UK allows Jordanians to visit without visa starting 2024

Jordan

Published: 2023-03-10 13:36

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 21:12


UK allows Jordanians to visit without visa starting 2024
UK allows Jordanians to visit without visa starting 2024

UK Home Office announced Thursday that as of 2024 Jordanian citizens will be among the first countries included in the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme.

This means that after Feb. 22, 2024, Jordanians can travel to the UK without a visa and only by using an ETA. Those traveling before that date, will still need a visa.

- Jordanians to visit UK without visa -

On Feb. 22, 2024, Jordan will benefit from the new scheme, as well as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This comes ahead of a further global expansion to be announced at a later date.

Qatari nationals will be the first to benefit from the decision as of Nov. 15, 2023.

According to the issued statement, Jordanian visitors can apply for an ETA as early as Feb. 1, 2024. However, those traveling before Feb. 22, 2024 will still need a visa to enter the UK.

Through the ETA, Jordanian visitors, as well as those from GCC countries, will be able to visit the UK for up to six months for personal reasons, visit the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession, or transit through the UK.

- What is an Electronic Travel Authorization? -

An ETA is a new requirement for people who are "previously eligible to travel without a visa," that gives the individual permission to travel to the UK, and is electronically linked to the passport, according to the Home Office website.

It gives travelers permission before they travel to the UK. This comes due to the changing UK travel requirements, according to a video issued by the UK Home Office.

As part of the application process, applicants will need to provide biometric details and answer suitability questions. This will help to prevent dangerous individuals, such as criminals, entering the United Kingdom.

By applying for an ETA in advance, visitors will "benefit from smooth and efficient travel. The application process will be quick, light touch and entirely digital with most visitors applying via a mobile app and receiving a swift decision on their application. The cost of an ETA will be in line with similar international schemes, and individuals can make multiple visits to the UK over a two-year validity period," according to a statement issued by the British Embassy in Amman.

Home Office added that those who will not need an ETA are individuals who already have a "British or Irish passport, those who have permission to live, work or study in the UK, or those who have a visa to enter the UK."

The statement issued by the embassy added that "by the end of 2024, ETAs will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe. Visitors from Europe, and other nations such as America and Australia do not currently need to make any form of application to visit to the UK, however this will be changing with the introduction of ETAs."

- British Ambassador in Amman comments -

Ambassador Bridget Brind said: "Electronic Travel Authorisations will make it easier for Jordanians to visit the UK. I’m delighted that Jordan will be among the first countries to benefit from this new scheme."

"I look forward to more and easier travel enabling our connections to flourish further, boosting our business, educational and cultural connections, advancing our kingdom to kingdom links and continuing our historic friendship," Brind added.