Government cuts red tape for wealthy Gulf visitors, extending electronic vist visa scheme to nationals from the UAE, Qatar and Oman Passport holders from the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman will from the beginning of next year be able to quickly receive travel documentation to visit the UK under the Government's electronic visa waiver (EVW) scheme. The new electronic visa will significantly shorten the process for Gulf nationals to obtain a UK visa and it is hoped encourage more visitors from the region who are already amongst the highest spending foreign tourists to come to Britain's high streets. The new system is a reversal to previous policy, which had made it tougher for Gulf Arabs to visit the UK and required many to visit local embassies in person, a process that had been widely criticised and unpopular in the region. Under the new scheme, travellers will only need to complete their EVW form online at least 48 hours before departure and present a printed copy on departure and again on arrival in Britain. There is no requirement to provide biometrics, attend a visa application centre or hand in passports prior to travel, which were previously seen by many potential trousists from the Gulf states as barriers to entry. The document is issued via a secure website and can be obtained online from anywhere in the world for travel to the UK. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10505651/UK-to-boost-UAE-Qatar-and-Oman-tourists-with-quick-visa.html

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