GCC Countries Eligible for UK ETA

Travellers holding a passport issued by any of the 6 GCC countries are eligible to apply for a UK ETA:

  1. Saudi Arabia
  2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  3. Qatar
  4. Kuwait
  5. Bahrain
  6. Oman

Important: Having GCC residency does not make once eligible to apply for the UK ETA. Eligibility solely depends on the applicant’s passport.

UK ETA Requirements for GCC Nationals

  • Scan Copy of the Passport Bio Page: A clear scan of the passport bio page. The passport must be valid for the entire stay duration in the United Kingdom. 
  • Recent Photograph: Submit recently taken photograph taken against a light color background. The photograph must reflect applicants current appearance. 

Requirements for UK ETA for GCC Nationals may change depending on the UK ETA policy. GCC nationals must therefore be aware of the current requirements before applying. 

What Can GCC Nationals Do With a UK ETA?

The UK introduced the ETA system with several key objectives in mind.

Travel Purpose

Permitted Activities

Tourism

Holidays, sightseeing and leisure

Business

Meetings, conferences and approved business activities.

Family Visits

Visiting relatives and friends

Short-Term Study

Approved courses and educational activities

Transit

Passing through UK border control during transit

Permitted Paid Engagement

Eligible pre-arranged professional activities

Creative Work

Eligible work under the Creative Worker concession

Note: UK ETA does not allow regular employment, long-term study and permanent residency in the country.

UK ETA Validity for GCC Passport Holders

Validity

2 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first

Stay Duration

Up to 6 months per visit

Entry Type

Multiple entries within the validity period.

Note: Any one travelling to UK, including childrens and infant are required to obtain UK ETA prior to travelling.

How Can GCC Nationals Apply for a UK ETA?

Step 1: Provide Details in the UK ETA Application: Choose your nationality and then enter personal, passport and contact information.

Step 2 : Upload Documents: Choose a processing option then submit the required passport scan and photograph. Submit clear scan copy of the documents. 

Step 3: Pay the ETA Fee: Complete the UK ETA fee payment using credit/debit card, paypal or cryptocurrency. 

Step 4: Receive the ETA: Once approved, the ETA is issued within 1 hour (if super-rush processing is selected) to the registered email ID and is electronically linked to the applicant's passport.

Note:

  • Choosing faster processing option requires applicant to pay additional fee. 
  • The applicant receives regular status updates once the application processing starts.

Before Travelling to the United Kingdom

  1. Travel to UK using the same passport used for the ETA application.
  2. In case the passport is replaced, a new ETA needs to be obtained. 
  3. The ETA must be approved before travelling.

Can GCC Nationals Use One ETA for Multiple UK Trips?

Yes. GCC nationals can visit the UK multiple times while their ETA remains valid. Each visit must meet the permitted purpose and stay conditions.


Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in October 2026. Travellers are advised to confirm the latest requirements with the relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines before travelling.