Beginning June 1st, citizens from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain may apply for an electronic visa waiver to enter the United Kingdom for up to six months. This move represents huge progress for the United Kingdom, as they seek to strengthen relationships with the GCC. Previously only the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman had this privilege and travellers from the remaining countries had to go through biometrics and obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any reason.
The evisa is very easy to apply for and does not require any appointments, it can be completed on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. It not only takes less time and is simpler to apply for, but it also only costs £30, removing a huge financial barrier for people looking to travel. Once completed, people with the waiver may stay in the UK for up to six months as a tourist or student.
This is a huge move for the United Kingdom, and its connection with the Arab world. By opening the door for tourism, cultures can mix, resulting in an increased understanding and appreciation. It also allows for innovation and shared insight between students and academics, athletes can more easily compete, and businesspeople can invest and collaborate with one another, to name just a few of the advantages.
The perception of Saudi Arabia in the West is massively improving, with football star Lionel Messi announcing this week he will be the country’s tourism ambassador and Wizz Air, a popular European discount airliner, looking to begin flights to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is becoming more and more open to the outside world, as these developments all prove, and opportunities are being presented. For tourists, the country is full of rich heritage and culture, for those looking to expand their businesses, there are opportunities for new investments and markets to be reached and for sports players and fans new and exciting competitions are emerging.
At London Arabia Organisation, we are looking forward to welcoming more people from Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom in the coming months and beyond. We are confident the relationship between the two countries will only grow stronger and are delighted with the progress that is taking place.
If you or your business are interested in taking advantage of this progress but need assistance understanding how to approach the other culture or how these developments could open opportunities for you, please email info@londonarabia.com to enquire about our personalised cultural awareness training programme.
If you are looking to learn more about Arab culture and how to do business with the Arab world, both at home and abroad, Trust Me, I’m an Arab by London Arabia CEO Omar Bdour, is a valuable resource. It contains all the essential information you need to know to avoid making damaging cultural errors, in an approachable way. Trust Me, I’m an Arab is available for purchase on Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-Im-Arab-Unwritten-Business/dp/1838291105?