How to Apply for a UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
An Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) allows citizens from certain countries to visit the UK without needing to apply for a full Visitor visa. If you’re from one of these eligible countries, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months for purposes like tourism, business, study, or medical treatment. In this guide, we’ll cover who can apply for an EVW, how to apply, and why it’s a quicker and easier option compared to a traditional visa.
What is a UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)?
A UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) allows nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing to apply for a Visitor visa. The EVW is valid for tourism, business, study, or medical treatment only. If you are from one of these countries and need to visit the UK for other reasons (like work or marriage), you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
Why Choose an EVW Over a Visa?
Applying for an EVW is much easier and faster than applying for a traditional UK Visitor visa. With an EVW:
- The application process is quicker, and fewer documents are required.
- There’s no need to visit a visa application center or submit biometric data.
- You can apply up to 48 hours before your trip, making it ideal for urgent travel plans.
Important Change for Qatari Nationals
Starting on November 15, 2023, nationals of Qatar will no longer apply for an EVW. Instead, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA system is being rolled out gradually, and Qataris will be able to apply for an ETA from October 25, 2023. The ETA allows visits to the UK for:
- Up to 6 months for tourism, business, or study.
- Up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Transit purposes, without passing through UK border control.
How to Apply for a UK Electronic Visa Waiver
To apply for an EVW, follow these simple steps:
- Gather Your Documents:
- A valid passport.
- Your UK accommodation details (address where you’ll stay).
- Your travel details (departure and arrival dates/times).
- Complete the EVW Application Form:
- Fill in the form online on the UK Home Office website.
- Make sure your details match exactly with those on your passport (this includes spelling, spaces, hyphens, and punctuation).
- Any discrepancies can lead to your application being refused.
- Pay the Application Fee:
- The fee is £30, which can be paid by debit or credit card.
- Submit Separate Applications for Others:
- If you’re traveling with family members, each person (including children and spouses) needs to submit their application.
- Wait for Approval:
- After submitting the form, you’ll receive your EVW by email if your application is approved.
After Applying for an EVW
- If Approved: You will receive an email with a link to download your EVW. Print it out or keep a digital copy on your phone or tablet to show at the UK border.
- If Refused: You may be able to fix any errors and reapply. If needed, seek help from an immigration expert at Law and Visas for advice.
On Arrival in the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you must present your EVW at the border. This can be a printed copy or shown digitally on your phone or tablet.
Important Note: The EVW can only be used once. If you plan to visit the UK again, you will need to apply for a new EVW each time.
Changing Your Travel Plans
If your travel plans change after applying for your EVW, you can update your details:
- Go to the Home Office EVW page.
- Enter your EVW number and date of birth as shown in your passport.
- Update your travel details (e.g., new dates or different airports).
- Confirm the changes and download your updated EVW.
For nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, applying for a UK Electronic Visa Waiver is a quick, easy, and affordable way to visit the UK without the need for a full visa. It allows for last-minute travel and is especially useful for those with urgent travel needs.
If you need assistance with your application or have any questions, Law and Visas can help guide you through the process.
An Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) allows citizens from certain countries to visit the UK without needing to apply for a full Visitor visa. If you’re from one of these eligible countries, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months for purposes like tourism, business, study, or medical treatment. In this guide, we’ll cover who can apply for an EVW, how to apply, and why it’s a quicker and easier option compared to a traditional visa.
What is a UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)?
A UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) allows nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing to apply for a Visitor visa. The EVW is valid for tourism, business, study, or medical treatment only. If you are from one of these countries and need to visit the UK for other reasons (like work or marriage), you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
Why Choose an EVW Over a Visa?
Applying for an EVW is much easier and faster than applying for a traditional UK Visitor visa. With an EVW:
- The application process is quicker, and fewer documents are required.
- There’s no need to visit a visa application center or submit biometric data.
- You can apply up to 48 hours before your trip, making it ideal for urgent travel plans.
Important Change for Qatari Nationals
Starting on November 15, 2023, nationals of Qatar will no longer apply for an EVW. Instead, they must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA system is being rolled out gradually, and Qataris will be able to apply for an ETA from October 25, 2023. The ETA allows visits to the UK for:
- Up to 6 months for tourism, business, or study.
- Up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Transit purposes, without passing through UK border control.
How to Apply for a UK Electronic Visa Waiver
To apply for an EVW, follow these simple steps:
- Gather Your Documents:
- A valid passport.
- Your UK accommodation details (address where you’ll stay).
- Your travel details (departure and arrival dates/times).
- Complete the EVW Application Form:
- Fill in the form online on the UK Home Office website.
- Make sure your details match exactly with those on your passport (this includes spelling, spaces, hyphens, and punctuation).
- Any discrepancies can lead to your application being refused.
- Pay the Application Fee:
- The fee is £30, which can be paid by debit or credit card.
- Submit Separate Applications for Others:
- If you’re traveling with family members, each person (including children and spouses) needs to submit their application.
- Wait for Approval:
- After submitting the form, you’ll receive your EVW by email if your application is approved.
After Applying for an EVW
- If Approved: You will receive an email with a link to download your EVW. Print it out or keep a digital copy on your phone or tablet to show at the UK border.
- If Refused: You may be able to fix any errors and reapply. If needed, seek help from an immigration expert at Law and Visas for advice.
On Arrival in the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you must present your EVW at the border. This can be a printed copy or shown digitally on your phone or tablet.
Important Note: The EVW can only be used once. If you plan to visit the UK again, you will need to apply for a new EVW each time.
Changing Your Travel Plans
If your travel plans change after applying for your EVW, you can update your details:
- Go to the Home Office EVW page.
- Enter your EVW number and date of birth as shown in your passport.
- Update your travel details (e.g., new dates or different airports).
- Confirm the changes and download your updated EVW.
For nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, applying for a UK Electronic Visa Waiver is a quick, easy, and affordable way to visit the UK without the need for a full visa. It allows for last-minute travel and is especially useful for those with urgent travel needs.
If you need assistance with your application or have any questions, Law and Visas can help guide you through the process.
