UK Entry Visa Waiver for Citizens of UAE, Other GCC Countries

UAE citizens will no longer require a visa prior to travel to the United Kingdom from next year, UAE’s Ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul said on Monday.

In a statement released on Twitter, Abulhoul stated: “It’s important that I follow up a very exciting announcement that we have had by the UK government on visas, particularly on the Electronic Travel Authorisation system which is coming into place early next year.

UK Launches Ambitious Trade Deal with Gulf Nations

"Under the ETA, UAE will be granted access in the system, making it easier to travel for Emirati nationals to the United Kingdom."

The Emirates will be one of the first countries to enjoy this facility under the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which will be rolled out in 2023.

“It is a country which is loved so much and so much time spent in, invested so much money in. I think this is a wonderful development and just wanted to express thanks to the UK government and tireless work of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in London,” he said.

"Reducing travel restrictions for Emiratis has been a top priority for me. I'm proud our efforts now mean Emiratis seeking to visit the UK can now achieve greater ease of travel," the Ambassador added.

In addition to the UAE, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have also been included in the ETA scheme. The UK Home Office have announced that citizens of Gulf countries - Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar - will be brought under ETA.

Read More: 12 New Visa Counters Opened at Queen Alia International Airport