The United Kingdom announced the start of the actual implementation of new electronic entry visas to its territories, in addition to the countries benefiting from this decision.
Developing relations between Britain and the Arab Gulf countries
Through this decision, the British government aims to develop bilateral relations between Britain and many Arab Gulf countries and their citizens who wish to visit the United Kingdom.
Britain, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Affairs, announced that it will effectively begin issuing electronic visas as of February 22nd. This visa is valid for two full years as long as the traveler’s passport is valid.
An electronic visit visa permit to Britain
It is worth noting that the British government announced that citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan can obtain an electronic visit visa for only 10 British pounds.
Implementing the new electronic visit permit system
The British government announced this decision earlier this month, indicating that it intends to begin implementing the new electronic visit permit system as part of its effort to digitize the United Kingdom's border crossings by 2025 to improve border security and visitor experience.
Visitors from the Arab Gulf to Britain
It is also worth noting that visitors from the Arab Gulf countries and Jordan are very important to the British economy, with over 790,000 visiting the UK last year and spending two billion pounds sterling.
Equalizing visitors from the Gulf countries with visitors from America and Australia
With this decision, the British government intends to transition to an electronic visit permit system, which will eliminate visa requirements for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, equating them with other visitors, such as those from the United States and Australia, when visiting the United Kingdom.
How to issue an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
The United Kingdom will issue the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via the websites of British embassies and consulates, as well as the government website, and the application will take only three working days to process.
Apply for an electronic visit permit to Britain
The process of applying for an electronic visit permit will be entirely digital, with a mobile application. To apply, travelers must provide personal and biometric information, such as submitting a digital photo and answering a series of appropriate questions.
Visited Britain more than once over the course of two years
It is also stated that the new system allows citizens of these countries to visit the United Kingdom several times over the course of two years, as opposed to the previous fee of 30 pounds paid by Gulf citizens to visit the United Kingdom under the current electronic visa exemption system, and the fee of 100 pounds paid by Jordanian citizens. To obtain a visitor visa.
