The United Kingdom has recently announced significant visa changes aimed at facilitating travel for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. Under the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme, Jordanian nationals, in particular, will enjoy streamlined processes and reduced costs when traveling to the UK.
With the ETA, citizens of GCC countries and Jordan will only need to pay $12.44 (£10) to apply for a two-year multiple-entry visa, granting them permission to visit or transit through the UK without the need for a traditional visa. The UK’s Home Office highlighted that the ETA would provide digital authorization to travelers who do not require a visa for short stays or those who do not hold any other UK visa.
This new scheme will bring the visa requirements for GCC citizens and Jordanians in line with visitors from other countries, such as the United States and Australia. The UK government plans to implement the ETA system for Qatari nationals in October 2023 and extend it to the rest of the GCC countries and Jordan in February 2024.
Expressing enthusiasm about the visa changes, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, Lord Ahmad, emphasized the strong partnership between the UK and countries in the Gulf and Jordan. He stated, “I’m delighted that our partners across the Gulf and Jordan will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorization scheme.”
Recognizing the valuable contribution of Gulf nationals and Jordanians to the UK’s tourism industry, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick highlighted that the ETA scheme would simplify and reduce the cost of visiting the UK. Currently, Gulf nationals pay $37 (£30) per visit under the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme, while Jordanians pay $124 (£100) for a visit visa.
Jenrick further added, “The cost of an ETA will be one of the best value in the world compared to similar international schemes. This small additional cost to visitors will enable us to bolster the security of the UK border and keep our communities safe.”
According to the UK Home Office, in 2022 alone, approximately 790,000 individuals from GCC countries visited the UK, contributing $2.5 billion (£2 billion) to the country’s economy during their stays.
Applying for an ETA will be a straightforward process, with applicants able to complete the necessary steps even through a mobile phone application. The Home Office stated that individuals would need to provide biographic and biometric details, including a digital photograph, and answer a set of suitability questions.
The implementation of the ETA scheme reflects the UK’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Gulf countries and Jordan, facilitating tourism, business, and cultural exchange. It is anticipated that the new visa waiver program will strengthen the relationship between the UK and these regions, benefiting travelers and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
