United Kingdom: Further Visa Waivers for Gulf Countries

Effective October 12, 2022, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates no longer require a transit visa, tourist visa, or visa for official visits (for holders of diplomatic and special passports). The policy update follows a recent announcement that Gulf citizens will shortly be invited to pilot streamlined electronic travel authorization to replace the current electronic visa waiver program. Similarly, the European Union is currently negotiating Schengen visa waivers for Gulf countries.