Citizens of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia who are intending to visit the UK will no longer be required to obtain a Visit visa in advance of travel.
The new rule comes into effect on June 1, 2022. Travellers from both countries can choose instead to apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) to travel to the UK.
This means that travellers Bahrain and Saudi Arabian nationals can travel to the UK without obtaining a visa provided they complete an online waiver for each visit.
UK’s Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “This visa waiver for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will better 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.”
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: ”This visa waiver will strengthen our relationships 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.
VisitBritain’s CEO Patricia Yates said: “It is great news that nationals from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain will be eligible for an electronic visa waiver to visit the UK from 1 June.
“Saudi Arabia is one of our highest spending markets, we know there is strong pent-up demand for international travel from the Gulf and making it easier for visitors to get to the UK is crucial to our message of welcome and to our competitive tourism offer.
“Saudi Arabia is one of our highest spending markets, we know there is strong pent-up demand for international travel from the Gulf and making it easier for visitors to get to the UK is crucial to our message of welcome and to our competitive tourism offer.”
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