Wednesday, Jan 01, 2014
Dubai: Emiratis have started visiting the UK using the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) that allows visits to the UK for up to six months without a visa, officials said.
The British Embassy in Abu Dhabi said so far 170 Emiratis had completed an EVW. With an EVW there is no requirement to provide biometrics, attend a visa application centre or hand in passports prior to travel.
The document is issued immediately via a secure website and can be obtained online from anywhere in the world for travel to the UK.
UAE, Qatari and Omani passport holders wishing to work, study or visit the UK for longer than six months must obtain a visa and cannot travel on an EVW document.
Travellers must complete their EVW online at least 48 hours before departure and present a printed copy on departure and again on arrival in the UK. The EVW is only valid for a single entry to the UK on the date and time specified.
“I’m delighted to see Emiratis start to use the EVW scheme. Introducing this scheme is a really important part of the drive by the British government to make relations between our two great nations ever closer,” Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to the UAE, said.
In 2012, the number of visas issued to UAE travellers was 30,148.
“Like all important relationships, it is our people who are at the heart of the long-standing friendship between the UK and the UAE.
“This visa waiver offers a great alternative to a visa and can now make it easier for Emiratis to visit Britain. The UK looks forward to warmly welcoming more Emirati visitors for business and leisure,” Jermey added.
The UK is the second most visited destination by residents of the UAE with the number of visits doubling in the last ten years.
UK border force officials have been working through the night at local airports to assist airlines and travellers using the scheme, the embassy said.
“We’ve already seen really good uptake of the EVW scheme, it is simple to complete, free of charge and quicker than applying for a visa.
“When completing an EVW it is essential that the travellers enter their full name, spelt exactly as it appears in their passport together with their date of birth and exact flight details,” Matt Heath, Regional Director for UK Visas and Immigration, said.
Those who travel frequently, at short notice, or may need to re-enter the UK as part of the same trip are advised to apply for a multi-entry visitor visa or longer term visa. This offers “more flexibility” and can last up to ten years.
Staff Report
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