LONDON – The United Kingdom has announced allowing visa-free entry to citizens from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Residents from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and Bahrain will get visa-free entry into the UK from February 22, 2024.
As per the media reports, citizens from GCC countries will just need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.
The residents of Qatar are already entitled to this facility.
Under the new arrangements aimed at streamlining entry procedures, visitors of all age groups from GCC countries will be required to apply for a travel permit for two years by submitting a £10 fee.
Earlier this year, the UK announced digitisation of the border by 2025 to further enhance border security and the customer experience.
By cutting costs and visa requirements, the ETA scheme will ensure visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan enjoy travelling with ease to the UK, boosting business and tourism links between these countries,
