GCC nationals can travel to UK without a visa from 2023

London: With the Britain's new visa-free travel scheme that will be commenced from the next year, the Gulf Cooperation Council nationals join the ranks of the US and Canada who can avail the scheme benefit.

This means, the GCC nationals will be exempted from mandatory applying for a visa before visiting Britain from 2023.

Britain has announced its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, a part of its process of fully digitisation of its border by the end of 2025.

Home secretary Priti Patel said: "This move means that Gulf states will be among the first countries in the world to benefit from ETAs and visa-free travel to the UK.

Nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be eligible for the ETA facility from the next year.

"Our number one priority is the security of the UK border and by launching ETAs we can ensure that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so in advance of travel and refuse those who pose a threat," Patel added.

Once granted, the ETA is akin to a multi-travel visa covering extended stays, but until its introduction, GCC nationals will continue to benefit from access to the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme, which can be completed online before visits to Britain.