If you haven’t been to the United Kingdom before, or at least in the last few years, you may not be aware of the need to get a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
The British government announced the launch of this digital travel permission in March 2023, and it became mandatory in February 2024 for Kuwaiti citizens who want to travel to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
For those who aren’t familiar with it, this post will outline everything you need to know about the UK ETA, including what it is, how to apply, and what it permits you to do once your application has been approved.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a new travel authorization that replaces the old Electronic Visa Waiver scheme, which previously allowed Kuwaiti citizens to travel visa-free to the UK for up to 6 months.
It was introduced as part of the British government’s Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which was designed to enhance border security.
While currently a compulsory requirement for citizens of Kuwait, it will be a travel prerequisite for nationals of all non-UK countries by 8th January 2025.
What does a UK ETA allow me to do?
The UK ETA for Kuwaiti is not a visa. But if one is granted to you, it enables Kuwaiti citizens who do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom for the following purposes:
Visiting family and friends (6 months maximum)
Travel and tourism (6 months maximum)
Short-term study (6 months maximum)
Paid permitted engagement (i.e., speaker at a conference, musical performance)
Creative Worker visa concession (3 months maximum)
Transiting through the United Kingdom (including not passing through UK border control)
The UK ETA is valid for a period of two years, during which time Kuwait citizens can visit England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales as many times as they want for these purposes – although for a maximum of six months on any one occasion.
What Does the UK ETA Not Allow You to Do
If your application for a UK ETA is approved, it is important to recognize that there are some things it does not permit you to do.
They include:
Staying in the UK for more than 6 months at a time
Visiting the UK on such a regular basis that you are essentially living there.
Work in any capacity (other than a paid permitted engagement or Creative Worker visa concession)
Get married or register a civil partnership
Claim any type of public funding or governmental benefits
You should be aware that if the UK authorities find that you have committed any of these acts, they consider it a serious breach of the terms and conditions of your ETA. In such circumstances, it will most likely be revoked, and you will be deported back to Kuwait.
What are the benefits of the UK ETA?
In addition to digitizing and strengthening border security, the UK ETA provides other tangible benefits to international travelers to the United Kingdom, including citizens of Kuwait.
Some of the main ones are as follows:
Fast application process
The process of applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization is very straightforward, and you should be able to complete it within a few minutes.
Multiple-entries
ETAs have a validity period of two years from the date of approval. During this time, you can visit the UK as often as you want so long as the maximum stay is no longer than six months.
Cost-effective
The cost of obtaining an ETA is much cheaper than UK visas, such as Skilled Worker Dependent, Youth Mobility Scheme, and UK Ancestry which Kuwaitis might be eligible for.
Only one application is required
Due to the validity period of the UK ETA being two years, Kuwaiti nationals will not need to secure separate visas or travel permissions for each of their visits during this time.
Fast Approval Time
Your UK ETA application will be assessed and decided within 72 hours, which is much quicker than the process for UK visas. This decision will be relayed to you via email.
Tips for Kuwaiti Travelers
If you are planning a trip to the UK, it is advisable to apply for your electronic travel authorization as far in advance of your visit as possible. This will ensure you have enough time to resolve any potential issues with your application.
As the ETA is digitally linked to your passport, you must travel to the UK using the passport you applied for the travel authorization. If you do not, then you will be refused entry.
What Happens if my ETA application is refused or rejected?
The British government will advise you via email as to whether your UK ETA application has been granted, refused, or rejected.
If it is granted, you will be able to travel to the UK for the specific purposes outlined above.
However, if it is rejected, the most likely reason is that you submitted incorrect information, poor-quality photos, or your passport has less than six months of validity left. The British government will advise you of the specific reasons, and you will be able to submit another UK ETA application – but you should address these issues.
If your ETA is refused, it could be because you have overstayed a previous visa, have a serious criminal record for which you spent more than 12 months in jail, or are considered a high-level threat to national security.
In such a case, you must apply for a visa if you want to visit the UK.
