What is a UK ETA for Omani Citizens?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a travel requirement for citizens of Oman traveling to the United Kingdom. It allows Omani nationals to travel to the UK for short-term visits without needing a traditional visa for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study for up to six months.
  • Visits of up to three months using the Creative Worker visa concession.
  • Visits to the UK for a permitted paid engagement for which you are invited.
  • Transit through the UK.

The ETA was initially launched in 2023 as an alternative to the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme and was introduced for Omani citizens in February 2024. The ETA is also available to citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Advantages of the UK ETA

Since its launch, the ETA has been a popular system with multiple advantages over the UK EVW scheme, including:

Quick and easy application process

The ETA UK application system is quick and user-friendly. Applicants complete an online form, upload the required documents, and make the payment in a few simple steps. This process is much faster than the EVW and allows travelers to receive their authorization quickly and with minimal hassle.

Multi-entry validity

The UK ETA is valid for multiple entries into the UK without needing to reapply each time, providing greater flexibility and convenience for frequent visitors.

Flexibility for various travel purposes

The United Kingdom ETA covers a range of travel purposes, ensuring that travelers can use the ETA for multiple reasons without needing separate visas or permits.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Omani Citizens

There are specific eligibility criteria that Omani applicants must comply with. If you do not comply, your ETA application will be rejected. This includes:

  • The applicant must be a citizen of Oman Only citizens of Oman are eligible to apply for the UK ETA. Residents of Oman and those with a passport from a different country may not be eligible.
  • Stays of no longer than six months The ETA is only intended for short stays of up to six months per stay. The reason for travel to the UK must also comply with the specifications set out in the ETA scheme.
  • No criminal record Applicants must demonstrate that they have no history of criminal activities or legal issues that might pose a security risk. This ensures the safety and security of the UK’s borders and residents.
  • Compliance with immigration laws Applicants must agree to comply with UK immigration laws and regulations. This includes adhering to the terms of the ETA, including not overstaying the authorized period or engaging in unauthorized work.

UK ETA Application Process

The ETA application process is completely online and can be completed in just a few minutes on our website. Follow the step-by-step guide below to make the process even easier:

1

Complete the application form

Start by filling out the UK ETA application form on our website. Provide accurate and up-to-date personal and travel information to avoid any issues with your application and upload a copy of your passport and a recent photograph.

2

Pay the required fees

After completing the form, proceed to make the necessary payment for your UK ETA. You can use a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to cover the application fee.

3

Receive your UK ETA

Once your application is approved, you will receive your ETA via email. If your application is refused, you will also receive a notification by email explaining the reasons for the rejection.

Requirements for UK ETA Application

To apply for a UK ETA, Omani citizens must prepare and submit specific documents to complete their application, including:

Valid passport

Applicants must provide a valid Omani passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of application. This passport will be electronically linked to the ETA.

Valid passport

Recent photograph

A recent photograph is required as part of the application. The photo should adhere to the official specifications for size and format, be of good quality, and accurately represent the applicant’s current appearance.

Recent photograph

Payment method

A valid payment method is necessary to finalize and submit your application. Without it, your application cannot proceed.

Payment method

Email address

Applicants must provide a valid email address where the ETA confirmation and any related correspondence will be sent.

Email address

UK ETA Fees for Omani Citizens

The UK ETA fee costs £78, which is inclusive of the UK government fee and our professional service fee. This all-in-one fee simplifies the payment process, ensuring that there are no hidden costs or additional charges.

UK ETA Processing Time

The majority of applications are processed within three working days, although some are processed more quickly. However, it is recommended to apply in advance of your travel date to account for any delays.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA for Omanis is valid for multiple entries into the UK over a period of two years from the date of issue, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This flexibility allows travellers to visit the UK multiple times within the validity period without needing to reapply every time.

Each visit under the ETA allows a maximum stay of up to six months. This duration applies whether the visit is for tourism, business, short-term study, or other permitted activities. It’s important to adhere to this limit to comply with UK immigration regulations and avoid any potential issues during travel.

Travel Guidelines with UK ETA

When traveling to the UK with an ETA, it can be helpful to follow the guidelines below to ensure efficient entry into the UK:

Departure
to the UK
  • The UK ETA is electronically linked to your passport, meaning that you do not need to carry a physical visa document. However, it’s advisable to print a copy of the ETA approval or keep the approval email handy in case you need additional proof of your authorization.
  • If you hold multiple passports, make sure to use the same passport that was used to apply for the UK ETA when traveling to the UK. The ETA is linked to the passport number provided during the application, and using a different passport could result in entry issues. 
  • Airlines and carriers will check your passport and ETA status before boarding. The ETA status will be verified electronically, but having a printed copy or accessible email confirmation can help resolve any potential issues quickly.
Entering
the UK
  • Upon arrival in the UK, you will undergo identity checks at the border. Be prepared to present your passport and any additional documentation as required. Border officials will verify your ETA and may ask you questions about your visit. 
  • You may be asked to show proof of onward travel and demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. This helps ensure that you are complying with the terms of the ETA.
  • While having a valid ETA generally allows entry into the UK, border control officers have the authority to deny entry based on their assessments. Reasons might include discrepancies in travel documents, security concerns, or failure to meet entry requirements.
  • Once you have cleared border security, you can travel freely within the UK, including to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

UK ETA: Renewal and Extension Options

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is designed for short-term travel and cannot be renewed or extended. If you need to stay beyond the authorized period or if your ETA expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA by submitting a new application. Alternatively, for longer stays you can apply for a UK visa from Oman.

UK ETA Refusals: Common Reasons and Solutions

An ETA application can be refused for many reasons, including:

Reason

Providing inaccurate information on your application, including incorrect personal details or travel plans or not fully completing your application.

Solution

Carefully review your entire application before submitting it and make sure the information you provided matches your documentation. It is also important to check your documents comply with the guidelines.

Reason

Past immigration issues, such as overstaying a visa or previous refusals, can impact the decision on your current ETA application.

Solution

If you have a history of immigration issues, provide a clear explanation and any supporting documents that might address these concerns. Demonstrating a commitment to complying with immigration rules can help improve your application.

Reason

Applicants with a criminal record or those who pose a potential security risk may be refused an ETA.

Solution

If you have a criminal record, disclose this information honestly and provide any required documentation. Be aware that serious offenses might affect your eligibility.

FAQ

You can verify the status of your ETA by logging into your account on our website. You will also be notified of any changes to your application automatically by email.

If you have a criminal record, it is important to be honest in your application. You may need to provide additional documentation or explanations. In some cases, having a serious criminal record could impact your eligibility for an ETA UK.

No, the ETA is specifically for entry into the UK. If you want to travel elsewhere in Europe, you may need to apply for additional visas.

The ETA is electronically attached to your passport and acts as a digital travel permit. If you lose your passport, it is stolen, becomes damaged, or expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA.

The ETA is currently only available to nationals from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The UK government plans to roll out the ETA scheme to other UK visa waiver nationals throughout 2024 and 2025.