UK to remove visa requirement for GCC nationals in ‘landmark announcement’ – Arabian Business

UK to remove visa requirement for GCC nationals in ‘landmark announcement’ – Arabian Business

The United Kingdom will remove the visa requirement for Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) state nationals visiting the country from 2023.

GCC countries will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new electronic visa scheme, the Home Office said when it’s rolled out next year.

A number of countries were added to the United Kingdom’s list of countries eligible for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.

UK Home secretary Priti Patel said: “This move means that Gulf states will be among the first countries in the world to benefit from ETAs and visa-free travel to the UK.

“Our number one priority is the security of the UK border and by launching ETAs we can ensure that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so in advance of travel and refuse those who pose a threat.”

UK Home secretary Priti Patel

Before ETAs are introduced in 2023, travellers from GCC countries will continue to use electronic visa waivers which can be completed online before entering the UK.

The ETA scheme is a key part of the UK government’s move