UK to Introduce New Visa System for GCC Countries in 2024

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The United Kingdom has announced a significant change in its visa system for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Starting from February 2024, all countries within the GCC will move to the electronic travel authorization (ETA) system. This move aims to streamline and simplify the process for Gulf citizens traveling to the United Kingdom.

Under the new system, citizens of the Gulf countries will no longer require traditional visas when visiting the United Kingdom. Instead, they will be able to apply for an electronic travel permit, valid for two years, through the ETA system. This electronic permit will cost £10, approximately equivalent to 3.7 Kuwaiti dinars, and can be obtained for adults, children, and infants alike. The application process is expected to take about three working days to complete.

The introduction of the ETA system is expected to make travel to the United Kingdom much easier and more flexible for Kuwaiti citizens in particular. British Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis, expressed her hope that this new system will encourage more Kuwaiti visitors to explore the United Kingdom. She emphasized that the ETA system will eliminate the need for a visit visa, providing a hassle-free experience for Kuwaiti tourists, students, and businessmen.

Lewis also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Kuwait. The two countries have witnessed a remarkable growth in trade, with the volume reaching 5.1 billion pounds sterling, a significant increase of 66.8% compared to the previous year. In addition to trade, the defense and security partnerships between the two nations have flourished, encompassing areas such as cybersecurity, air and maritime security, military cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts.

The educational ties between the United Kingdom and Kuwait have also strengthened, with approximately 10,000 Kuwaiti students currently studying in top UK universities. The British Council has played a vital role in providing training and testing in the English language, with over 6,000 students taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams through the Council.

To further enhance the bilateral relationship, British officials are working to schedule the tenth meeting of the Joint Steering Committee during the first quarter of 2024 in London. This meeting will address a wide range of bilateral issues and foster continued cooperation between the United Kingdom and Kuwait.

In conclusion, the United Kingdom’s decision to implement the electronic travel authorization system for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries marks a significant step towards enhancing travel convenience and strengthening bilateral ties. The introduction of the ETA system will provide Gulf citizens with a streamlined and efficient process for visiting the United Kingdom, eliminating the need for traditional visas. This development is expected to encourage more Kuwaiti visitors to explore the United Kingdom, fostering further cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between the two nations.

Source: TimesKuwait

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