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A nationwide advertising campaign “Don’t get left behind” was launched yesterday to ensure Qatari travellers enjoyed a smooth journey to the UK, when they use an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).
Since the January 1, 2014, thousands of Qatari passport-holders have completed an EVW, which allows them to visit the UK, ‘visa free’ for up to six months.
Unfortunately some Qatari travellers have made errors when completing the form, and have not been allowed to board their plane.
When completing an EVW the name on the visa waiver must exactly match the name in the passport. In particular, travellers should ensure they include all middle names and punctuation.
Travellers must also make sure they provide accurate flight details, time and date of departure using the 24 hour clock and the final port of departure.
Matt Heath, Regional Director for UK Visas and Immigration said: “The visa waiver scheme has been a real hit with the Qatari travellers, but a handful have been left behind because of simple clerical mistakes. We’re trying to stop this from happening by raising awareness of the issue ahead of the summer rush.”
It is extremely important that travellers ensure their travel details and name on the EVW match exactly with the travel details on their ticket and their name in their passport.
The visa waiver is free and there is no requirement to provide biometrics, attend a visa application centre or hand in passports prior to travel. The form must be completed online 48 hours before travel and the waiver is then issued immediately via a secure website.
Those who travel frequently, at short notice or may need to re-enter the UK as part of the same trip are advised to apply for a multi-entry visitor visa or longer term visa. This offers more flexibility and can last up to 10 years.
