UK: New Digital Travel Scheme Programme for Gulf & Jordanian Visitors
- Publish date: Tuesday، 06 June 2023
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A new electronic travel scheme will allow visitors from Jordan and the Gulf to enter the UK for just £10 ($12.4).
According to the British government, the visa requirement will be removed from citizens of Jordan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, namely Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, who intend to travel to the UK. It brings the rules for them in line with those for other visitors, including US and Australian passport holders.
When they pay the fee, they will be allowed to enter the UK many times over a 2-year period without any additional costs.
According to the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the existing system will be replaced for Gulf nationals, who pay £30 per visit under the current Electronic Visa Wavier (EVW) scheme, and Jordanian citizens, who pay £100 for a visit visa.
Qatari nationals will have the privilege to benefit from the cheaper programme next October, with travellers from other GCC states and Jordan qualifying in February 2024.
According to the Home Office, the scheme program will be extended to additional countries in the coming year. Applicants will go through pre-travel security screenings, which involve providing biographic and biometric information, including a digital photograph, and answering a set of suitability questions.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK's Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and human rights, stated that the announcement strengthens the strong bilateral relations between Britain and the Gulf countries.
“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.” He said