MUSCAT: Oman citizens travelling to the UK can apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from today, which will replace the current system of applying for a visa.
The ETA can be applied for those travelling to the UK on or after February 22, 2024. The same rule applies to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia or the UAE. Omanis can get an ETA instead of a visa if they are coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study, coming to the UK for up to three 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.
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. It costs £10 to apply and everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. It is possible to apply for other people. Meanwhile, it takes three working days to get the ETA. Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days and one can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.
The applicants will get an email confirming the ETA. The ETA lasts for two years and can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. 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 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. 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.
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