Travellers from countries across the Gulf region planning trips to the United Kingdom will be subject to new entry requirements starting 26 February 2026. The UK government is introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — a mandatory digital permit for nationals of countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to the UK for short stays of up to six months. Countries affected in the Gulf region The new requirement applies to travellers holding passports from:
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Bahrain
The change applies uniformly across the region and is not limited to a specific city, emirate, or airline.
Electronic Travel Authorisation is an online travel permit required for visa-exempt foreign nationals. It is designed to be quicker and simpler than a traditional visa and can be obtained entirely online. The introduction of ETA is part of the UK’s broader transition from physical immigration documents to eVisas.
ETA is not required for travellers who:
- hold a British or Irish passport;
- already have a valid UK visa;
- have permission to live, work or study in the UK, including Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Cost and validity ETA costs approximately £16; it allows travel to the UK for tourism, family visits or business for up to six months; each traveller must have their own ETA, including children and infants; applications for families or groups can be submitted together.
Important to note ETA will be checked before boarding. Passengers without a valid ETA may be denied boarding by airlines. Airlines operating routes between Gulf countries and the UK have already begun notifying passengers about the upcoming changes.
