While specifying that Qataris are the first to benefit from this system, the British government announced today, Thursday, that it has chosen the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan to be the first countries in the world whose citizens will benefit from the (new electronic travel permit system), which will enter into service before the end of this year.
The British Home Office confirmed – in a press statement – that Qatar will be the first country whose citizens can use this system starting next October, while the rest of the citizens of the Cooperation Council countries, in addition to Jordan, will be able to use the system starting from February 2024.
She stated that the new system, which is known as (ITA), will completely replace the previous electronic visa system, to be circulated by the end of next year to all countries whose passport holders do not need a short-term British tourist visa, including the European Union, the United States and Australia.
She explained that the permit (visa) will be valid for two years and multiple trips, adding that the costs of obtaining these electronic permits will be close to what is approved in other countries, but without revealing the exact value.
The statement indicated that citizens of the countries concerned with this system can submit a request for an entry permit to the United Kingdom through an easy electronic application that allows them to obtain an entry permit in a short period of time.
How to apply The British government has indicated that applying for new electronic travel permits will be a quick, light and fully digital process; Most visitors apply via a mobile app and receive a quick decision on their application.
According to the government statement, it is "As part of the application process, individuals will need to provide biometric details and answer a range of suitability questions".
For his part, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said: After the first launch of the system in favor of the State of Qatar, visitors from the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan can apply for new electronic travel permits as of February 2024, and the new system will completely replace the current electronic visa waiver system. Which requires visitors to the UK from GCC countries to pay a higher cost for a single-use visitor visa.
