What is a UK ETA for Qatari Citizens?

The UK electronic travel authorization is a digital permit that allows Qatari citizens to visit the United Kingdom for a period of up to 6 months without going through the traditional UK visa process. The purpose of introducing the UK ETA from Qatar was to streamline the process, making it simpler and more efficient to gain entry into the UK. Allowing citizens of Qatar a more accessible visa option will also prevent issues regarding illegal immigration and organized crime.

The ETA was launched for Qatari citizens in October 2023 to replace the Electronic UK Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme. It allows Qatari citizens to stay in the UK for a total of 6 months over the course of 2 years. The ETA is valid for 2 years unless your passport expires within this time. Whether you are traveling for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or studying, the total time permitted in the UK is 6 months. You are also eligible to enter for a permitted paid engagement or to transit through the UK with the ETA. You can also visit the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession. If you already have a valid visa to enter the United Kingdom, you are not required to also obtain the ETA.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Qatari Citizens

There are many benefits to obtaining a UK ETA visa for Qatari citizens. If you are visiting for a period of less than 6 months for purposes that don’t require a traditional visa, the ETA is the best option for a quick and easy process.

Quick and Easy Application Process

The ETA UK visa application process from Qatar is simple and can be completed and submitted within a matter of minutes. In comparison with the previously required EVW, the ETA reduces hassle and saves time.

Cost-Effective

The ETA is the most cost-effective way for Qatari citizens to visit the UK. The fee is much lower than a UK visa for Qatari citizens or the EVW, making it accessible for travelers to attain. With our services, the cost of the ETA is a low fee of only 70 pounds.

Multi-Entry Validity

Over the course of 2 years, you can enter the UK multiple times. As long as you do not stay longer than 6 months, you are permitted to continue entering and exiting the United Kingdom which allows for flexible travel arrangements. The EVW is limited to a single entry, making the ETA much more convenient for Qatari citizens.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Qatari Citizens

You have to be able to meet a few areas of criteria in order to be eligible for the ETA. These requirements are simple to meet and can be easily obtained for most.

  • The Applicant Must be a Citizen of Qatar In order to be eligible, the applicant must be a Qatari citizen. Even though Qatari citizenship is required, you can apply from anywhere in the world.
  • Applicant Cannot Stay in the UK Longer than Six Months The United Kingdom ETA is only valid for a stay of up to 6 months. If you are planning on spending more than 6 months, you should apply for a different UK visa from Qatar.
  • Applicant Must Not Have a Criminal RecordIt is necessary to have a clean criminal record in order to obtain the UK electronic travel authorization. Criminal convictions may affect your eligibility and it is best to apply for a different visa so you have the chance to explain your case.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The ETA is valid for a total of 2 years once you receive it. If your passport expires during these 2 years, your ETA is no longer valid and you are required to reapply for a new ETA. Over the course of these 2 years, you are eligible to enter and exit the UK multiple times. The maximum time permitted to stay in the UK is 6 months.

UK ETA Requirements for Citizens of Qatar

While it is a simple process to apply for the ETA, as a Qatari citizen there are a few requirements you must have. In order to apply for the ETA, the following are required.

Passport

You are required to have a valid passport to enter the UK. Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from the United Kingdom.

Passport

Payment Method

The entire process is online, so you must have a method of payment that you can pay online with. Accepted payment methods are debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Payment Method

Digital Passport Photo

When applying, you will be required to submit a digital passport photo. This photo must meet certain requirements, including having the correct sizing and being able to clearly see your face.

Digital Passport Photo

Email Address

You will receive notifications regarding your application via email address so you must have a valid email address.

Email Address

Applying for a UK ETA for Qatari Citizens

It is a straightforward process to apply for the ETA. Applying for the ETA UK should only take a few minutes to fully complete.

1

Fill Out the Application Form

The first step is to fill out the online application form. Make sure to fill out all required fields completely and accurately.

2

Attach Required Documents

Required documents, such as a copy of your passport and your passport photo must be uploaded. Make sure your uploads adhere to the size and format guidelines.

3

Pay the Application Fee

Once you are ready to submit your application, you will pay the application fee. This can be paid using a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

4

Submit the Application

Make sure everything within your application is complete and accurate. After you have ensured that everything is ready, submit your application.

5

Receive Your ETA

You will receive the results regarding your ETA, you will be notified by email. Once your ETA is approved, you are authorized to travel to the United Kingdom.

UK ETA Processing Time for Qatari Citizens​​

The UK ETA visa processing time is quick. After submitting your application, you should expect to receive results within 3 working days. This allows for flexible travel planning for Qatari citizens visiting the UK.

UK ETA Fees for Qatari Citizens

The ETA is the most cost-effective way for Qatari citizens to visit the UK. Using our services, you pay only a low price of 70 pounds. This includes both the governmental fees and our professional service fees.

Travel with a UK ETA

Your ETA is linked to the passport you used to apply for it. If you are a dual passport holder, it is essential that you travel with the passport you used to apply for the ETA.

Departure
to the UK

The ETA is entirely electronic, making it convenient and simple for traveling. Even though it is not required, it is advised to print your approved ETA in case of any unexpected situations when traveling. You must use the same passport you used to apply for the ETA when traveling to the UK. It is required to have an approved ETA when you travel. If you have not received your approved ETA, you will not be granted access to board your transportation into the UK.

Arrival and Entry
Procedures in the UK

Once you arrive in the UK, you will go through an immigration procedure. During this check, your ETA, confirmed onward travel, and financial stability proof will be confirmed. If you do not have an approved ETA, proof of onward travel, or sufficient funds for your travels, you will not be granted access to enter the United Kingdom.

Once you enter the UK, you can travel freely between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. When traveling between these countries, you should only be required to provide documentation regarding your identification.

FAQs

Yes, you are able to travel to the UK with a Qatar residence permit. You will be required to obtain travel permissions, such as an ETA (if you are a citizen of one of the eligible countries) or a UK visa for Qatar residents.

The main difference between the ETA and the UK Electronic Visa is the application process and the purpose of obtaining them. The ETA is a quick process and is geared towards short stays in the UK. The E-Visa has a more comprehensive application process and is geared towards those traveling to the UK for longer than 6 months.

No, the ETA cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer than 6 months in the UK, you should either apply for a proper visa or exit the UK and reapply for a new ETA.

No, you can be anywhere in the world (except for the UK) to apply for the electronic travel authorization to visit the UK.

GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, except Jordan, are eligible to apply for the UK ETA. Countries within the GCC include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

We will assist you 
in every step

Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.

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