The UK has added Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to its list of countries eligible for electronic visa waivers, making travel safer, cheaper and easier, the Home Office announced on Wednesday.
Citizens from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain join those from other GCC states including Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar in being eligible.
From June 1, nationals of the two countries can apply to travel to the UK for tourism, business, study or medical treatment for up to six months online before travel without needing to submit visa applications.
UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton said the process was quick, straightforward and inexpensive.
An electronic visa waiver will cost only about 140 Saudi riyals ($37), the Saudi Press Agency reported. That is around a third of the old price of $128 for six months.
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the visa waiver for Saudi Arabia will “connect the people of our countries and boost economic prosperity”.
“The electronic visa waiver is a quick, digital alternative to the regular visit visa and ensures all the necessary security checks are carried out in advance of travel. The visa improvements announced today will provide greater security for our citizens while making it easier and cheaper for visitors from the Gulf to travel here for leisure and business,” she said.
The electronic visa waiver will allow Saudis and Bahrainis to travel to the UK without obtaining a prior visa provided they complete an online waiver form and pay the fees.
The UK Home Office said the process is faster than applying for a visa as there is no need to provide biometric information, visit a visa application centre or hand in your passport before travel.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the visa waiver will strengthen the UK's relationship with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, making it easier for visitors from the Gulf to come to the UK.
“Our friendships with both countries are of great importance, built on shared priorities such as trade, investment and security,” she said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made an official visit to Saudi Arabia last month and met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two nations agreed to form a Strategic Partnership Council.
Australia (15-1): Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Tui; Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
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Ireland (15-1):
Ireland (15-1): Rob Kearney; Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale; Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack Conan, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony; James Ryan, Quinn Roux; Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt), Cian Healy
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne, Andrew Porter, Ultan Dillane, Josh van der Flier, John Cooney, Joey Carbery, Jordan Larmour
Coach: Joe Schmidt (NZL)
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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