The UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) for Bahrani citizens is a digital travel permit that allows the holder to visit or transit through the United Kingdom for a specified duration of time. This UK electronic authorization is valid for short stays of up to six (6) months and can be easily applied for online.
The UK ETA was opened to Bahraini nationals on February 1, 2024, with the first holders allowed to enter the UK on or after February 22, 2024. Its purpose was to streamline travel to the UK for Bahraini citizens. The system was introduced to Bahraini citizens to increase visitors from the Gulf region and boost the UK’s competitive advantage as a prime tourist destination.
From February 2024, Bahraini citizens are eligible to apply for a UK ETA as an alternative to the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme. The ETA UK allows holders to stay in the UK for up to six (6) months for certain short-term purposes including tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or a short-term study course.
Bahraini citizens can also obtain a UK ETA to come to the UK for up to three (3) months on the Creative Worker visa concession. Other specified purposes include an authorized paid engagement like a conference. A UK ETA can also be issued for travelers transiting through the UK, even if they do not plan to pass border security. It should be noted that the UK ETA allows the holder to travel to the UK. Permission to enter the UK will be decided at the border on arrival in the UK.
To apply for the UK ETA from Bahrain, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. The following are the basic criteria that the UK immigration authorities will check for during processing:
Applicants must be able to provide a valid Bahraini passport. The UK ETA system is highly automated, so failure to upload a valid Bahraini passport during the application process could result in an unsuccessful application.
Applicants should only apply for the UK ETA if they intend to stay in the UK for a maximum of three (3) or six (6) months. Otherwise, they should apply for another type of UK visa such as a Standard Visitor Visa or a work visa.
The UK immigration authorities will flag any applicant with adverse information or involvement in criminal activities, terrorism, or extremism. Applicants should have a clean criminal record or officially declare any criminal activity for the authorities to review during the application process
Applicants must upload a valid travel document, such as a passport issued by Bahrain. To fully take advantage of the UK ETA validity period, it is advised to use a passport that will be valid for more than two years beyond the date of entry into the UK.
All application fees for the UK ETA can be paid online using a valid form of payment. Most credit and debit cards, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay, are accepted payment forms. Applicants must ensure they have sufficient funds in their accounts to pay the UK ETA application fees
Photographs must comply with the GOV.UK rules. They should be recent, taken within the last three (3) months, measuring 600 x 750 pixels. The file must be between 50KB and 10MB. Photos should be in color and in focus featuring the applicant’s head, shoulders, and upper body.
All applicants will be required to have a working email address that they check regularly and can use to register and complete the application online. The ETA will be sent to the email provided, so it should be a valid address.
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The UK ETA is an electronic travel document that is linked to the holder’s passport for a validity period of two (2) years. Therefore, it is vital that all travelers to the UK with an ETA keep their passport with them while traveling and for the duration of their stay in the UK. For added protection, holders can print the ETA or keep the approval email accessible in case of unexpected situations.
Travelers with multiple passports must use the same passport used in the UK ETA application when traveling to the UK. The UK ETA is not permission to enter the UK, but rather permission to travel to the UK. Permission to enter the UK will be decided at the border on arrival in the UK by the border officials.
The passport check process at the border will be carried out by UK border officials. Holders of the UK ETA must present their passport to the official in order to obtain a stamp and be able to enter the country.
Bahraini citizens holding UK ETAs must present a valid passport linked to the UK ETA along with any other relevant identity documents. They will not be permitted to use the ePassport gates and must proceed to the border control booths. It’s important to respond to any questions from the border officials and prove onward travel if transiting and financial stability, among other factors. It is possible to be denied entry into the UK despite having a valid UK ETA.
Bahraini citizens with a valid UK ETA can travel freely between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland after passing border security. Many accessible forms of transportation for Bahraini visitors are available, including buses, trains, and rental cars. With so much to see and do in the UK, we wish all Bahraini visitors a wonderful and safe trip!
Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today.
Simply fill out the online form to get started.
This website is designed to provide travelers with information and assistance in completing the necessary steps for the online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application, at additional professional fees. YOYO Travels L.L.C is a travel and tourism agency based in Dubai, UAE, licensed by the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. We are not affiliated with the United Kingdom government in any way. Applicants still have the option to apply for the UK ETA on their own via the official government portal at gov.uk without paying any additional professional fees.
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