Visa-free travel to UK for Emiratis to begin in New Year

Emiratis will be able to participate in the UK's electronic visa-waiver programme at the start of the year.

Emiratis will from the new year be able to access the UK’s electronic visa waiver system which will allow them to travel visa-free for up to six months.

“This is the first time the UK has introduced this type of scheme,” said Dominic Jermey, British ambassador to the UAE. “For me, this just underlines the dynamism and importance of the relationship between the UK and UAE and this is a very exciting innovation for us, strengthening even further the appeal of the UK to Emirati tourists, investors and business partners.”

The system is simple and free, and does not require biometrics or a visit to a visa application centre. The document is issued immediately via a secure website and can be obtained online from anywhere in the world for travel to the UK.

Travellers must complete the online form at least 48 hours before departure and present a printed copy upon departure from the UAE and on arrival in the UK.

It is only valid for a single entry to the UK on the date and time specified. The biographic details on the document must match the holder’s passport exactly.

“Each year we welcome ever-increasing numbers of Emirati visitors to the UK for business and leisure,” said Matt Heath, regional director of Middle East and Pakistan UK Visas and Immigration.

“The new visa waiver will now make it cheaper and even easier to visit and I look forward to warmly welcoming record numbers of Emirati travellers in 2014.”