On Monday, the United Arab Emirates was added to the United Kingdom’s list of countries eligible for its new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, lifting visa restrictions for UAE passport holders in the UK from 2023.
Through the landmark announcement, UAE citizens will no longer need a visa to visit the UK, bringing regulations to the UK with other major partners, which include the United States and Canada. The decision will further cement the UK as one of the most popular tourist destinations for the emirate and will immensely benefit the many UAE citizens who visit the UK each year.
In addition, giving the UAE greater access to the UK will further strengthen the important economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The UAE is one of the UK’s most important trading partners in the region and one of the fastest-growing markets for UK exports. Through the signing of the Partnership for the Future and the Sovereign Investment Partnership last year, the UAE and UK continue to strengthen cooperation in diverse areas such as energy transition, sustainability, education and cultural development.
The decision, which has been extended to other countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), was announced by the UK Home Office and is part of the UK government’s move to a fully digital border by the end of 2025.
Prior to the ETA system, which is to be launched in 2023, UAE nationals visiting the UK can continue to use the electronic visa waiver, which allows individuals to complete the waiver online for each UK visit.