More than 5,000 electronic applications for the UK visa-waiver scheme have been completed since its launch on January 1, the UK embassy in Abu Dhabi said.
So far, 1,948 Emiratis, 1,369 Omanis and 2,184 Qataris have submitted successful applications, allowing them to travel to the UK without a visa.
Travellers must enter details online, such as their flight, date and time of travel. The system was upgraded last week to emphasise to travellers that their name must exactly match the name on their passport, and that the waiver is valid only for the journey stated.
“As we approach the spring and summer, I look forward to seeing even more taking advantage of the new scheme,” said Dominic Jermey, the British ambassador to the UAE. “For the visa waiver to work well as an alternative to the visit visa, it’s really important that the form is filled in correctly, ensuring a trouble-free journey for Emiratis to the UK.”
cmalek@thenational.ae
