The UK has announced significant changes to its visa policies to make it easier for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and Jordan to enter the country.
As per the British government’s statement, these countries will shift to an electronic travel permit system by 2024. This means residents from Gulf countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the Emirates, and Jordan won’t need visit visas to enter the UK. The new system, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), aims to simplify the entry process by eliminating the requirement for a visit visa.
According to the official statement, the visa exemption is scheduled to be implemented after February 22, 2024. Under this new approach, tourists of all age groups will have to apply for a travel permit online, priced at £10, and it will be issued for their travel purposes.
This strategic shift in visa regulations is designed to streamline entry procedures, making it more convenient for citizens of these nations to visit the United Kingdom. It represents a significant adjustment to facilitate smoother and more accessible travel for individuals from these regions.