The UK is starting a trial of its electronic travel authorization (ETA) system with Qatar nationals from October 25. This means that Qatar nationals will need an ETA before traveling to the UK from November 15.
The ETA will eventually be required for all non-visa-exempt foreign travelers to the UK. However, Qatar nationals are the first to participate in the trial.Once you have an ETA, you can visit the UK for tourism, business, or to meet friends and family.
The UK government plans to expand the ETA program to other Gulf countries, starting in February 2024, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.Eventually, citizens from other visa-exempt countries, including those from the EU, will also need an ETA to travel to the UK.The ETA will also allow you to transit through the UK.
To get an ETA, you can apply through the UK government website or use the UK ETA app. It usually takes three working days to process, but it might take longer for additional checks.The fee for an ETA has not been announced yet, but it’s expected to be cheaper than a visa.
Many other countries have similar systems, like the US with its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and the EU planning to introduce the European Travel Information Authorization (ETIAS) system by 2025 for non-visa-exempt travelers.”
UK ETA for Qatar, Qatar nationals UK travel, UK electronic travel authorization, UK visa changes for Qatar, UK visa update Qatar