Yousuf Saifuddin Kapadia (ABU DHABI)
Starting February 1, 2024, UAE nationals apply to travel to the United Kingdom under the new “Electronic Travel Authorisation” (ETA) scheme.
The implementation of the scheme was announced on Wednesday by the UAE Embassy in the UK via X (formerly Twitter) in a video.
The UAE Embassy posted: “February 1, 2024 marks a new chapter in the relationship between the UAE & UK. Emiratis wanting to visit the UK will now be eligible for the new ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) scheme.”
As announced earlier in 2023, UAE passport holders traveling through the scheme do not need any pre-entry visa requirements, and only need to apply for an ETA via the UK ETA app or the UK government website.
According to the UK GOV website, nationals of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman can get an ETA if they are travelling to the UK on or after February 22, 2024.
Applications for the ETA will be available starting February 1, 2024.
How much does it cost?
The UAE embassy in the UK has explained that ETA applicants will only need to pay a third of the existing Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme, which costs £30 according to the information provided on the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
The UK government's official website confirmed this figure, stating that the ETA application costs £10. All travelers must acquire an ETA, including infants and children.
Travel Convenience for Two Years
The ETA will allow travelers to visit the UK an “unlimited number of times for a period of two years”, the Embassy video explained.
“This significant milestone is the result of four years of collaborative effort and a symbol of our commitment to strengthening our deep ties” the Embassy added in its statement posted on X.
The new scheme will streamline UAE-UK travel for Emiratis, offering speed, accessibility, and affordability.
Who doesn’t need an ETA?
Those who already have either a visa, permission to live, work or study in the UK, or a UK or Irish passport, do not require an ETA.