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IMPACT – Medium
What is the change? The U.K. and Ireland will waive visas for Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates beginning Jan. 1, 2014.
What does the change mean? Nationals of these three countries can travel visa-free to the U.K. and to Ireland for up to six months by obtaining an electronic visa waiver document online.
Background: The U.K. announced the visa waiver program for four Persian Gulf countries last month. The U.K. implemented the electronic visa waiver (EVW) on Jan. 1, 2014, for three of the countries – Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. The fourth country, Kuwait, is expected to be phased in later this year.
The EVW is an online document that must be completed at least 48 hours before travel. It is available for visits lasting up to six months. Those applying to work or study cannot avail themselves of the EVW, and must apply for a visa. Nationals of the above countries also qualify for the Irish Short-Stay Visa Waiver program as long as they present their EVW when entering Ireland.
BAL Analysis: The visa waiver will boost tourist and business travel from Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to the U.K. and Ireland by making it faster and cheaper and eliminating normal visa procedures.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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