UK Smart Visa App - Travelling to the UK to Become Easier for Qataris
UK Smart Visa App - Travelling to the UK to Become Easier for Qataris
Starting October 2023, the UK will begin offering access to its new e-visa scheme. And, Qatar will be one of the first countries to access the same.
The UK authorities are working on a smart application to enable Qatari nationals to enter the UK with an online travel authorization. British envoy to Doha released the update on Sunday to reporters.
For the UK permit, Qatari nationals will need to upload the required information and documents. As noted by Jon Wilks, the system will allow Qataris to get a 2-year permit within minutes.
The UK recently announced the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) scheme. And Qatar was touted to be one of the first countries to have access to the same.
Speaking about the system, Priti Patel, Home Secretary, of the UK, 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.”
This ETA scheme is a part of the UK government’s plan to digitize its border by 2025 end completely. Reports suggest that it will apply to travellers visiting the UK for a short period or passing through the country. Another condition is that such tourists won’t need a visa or don’t have another visa to visit the UK.
The Home Office refers to this process as straightforward. According to the Home Office, “the programme will “act as an additional security measure allowing the government to block threats from entering the UK, whilst also providing individuals with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel.”
Authorities also stated that travellers could use ETA multiple times over a considerable period. With this, travelling to the UK from gulf countries will become more efficient and affordable.
Wilks added, “The new system will make the process more speedy, flexible, and convenient and the entry permit could be issued within five minutes, valid for two years with multiple entries, and there is no need to come to the embassy.”
Millions of residents of gulf countries, especially Qataris love travelling to various parts of the UK including London. Statista report for 2019 states that 1.2 million Gulf tourists travelled to the UK and spent 2.6 billion pounds.
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