From 1 January 2014, passport holders of Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months using an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). The introduction of the Home Office’s service will allow nationals from these three countries to apply for an EVW online and free of charge without having to go to a visa application centre or hand in passports prior to travel. The Electronic Visa Waiver, announced by UK Prime Minister David Cameron, can be obtained 48 hours before departure making the process of visiting the UK much easier.
UK Government Eases Visa Restrictions for Arabs
The UK is the second most visited destination by residents of the UAE, with the number of visits doubling in the last 10 years. Visa applications from UAE are increasing year on year with statistics showing that the number of visas issued in 2012 from the UAE is 30,148, an increase of 43% (from September 2012 to September 2013).
The British ambassador to the UAE, Dominic Jermey stated that he is very pleased that the British government is enabling easier access to the UK for Emiratis.”
He went on to say:
“As you know, the UK is sometimes known as the ‘Eighth Emirate’. The UK and UAE share many close ties and our nationals are frequent visitors to each other’s shores. I look forward to welcoming many more Emiratis to the UK.”
UK Government’s Electronic Visa Waiver
The EVW document is only valid for a single entry to the UK on the date and time specified. The biographic details on the EVW must match exactly with the holder’s passport.
For those who travel to the UK frequently, at short notice or may need to re-enter the UK as part of the same trip are advised to apply for a multi-entry visitor visa or longer-term visa as this offers more flexibility.
Expert Immigration Legal Advice on EVW
From 9 December 2013, applicants will be able to take advantage of the EVW service so that they can travel from 1 January 2014. Our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a visa application.
Our team also specialises in providing expert legal advice on visitor visas to the UK step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of the law.
Please contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment of your case.