Last reviewed: March 2026. Rules may change; verify with official sources before your trip. This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always check the latest requirements on GOV.UK before travelling.
The UK eTA for Gulf nationals is a mandatory £20 digital travel permission. Required for all GCC citizens visiting the United Kingdom in 2026, this UK Electronic Travel Authorisation allows multiple entries and stays of up to 6 months per visit over a 2-year validity period.
It completely replaced the £30 single-use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), offering a cheaper and more efficient process. This guide outlines specific rules, required details, and payment methods like mada and KNET.
What is the UK eTA and Which Gulf Nationals Need It?
The UK eTA for Gulf nationals is a digital pre-travel permission required for all six GCC nationalities, replacing the £30 single-use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) to strengthen automated border security. As of end of 2025, 24.8 million ETAs have been issued under this scheme.
This UK Electronic Travel Authorisation applies to visa-exempt nationalities from the Gulf. Dual British or Irish citizens are exempt but must travel using their British passport or a £589 Certificate of Entitlement. According to the UK Home Office statement of 10 September 2024, Jordanian nationals were removed from the scheme and now require a standard visitor visa.
| Country | ETA Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Yes | Mandatory for all ages |
| United Arab Emirates | Yes | Mandatory for all ages |
| Qatar | Yes | Mandatory for all ages |
| Kuwait | Yes | Mandatory for all ages |
| Oman | Yes | Mandatory for all ages |
| Bahrain | Yes | Mandatory for all ages |
Step-by-Step UK eTA Application Guide for Gulf Nationals
The UK eTA for Gulf nationals requires applicants to use the mobile app to scan their passport, upload a digital photo, answer suitability questions, and pay a £20 fee, with decisions often arriving in minutes.
Download the app
Get the UK ETA app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. An Arabic interface is available. Alternatively, apply via VFS Global for an additional £19 service fee.
Create an account
Register your basic contact details.
Scan your passport
You must travel using this exact passport.
Provide a photo
Take a clear digital photograph of your face.
Answer suitability questions
Declare any criminality or NHS debt.
Pay the fee
Pay the £20 charge using accepted payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, mada, KNET, or Apple Pay.
Submit the application
Complete the process to receive a 16-digit reference number. Processing takes up to 3 working days.
Example: Ahmed from Riyadh applied for his UK Electronic Travel Authorisation via the app on a Monday morning. He scanned his passport, uploaded a selfie taken with his phone, paid £20 using mada, and received his approval email within 4 hours. He then booked his flight to London.
UK eTA Cost, Validity, and EVW Transition
The UK eTA for Gulf nationals costs a non-refundable £20, remains valid for 2 years, and permits unlimited entries. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation allows multiple journeys with a maximum stay of up to 6 months per visit.
The scheme fully replaced the older EVW system for GCC citizens between October 2023 and February 2024. Travellers can verify their current status using the “Check My ETA” service on GOV.UK.
| Feature | Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) | UK eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | £30 | £20 |
| Validity Period | Single-use | 2 years (or until passport expires) |
| Entry Type | Single entry | Multiple entries |
Rules: Business Travel, Transit, and Refusals
The UK eTA for Gulf nationals allows short-term business and airport transit, but refused applications carry no right of appeal.
Business visitors may attend conferences, sign contracts, and perform unpaid consulting. However, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation prohibits paid employment, which requires a work visa. For transit, passengers passing through UK border control must hold a valid eTA. Airside transit passengers remaining in the departure lounge at Heathrow or Manchester are exempt. Airlines digitally verify the carrier boarding requirement before departure.
Refused applicants are notified by UKVI. With no right of appeal, refused individuals must apply for a standard UK visitor visa. For technical issues, UKVI support is available via webchat, as phone support is not provided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the UK eTA
Can GCC nationals use eGates with a UK eTA?
GCC nationals cannot use the automated eGates at UK airports and must proceed to manual passport control desks.
Can I extend my UK eTA beyond 6 months?
No, you cannot extend a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation beyond 6 months per visit. In-country extensions and switching visa categories are strictly prohibited.
Does unpaid NHS debt affect my UK eTA application?
Yes, unpaid NHS debt or civil penalties can impact your UK eTA for Gulf nationals application. The suitability questions check your history; outstanding debt may trigger an automated refusal.
Do babies and children from Gulf countries need a UK eTA?
Yes, individuals of all ages, including babies and children, need a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorisation. Parents must secure an approved eTA for each child.
Is the UK eTA the same as the EU ETIAS?
No, the UK eTA and the EU ETIAS are independent systems. Gulf nationals must apply separately for the EU ETIAS to visit European countries.
What happens if my passport expires before my UK eTA?
The UK eTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You must travel using the exact same passport used during the application.
Can I use an expired British passport instead of a UK eTA?
Under a temporary concession, dual citizens can use an expired British passport issued from 1989 onwards alongside a valid non-visa passport to prove exemption.
Do Jordanian citizens still qualify for the UK eTA?
No, Jordanian nationals were removed from the scheme on 10 September 2024. As of 2026, citizens of Jordan must apply for a standard UK visitor visa.
What should I do if my eTA application is refused?
There is no right of appeal. The Home Office advises applying for a Standard Visitor Visa. See: www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa
Source: UK Government – GOV.UK – “Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)” (https://www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation)
About the author: This guide was prepared by the editorial team, who monitor UK immigration policy changes and have assisted over 500 Gulf travellers with their travel documentation.
