In a momentous high-level meeting, Saudi Arabia and the UK have announced a groundbreaking visa initiative, ushering in a new era for citizens visiting the European country. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Khereiji, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh, hosted Tariq Ahmad, the British Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the United Nations at the Foreign and Development Office. They have announced a new ETA Visa for Saudi Citizens and here’s all about it.
Electronic Evolution: From EVW to ETA
If you’re a national of #Bahrain, #Jordan, #Kuwait, #Oman, #SaudiArabia or the #UnitedArabEmirates
You can get an #ETA if you’re travelling to the UK on or after 22 February 2024. You’ll be able to apply from 1 February 2024.Just download the App pic.twitter.com/mvZVFTs5CT
— Dr.Ali Alalmai د.علي الألمعي (@DrAlalmai) January 31, 2024
The pivotal meeting marked the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa for Saudi citizens travelling to Britain. Effective February 1, citizens of Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries can now apply for this electronic travel pass. This monumental shift replaces the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system and streamlines the entry process for travellers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
Benefits Of The New Visa For Saudi Citizens
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron: Regional stability is a top shared priority between #Britain and #SaudiArabia. I met with His Royal Highness Crown Prince #Mohammed_BinSalman to discuss the UK’s goal of an immediate humanitarian truce in #Gaza, followed by a sustainable… pic.twitter.com/jiyHhmSXXk
— محمد بن سلمان بن عبد العزيز (Informal) (@HRHMBNSALMAAN) January 31, 2024
The ETA visa offers many advantages, including a validity period of up to two years and the flexibility of multiple entries during this duration. Remarkably, travellers can now enjoy this convenience without the need for a pre-entry visa, fostering smoother transitions into the UK. Priced at a nominal fee of £10 ($12.7), the new visa regime is set to commence on February 22, with applications open from February 1.
More Than Just Tourism
This progressive move extends beyond tourism, encompassing various purposes such as business engagements, short-term study opportunities, and medical treatments. The broad spectrum of applications reflects the commitment of both nations to facilitate seamless interactions and collaborations.
Bilateral Relations In Focus
HRH the Crown Prince met with UK Foreign Secretary, during which they discussed aspects of bilateral relations and areas of joint cooperation along with ways to further enhance them, in addition to regional developments and the efforts toward achieving security and stability. pic.twitter.com/JdY47sjOd3
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) January 31, 2024
The announcement of the ETA visa is not just a procedural update; it signifies the enduring strength of Saudi-British ties. The continuous coordination between the foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia and Britain stands as a testament to the commitment to realising the shared aspirations of their leadership and people. The high-level meeting also delved into discussions on bolstering bilateral relations and exploring avenues for development across diverse fields. Additionally, the officials engaged in a comprehensive review of regional and international developments of mutual interest.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the ETA visa marks a transformative step towards fostering connectivity and collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the UK. This initiative not only simplifies travel logistics but also symbolizes a deeper commitment to building enduring partnerships across a spectrum of domains.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Stock Images
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First Published: February 01, 2024 1:00 PM