Home Office to Launch Electronic Visa Waiver Program in Four Gulf Countries

Nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will no longer require a visa for traveling to the United Kingdom, beginning January 1, 2014. Business travelers and tourists from these four gulf countries will be able to obtain travel authorization to visit the UK through a new electronic visa waiver (EVW) program. Those who use the program will not be required to obtain a consular visa, provide biometric information, or attend a visa appointment. 

Applicants will be required to complete the online EVW process at least 48 hours before their travel date. EVW authorization will be valid for a single visit within six months of registration. Those seeking to work or study in the UK will still require standard consular visas. The EVW will be offered free of charge. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen Global or send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].   

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