The United Kingdom will remove the visa requirement for Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) state nationals visiting the country from 2023.
GCC countries will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new electronic visa scheme, the Home Office said when it’s rolled out next year.
A number of countries were added to the United Kingdom’s list of countries eligible for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.
UK Home secretary Priti Patel said: “This move means that Gulf states will be among the first countries in the world to benefit from ETAs and visa-free travel to the UK.
“Our number one priority is the security of the UK border and by launching ETAs we can ensure that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so in advance of travel and refuse those who pose a threat.”
Before ETAs are introduced in 2023, travellers from GCC countries will continue to use electronic visa waivers which can be completed online before entering the UK.
The ETA scheme is a key part of the UK government’s move to have a fully digital border by the end of 2025.
It will broadly apply to passengers visiting or transiting through the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or do not hold another UK visa.
Once granted, an ETA is valid for multiple trips over an extended period of time.
UAE state-owned news agency WAM called it a “landmark announcement”.
“The decision will further cement the UK as one of the most popular tourist destinations for Emiratis and will hugely benefit the many UAE citizens visiting the UK each year.
“In addition, granting the UAE greater access to the UK will further strengthen the significant economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.”
The news agency said the UAE is one of the UK’s most important trading partners in the region and one of the fastest-growing markets for UK exports.
The UAE and UK signed a Partnership for the Future and the Sovereign Investment Partnership last year, strengthening collaboration across a variety of areas, such as energy transition, sustainability, education, and cultural development.
Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK, said: “Achieving greater ease of travel for Emiratis seeking to visit the UK has been one of our top priorities. Their travel to the UK for leisure or business will be hugely simplified.
Calling it a “historic achievement” Abulhoul said it indicates the high regard in which the UAE is held in the UK and internationally.
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