By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
The UK’s Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) received positive feedback from thousands of Qataris who visit London and other parts of the UK, British ambassador Nicholas Hopton told Gulf Times.
Citing the continuous influx of Qatari and Gulf visitors to the UK, the envoy described the response on the EVW is “generally very positive”.
Hopton said the system works well and can be done quickly and easily online without going to an office.
But he admitted that they occasionally encounter some issues due to some mistakes in filling up the form online.
“Sometimes, they misspell their names or details which can cause some issues,” the envoy pointed out. “But I am really pleased that it had been made easier for Qataris who go on holiday to the UK or to visit with their families.”
Since early last year, many Qataris, as well as UAE and Oman nationals, have been using the EVW, which is free of charge. They are required to register at least 48 hours in advance or earlier before their flight.
The system automatically sends an e-mail containing the document that should be presented to immigration authorities upon entering or exiting the UK.
Prior to the launch of the EVW, the British embassy has already posted an increasing number of visitors from Qatar and other GCC countries in the past years.
Some Qataris have enjoyed going to London even for short breaks or a couple of days, according to Hopton.
“Many Qatari friends say to me that in London, they feel at home. I am always very pleased that they obviously feel comfortable in London and I hope they will continue to come regularly,” he said.
However, frequent travellers to the UK have been advised to apply for a multi-entry visa instead of the EVW. It also applies to Qataris who want to stay longer either for work, education or a longer visit.
About political visits, the envoy noted that a constant flow of senior officials between the two countries takes place.
However, he expects no ministerial visits that will happen after the Britain elections. But such visits will resume throughout the rest of the year from
the UK.
In the other direction, Hopton said senior Qatari officials, whether members of the ruling family or ministers in the government or business people, come to London regularly. “That is a sign of the really good health of our partnership,” he added.
