What does the transition from the UK Visa Waiver Program to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) mean for GCC nationals? Read on to understand how these changes impact Kuwaitis’ travel to the UK.
The UK Visa Waiver Program
The UK Visa Waiver Program allows certain citizens to enter the UK for short stays without a visa. Moreover, it’s great to have if you’re headed to the UK for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
Eligibility and Benefits
Specifically, the UK visa waiver program came with the following essential benefits:
- Simpler entry: Easier access to the UK without the need for an extensive visa process
- Greater cost savings: Avoiding visa fees, which can be substantial
- Time efficiency: Less waiting time compared to the standard visa application process
Traditionally, only citizens of high-income countries with strong diplomatic relations with the UK could apply for the UK visa waiver.
However, the criteria changed, leading to the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for GCC nationals. These specifically include citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Consequently, travelers from GCC countries could enter the UK without undergoing the lengthy and typically costly visa application process.
Understanding the Electronic Visa Waiver
The EVW, a smoother online application system, allowed GCC nationals to visit the UK for short stays without a visa. It simplified the process by moving it online.
This program allowed GCC nationals to enter the UK up to six months for tourism, business, study, or medical treatment.
The EVW application must be submitted at least 48 hours before travel. Here are the steps involved:
- Online application: Fill out the EVW form on the official UK government website.
- Information required: Provide personal details, travel information, and the reason for the visit.
- Submission and approval: Submit the form and receive approval typically within minutes, although travelers are advised to apply at least 48 hours before departure.
- Travel to the UK: With an EVW, travelers can board their flight to the UK without a visa.
Understanding the ETA
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s Home Office started rolling out its new entry scheme, the ETA, replacing the EVW. The Home Office is the UK’s lead government department for matters on immigration and passports.
The ETA further streamlines and enhances the security of the visa waiver process. Correspondingly, travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply for this permit.
Moreover, with the ETA, UK authorities hope to enforce stricter border control measures and improve travel to the country. The UK will digitize its borders at UK airports by the end of 2025.
How the ETA Differs from the EVW
While both the EVW and ETA are designed to simplify travel to the UK, the ETA includes additional security measures and an expanded application process. Here are the key differences:
- Broader security checks: The ETA involves more comprehensive security screening compared to the EVW.
- Longer application processing time: Travelers are advised to apply for the ETA well in advance of their travel date, as the processing time may be longer than the EVW.
- Validity and multiple entries: The ETA may offer multiple entries within its validity period, providing more flexibility for frequent travelers.
ETA Eligibility
You need a UK ETA if you:
- Are from a visa-exempt country, or countries part of the UK’s visa waiver program
- Plan to visit the UK for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term studies
- Are visiting the UK for a paid engagement
- Are transiting through the UK to another destination. This includes if you are not going through UK border control.
Currently, the ETA is required for citizens of GCC countries as well as Jordan. More nationalities will be added as the ETA program is rolled out. To check the latest list of ETA-ready countries, click here.
Benefits of the ETA for GCC Citizens
GCC citizens can enjoy the following benefits when they apply for an ETA:
- Enhanced security: The ETA provides enhanced security measures, ensuring that travelers are thoroughly vetted before entering the UK. This benefits both the traveler and the UK by maintaining high safety standards.
- Multiple entry flexibility: The ETA may offer multiple entry options, allowing GCC travelers to enter the UK multiple times during the validity period without reapplying for each trip. The ability to apply online and receive approval enhances travel convenience.
- Streamlined application process: Although the ETA process is more comprehensive, it remains streamlined and accessible online, ensuring that travelers can complete their applications conveniently.
- Business opportunities: The ETA supports business travelers by providing a secure and efficient entry process, facilitating smoother business operations between the UK and GCC nations.
- Tourism boost: The streamlined ETA process encourages tourism, allowing more visitors from GCC countries to explore the UK’s cultural and historical attractions without the hassle of a traditional visa.
- Medical and educational access: For those seeking medical treatment or short-term study in the UK, the ETA offers a straightforward solution, facilitating access to the UK’s healthcare and educational institutions.
Application Steps
To apply for an ETA, go through the following steps:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It’s a digital one-stop shop that simplifies the ETA application process so you can focus on preparing for your journey instead of going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. You must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you in the photo.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Make sure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page. The passport must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information.
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. You can pay using suitable electronic payment methods.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an e-mail with the decision. The ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.
Experience efficient, reliable, and professional visa support with EVS. Ready to get started with your application? Click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Apply NowFrequently Asked Questions
Which countries are visa-free for the UK?
Citizens of GCC nations and Ireland do not need a visa to enter the UK.
Beginning April 2, 2025, the following European countries will need an ETA to visit the UK:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City
Who does not need a UK ETA?
Those who have either:
- A UK visa
- Permission to reside, work, or study in the UK
- A British or Irish passport, or a British overseas territories passport
You also do not need an ETA if you live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
Meanwhile, if you are planning on traveling to the UK for work or long-term studies, apply for a UK visa instead.
How long is the ETA Valid?
The validity period and entry conditions are in the approval notification.
Can you extend the ETA’s validity?
No. To stay in the UK longer, apply for an appropriate visa.
What if my ETA application is denied?
You must apply for a standard visa.
