UK’s new ETA for GCC

With the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) announced for the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, VisitBritain conducted a special webinar for the agents in the GCC region. More than 300 agents attended the webinar posing their questions to the two speakers, one from the NTO and another from the UK government’s home office.

TT Bureau

Kicking off the webinar, George Christakis, Commercial Manager – GCC, VisitBritain, shared about their new campaign for 2024, which included a host of experiences for the travellers. A special video was placed showcasing all important areas to explore, including the winter wonderland in Hyde Park, Oxford, and Regent. “Britain has got it. I invite you to see it for yourself. This is our brand-new brand campaign that has launched this month. Welcome to Britain, where there is always more to explore. Journey, wild coastlines, adventures through our vibrant cities, go monster hunting, meet the locals. Come see things differently. Plan your trip and visit Britain.com. There is so much to see and do in just 30 seconds. But what I want to do is start with the most magical time of the year. So, basically there is nowhere else in the world, I think, that does the festive season quite like the UK. We all know of winter wonderland in Hyde Park, Oxford, Regent and Carnaby Street, Drakes and Twins and Lights, and the famous Ice Rink at Somerset House,” Christakis said.

The power point presentation included Winter Wonderlands and Festive Season, Coronation Christmas (London), Kingdom of Winter (London), Christmas Markets (Birmingham), Wishmas at Wembley (London), Castle of Light (Edinburgh), Christmas at Kew Gardens (London) and Christmas at Heaton Park (Manchester). In terms of anniversaries, exhibitions and events Wimbledon, London Fashion Week, Chelsea Flower Show, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Glastonbury and Royal Ascot were revealed. Getting on to what is new in 2024 included Icons of British Fashion at Blenheim Palace, 200th anniversary of National Gallery, Rebalance Bath – Festival of Wellbeing, RHS Urban Show, Manchester and of course Brit Fest.

Moving on to the most important Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), Aaron Walton, ETA Engagement from UK Government Home Office, shared an introduction to Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and Future Border and Immigration Systems (FBIS) Programme. “An ETA is advance permission to travel to, or transit through the UK, for those who do not currently need to obtain a visa, or do not have a UK immigration status. An ETA will be valid for two years or until passport expires, whichever sooner and for multiple journeys to the UK within that period. The application process will be light touch, low cost and online. If successful, an ETA – digital permission to travel – will be granted,” Walton informed.

He moved on to show the benefits of an ETA, which is to strengthen the security of the UK border, enhance ability to screen travellers and stop those posing a threat to the UK.