The UK government is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan. According to official announcements, the requirement will be introduced for Qatari nationals from February 1, 2026, and for other eligible nationalities later in the spring of 2026.
The ETA is a digital permission for travel to the UK for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays. It is required for tourism, business, study (up to six months), or transit. The scheme is already in place for travelers from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The application is made online, costs Ā£10, and is usually decided within three working days. A successful ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. The UK government states the system is designed to strengthen border security by screening travelers before they arrive.
The expansion is part of a broader plan to make the ETA a universal requirement for all visitors who do not need a visa, a process expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Travelers are advised to check the latest official guidance from the UK government before planning their journey.
