How To Apply For UK E-Visa

The UK Electronic Visa Waiver allows selected foreign nationals to apply for a visa to enter the Kingdom by completing an online application.

By applying electronically, the applicant saves both time and money. Holders of EVW can also enter the UK to visit or study for up to 6 months without having to apply for a visa.

Why Is the UK Electronic Visa Waiver Issued?

The UK electronic visa waiver is provided for several purposes. If you want to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, education, or medical treatment, you can apply for a UK electronic visa waiver. An EVW, however, does not allow you to engage in paid activities or maintain permanent residence in the UK. To work or live in the United Kingdom, you must first obtain the appropriate visa.

• Which Countries Can Apply for the UK Electronic Visa Waiver?

You can apply for an EVW (electronic visa waiver) if you are a national of one of the following countries:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Citizens from countries not listed above, may have to apply for a regular embassy visa or they can enter UK without a visa for up to six months.

How to Apply for the UK Electronic Visa Waiver?

Applying for an EVW is not the same as receiving a regular UK visa. This is because you are not required to submit your application at your native country’s embassy or consulate. The entire process is completed online and takes only a few minutes. The application process goes as follows:

• Start your application here: You will first need to select your nationality (Bahraini, Emirati, Kuwaiti, Omani, Qatari, Saudi).
• Enter your passport details: Write down your passport number. You should use the number on your passport photo page. You must include any starting zeros. Write down the date your passport was issued (day, month, year – in this order). Enter the date when your passport will expire (the date must be written in the same order as the previous date). Next, you must enter the name of the country in which your passport was issued and, lastly, your country of birth.
• Attach a picture of your passport: You must upload a picture of your passport biographical page.
  Enter your personal details. This includes your gender, date of birth, your place of birth (as written in your passport). Based on if you have ever been known by a different name in the past, select Yes or No.
  Additional information. Write down if you currently have any other nationalities or if you have had any other nationalities in the past.
  Select the means of transportation which you will use to arrive in the UK (plane, train, private plane, boat, or road from the Republic of Ireland).
• Write down full flight details: If your journey has any stops or connecting flights, you only need to write down details of the flight landing in the UK. You must answer questions such as what date and time does your flight to the UK take off, what country is your flight to the UK from, what airport does your flight to the UK take off from, what UK airport are you flying to, what date does your flight arrive in the UK, what times does your flight arrive in the UK.
• Pay the application fee: You can pay the fee online by using a credit or debit card.

Remember: You will not be allowed to travel to the UK if all the names you enter in English do not exactly match the information on your passport. You must include all initials and punctuation marks, e.g., commas, dashes, or apostrophes.

• How Will I Receive My UK Electronic Visa Waiver?

It will be provided to you via email. You’ll get a link to download your EVW. You do not have to collect it in person.

• Do I Have to Print the UK Electronic Visa Waiver When I Travel?

Yes, you should. Print out the UK electronic visa waiver and bring it with you when you go. Immigration officers at the border will verify it. You can also show it on your smartphone or tablet. However, it is preferable to keep a paper copy in case of technological difficulties.

• What Are the Requirements for the UK Electronic Visa Waiver?

To apply for an electronic visa waiver in the UK, you will need to provide the following documents or information:

• Your current passport valid for at least six months.
• Accommodation details, i.e., an address where you will be staying once you are in the country.
  Travel details, i.e., details of your journey to and from the UK. This includes departure and arrival dates and times.
• A picture of your passport. The picture must be of the page which shows your photo, name, and other personal information. The picture must include the whole page and no other objects, it must be clearly visible with no flash, shadows, creases, or tears. The format must be JPG, JPEG, or PNG only.

How Much Does the UK Electronic Visa Waiver Cost?

The electronic visa waiver to the UK costs £30. This fee is non-refundable. You will not be refunded even if you end up not getting the EVW. You can make this payment using a debit or credit card.

• How Long Does the UK Electronic Visa Waiver Take to Process?

The electronic visa waiver is completed within 24 hours.

• How Long Is the UK Electronic Visa Waiver Valid For?

An EVW for the UK is valid for six months. It is only valid for one entry.

• Can the UK Electronic Visa Waiver Be Extended?

No, you cannot extend an electronic visa waiver to the UK. You must obtain a new one.

• When Should I Apply for the UK Electronic Visa Waiver?

It is strongly advised that you apply for the UK electronic visa waiver between three months and 48 hours before travelling to the UK.

• Do I Need to Obtain a Separate UK Electronic Visa Waiver for People Accompanying Me?

Yes, each applicant needs a separate EVW application (this includes children as well).

• Can I Work in the UK With an Electronic Visa Waiver?

No, you cannot. EVW holders are not permitted to work, marry, or form a civil partnership in the United Kingdom.

• What If Some Information Is Incorrect on My UK EVW?

You may change the information on your application here. All you need to do is enter your electronic visa waiver number (found on your current electronic visa waiver paperwork). Next, input your birth date. You must enter exactly what is printed on your passport. If you include erroneous or incomplete information on your application form, your visa application may be rejected.

• What if My Travel Plans Change?

If your travel plans change, you can update the information. To alter your details, you only need your EVW and date of birth. If any of the following conditions apply, you must update your travel information.

• You have decided to travel at a different time.
• You will be leaving from or arriving at a different airport, port, or train station that you have previously planned.
• You will arrive in the UK more than 8 hours later than you have planned.