MUSCAT -- The new Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) form to travel to the United Kingdom which allows Omani citizens to visit the UK is available on the web from today, but cannot travel before January 1, 2014. Mohammed bin Awadh al Hasani, Head of the Office of the Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, said at a workshop that the new system reflects not only the unique relationship between the governments of Oman and the UK, but also between our people. This new system which will be available from today and effective from January 1, 2014, reflects the relations between two countries. He added that EVW is very simple and could be completed online and that this is made of one page only. He also said that negotiations are on between Oman and Schengen countries to allow Omanis to travel through electronic visa, but the negotiations are expected to take longer time.
He added that the EVW is very simple to complete, free of charge and quicker than applying for a visa. The document is issued immediately via a secure website and can be obtained online from anywhere in the world for travel to the UK. He added that contacts and meetings will be held between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education with specialists from the British side to facilitate procedures for students studying in the United Kingdom. He also said that the new system applies to those who travel to the UK for up to six months. Meanwhile, Matt Heath, Regional Director, UK Visas and Immigration, said: "The new system is applicable only for Omani citizens not the residents of Oman. An EVW can be completed up to three months before the travel date and must be completed at least 48 hours before departure to the UK." He stated that the new visa centre will be open next March at the Grand Mall, Muscat.
He added that the new system will not take more than 10 minutes and the traveller should check the details including name and the numbers because wrong details will not be accepted. Each traveller must present a paper copy of their EVW at the departure port -- air, sea or train -- and again on arrival in the UK. Electronic copies on phone, Tablets or personal computers will not be accepted. Each EVW document is only valid for a single entry to the UK, and if someone wants to extend must leave the UK and come back on a new visa. For example if you are a tourist to London and want to go for a launch in Paris, you need to apply for another electronic visa which needs at least 48 hours. If your flight is cancelled, the airline will contact British authorities but if you cancel your booking you need to apply for another new visa before 48 hours. The visa is a free of charge. If you are a parent and taking your children, you need to apply EVW visa for each, but if you are taking a non-Omani with you for example your housemaid, she has to get a visa through old system but other Omani families can apply through the new system.
He added that the personal details on the EVW form must exactly match with those shown in the passport you use to travel to the UK. On the EVW form you must specify details of your journey to the UK. If you are visiting the UK as part of a multi-leg trip, you must include details of the last leg of your journey to the UK. If you leave Britain and would like to re-enter, you need a separate EVW for that journey. Once an EVW form is successfully submitted, you must complete the signature and declaration sections. You will receive a confirmation that the form has been submitted by email which contains a link to the EVW document which you can save and print immediately or at a later date. You must take a printed copy with you when you start your journey. If you are a frequent visitor to the UK, travel at short notice or want to re-enter the UK multiple times as part of the same trip you may prefer to choose to travel on a visit visa to meet your needs. Visit visas are available for durations of up to 10 years.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
