The UK government has revised the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). This update was communicated via a memorandum issued on Tuesday. Under the revised guidelines, two new criteria have been incorporated into the suitability grounds for obtaining an ETA.
Firstly, applicants who have previously been denied a visit visa or entry permission as a visitor to the UK will be ineligible for an ETA. This exclusion does not apply to those who subsequently received a visit visa after the initial refusal or held valid permission that was not revoked due to the refusal. Instead, those whose ETA applications are rejected will need to apply for a visit visa.
The second criterion extends the grounds for refusal to include applicants whose previous ETA was cancelled for reasons unrelated to suitability. According to the statement, without the ability to subsequently refuse an ETA under these circumstances, an individual could be denied entry at the UK border and have their ETA cancelled. They would then need to re-apply for an ETA and board another flight to the UK to attempt re-entry with a valid ETA.
These changes aim to ensure that applicants who do not qualify for an ETA are directed to apply for a visa, thereby ensuring they meet the necessary entry requirements beforehand. Khaleej Times is investigating whether these changes impact UAE citizens.
The ETA is a permit for nationals from select countries to travel to the UK without a visa. Currently, citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are eligible to apply for the ETA. The permit allows for travel to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study purposes. Additionally, it permits visits of up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession, as well as for permitted paid engagements and transit through the UK without passing through border control.
The UK government has also reinstated the visa requirement for Jordanians travelling to the country. This decision follows an increase in the number of Jordanians travelling to the UK for purposes not permitted under the visit and ETA provisions, such as living, working, or claiming asylum in the UK. The new visa regime includes a 28-day transition period from September 10 for Jordanians who hold a valid ETA and have confirmed travel bookings prior to the imposition date. During this period, these individuals will not be required to obtain a visit visa. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a visa, and Jordanian nationals with travel bookings after the transition period will also require a visa.
