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UK travel: GCC, Jordan nationals to pay GBP10 for multiple visits under new ETA scheme

Citizens of GCC countries currently pay GBP30 per visit to the UK under the current electronic visa wavier scheme while Jordanian nationals pay GBP100 for a visit visa

by Gulf Business

June 8, 2023

GCC citizens to gain access to UK for GBP 10 under ETA scheme GettyImages-1297964713

Image: Getty Images

Nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan will soon be able to gain entry into the UK for just GBP10 ($12.4), bringing the requirements for them to visit the country in line with other visitors, including travellers from the US and Australia.

According to the UK government, citizens of these countries will soon only be required to pay the fee to apply for electronic travel authorisation (ETA), allowing them to visit the UK multiple times over a two-year period.

An ETA is ‘a digital permission’ to travel for those visiting or transiting through the UK who do not need a visa for short stays, or who do not currently hold another UK visa.

GCC citizens currently pay GBP30 per visit to the UK under the current electronic visa wavier (EVW) scheme and Jordanian nationals pay GBP100 for a visit visa.

The scheme is set to launch for Qatari nationals in October, and for the rest of the GCC states and Jordan in February 2024 ahead of a worldwide expansion throughout 2024.

Earlier this year, the UK government announced plans to introduce a new ETA scheme as part of a digitisation of the UK border by 2025 to further enhance border security and the customer experience.

In a statement, UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said: “Visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan make a huge contribution to the UK’s tourism industry and the new ETA scheme will make it easier and cheaper for them to travel to the UK. 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.”

Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Lord Ahmad said: “I’m delighted that our partners across the Gulf and Jordan will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme. This scheme is further proof of the strong partnership between the UK and countries across the region. By cutting costs and visa requirements, the ETA scheme will ensure visitors from the Gulf states and Jordan can enjoy travelling with ease to the UK, boosting business and tourism links between our countries.”

According to the statement, Gulf visitors are highly valuable to the UK economy, with over 790,000 Gulf visitors spending GBP2bn during their stays in the UK last year.