed sooner or later.