Muscat: Very soon, all GCC nationals, including Omani citizens, will be able to enter the UK under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which is applicable to visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling.
The new scheme, already being followed in the United States, Australia and EU, will be launched in phases from October 2023. By the end of 2024, the scheme will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe.
From February 1, 2024, the scheme will be introduced for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. It is anticipated that the ETA will be fully functional for all applicable nationals by the end of 2024.
According to official sources, the ETA scheme is being introduced as part of reforms to streamline and digitalise the UK’s border and legal migration system whilst enhancing the security. It will help improve UK border security by allowing the government to make the necessary security checks on travellers before they arrive in the UK. Those applying for an ETA will provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of suitability questions. This will increase the government’s knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.
The ETA is for visa-exempt travellers, otherwise known as non-visa nationals. Non-visa nationals are foreign citizens who can enter the UK for short stays without requiring a visa. If you are unsure whether you need a visa for short stays in the UK, visitors can use the Home Office ‘check if you need a UK visa’ tool.
Eligible individuals will be able to apply for an ETA online, either using the ‘UK ETA app’ or by searching for ‘Apply for an ETA to come to the UK’ on the gov.uk website.
To apply for an ETA, nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan will only be required to pay £10 to apply for an ETA, which will allow them to visit the UK multiple times over a two-year period.
The application process for an ETA will be simple and fast to complete, with the process being entirely digital via a mobile phone app. To apply, individuals will need to provide biographic and biometric details such as a digital photograph and answer a set of suitability questions.
Currently, Gulf nationals are paying £30 per visit to the UK under the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme and Jordanian nationals £100 for a visit visa.
"By cutting costs and visa requirements, the ETA scheme will ensure visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan can enjoy travelling with ease to the UK, boosting business and tourism links between our countries. Over 790,000 Gulf visitors spent £2 billion during their stays in the UK last year," according to the UK government statement.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
