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Applying for an EVW

What is an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)?

The EVW can be seen as the UK equivalent to the USA's ESTA and Canada's eTA. It is an electronic authorization that allows individuals from certain countries to travel to the UK without a visa.

Currently, only foreign nationals from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are eligible to apply for an EVW. If you are granted one, it is good for a single entry into the UK, and as a holder, you are eligible to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. The EVW can be used for tourism, business, study or medical care purposes in the UK.

However, please note that the EVW is not mandatory. In certain circumstances, it is advised that you get a visa depending on the purpose of your visit.

If you make an electronic visa waiver request using a false document, lie, or withhold relevant information, you may be banned from coming to the UK for 10 years. If you are visiting the UK as part of a multi-leg trip, you must include details of the last leg of your journey to the UK. If you leave the UK and want to re-enter, you will need a separate EVW for that journey.

How much is the EVW and how long does it to be processed?

An EVW application typically costs £30.00 per application (i.e. the main application, partner application, and dependent application).

Most applications are processed within minutes; however some applications can take up to 24 hours to be processed. If you are planning to travel to the UK through an EVW you must apply 3 months and 48 hours before your intended day of travel.

What information do I need to apply for an EVW?

To apply for an EVW, you must possess the necessary travel documents such as a valid passport from an EVW eligible country.

Your passport information and travel details must match exactly what is written in your documents, otherwise you may not be able to be able to travel to the UK. In addition to your documents, you must include an address where you plan to stay and details of your journey (i.e. arrival and departure date).

You must submit your EVW application at least 48 hours before you intended travel date, otherwise you will not be able to submit your application.

What are the requirements to apply for an EVW?

In order to apply for an EVW, you must be a citizen and passport holder of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, you will need the following when applying:

  • Valid and current Passport.
  • Intended address for trip – The UK address you will be staying at for the duration of your trip.
  • Trip Itinerary – provide the full details of your flight, ship, or train (i.e. arrival and departure dates and times).
  • Submit your EVW application in a timely manner. Although the UK government states that you can apply for your EVW 48 hours before travelling, we highly recommend applying at least 5 days before your intended day of travel in order to accommodate any issues or delays that may arise.

In addition to the above information, you may be required to present the following information to the UK border officer:

  • Purpose of visit – under the EVW, you are able to travel across the UK and enjoy everything it has to offer. You can be visiting friends and family or simply there to experience the culture. But one thing you can’t do on an EVW is work. Your purpose of visit must not be related to working for monetary and financial compensation.
  • Intention to Leave – Provide proof that your stay in the UK is temporary in nature and that you have ties to your home country (e.g. property, family, employment, etc.)
  • Sufficient Funds – you must be able to support yourself and your dependants for the duration of your trip without having to work in the UK.

When can I apply for my EVW?

It is recommended that you apply for an EVW once you have confirmed your travel information because you will need exact details to apply for an EVW.

If you are planning to travel to the UK with an EVW, you must apply at a minimum 48 hours or a maximum of 3 months before your intended day of travel. Most applicants get their EVW processed within hours of applying, but there are always exceptions in which the application can take up 24 hours to be processed. Therefore, to avoid any potential delays in obtaining your EVW, we recommend applying at a minimum 3 days before your intended travel date.

I am travelling within 48 hours; can I apply for an EVW?

No, you cannot. An application must be made at least 48 hours before your intended time of travel. If you attempt to apply for an EVW that is less than 48 hours before your time of travel, you will not be able to submit your application. In such an event, you will need to reschedule your trip for a later date; preferably one that is at least 72 hours away from the date of your application.

How can I apply?

You can apply for an EVW on the Travel EVW website or the Migration Expert website. In order to apply, you will need the following information:

  • You must be a citizen of Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates or Qatar.
  • Your must hold a valid passport issued by one of the above countries.
  • You must know the exact details of your journey, i.e. your flight number, arrival and departure date etc.
  • You must have an address where you plan to stay.
  • Your intended travel date must be at least 3 days before but no more than 3 months before your intended travel date.

Why can’t I submit my EVW application online if I’m travelling in less than three days?

All applications must be made at least 48 hours before your intended time of travel. If you attempt to apply for an EVW that is less than 48 hours before your time of travel, you will not be able to submit your application.

In such an event, you will need to reschedule your trip for a later date; preferably one that is at least 72 hours away from the date of your application.

For these reasons, we strongly encourage our clients to apply for their travel visas well in advance of their travel dates in order to accommodate for processing times.

What if I have to make several visits to the UK? Do I need a new EVW each time I want to visit the UK?

You will need to apply for an EVW for each visit to the UK. An EVW is only valid for a single entry to UK, therefore once used or once the travel date as passed, you will need to apply for a new EVW. You can apply for as many EVWs as you need.

However, if you intend to engage in multiple trips to the UK within a short period of time, we recommend applying for a visitor visa instead. To determine if you are eligible for a visitor visa, please visit the Migration Expert website.

How long is the EVW valid for?

An EVW is valid for a single entry to the UK for up to six months. During this time you can use the EVW purposes such as tourism, study, business or private medical treatment. Therefore, once you use your EVW or once the indicated travel date has passed, the EVW is no longer valid. Also, the EVW can only be used by the person whose name appears on the EVW.

In addition, if you wish to return to the UK for subsequent trips you will need to apply for a new EVW.

Do I need an EVW?

Is an EVW required only for travellers entering the UK by plane?

No, as long as you are national from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates entering the UK, you will need an EVW, regardless of how you arrive. Therefore if you plan to enter the UK by plane, train, boat, bus, car, bicycle, on foot or any other means, you will need to apply and obtain a valid EVW.

Does an EVW guarantee entry into the UK?

Your EVW application establishes that you are eligible to travel. However, it does not establish that you are admissible to the UK under the United Kingdom immigration laws. Upon arrival to the UK, you will be inspected by a UK Border Protection Agency Officer at a port of entry who may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under UK law. An electronic visa waiver (EVW) doesn’t guarantee entry into the UK; this is decided by immigration officers at the UK border.

Each traveller must present their passport and a paper copy of their signed EVW at the departure port (air, sea or train) and again on arrival in the UK. Electronic copies on phones, tablets or personal computers will not be accepted.

Also, you may not be permitted to enter the UK unless you are in good health and have no criminal convictions. If you are a minor seeking to enter the UK without having both parents accompany you, you will require an authorized document from your biological parents/legal guardians authorising your trip.

I am transiting through the UK, do I need an EVW?

Yes, you will need to apply for an EVW regardless of the length of time you will remain in the UK.

Nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE who do not have a visitor visa, will need to apply for an EVW to enter the UK. You will need a valid EVW for each entry, otherwise you will not be permitted to enter the country.

I am a minor. Do I need an EVW?

Yes, as a minor you will need to apply for an EVW. If a minor between the ages of 0 to 17 from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE is traveling to the UK, they will also require EVW or a visa; there is no age exemption. In addition, the parent or guardian may need to provide the following documents:

  • 1. Written consent allowing the child to travel to the UK.
  • 2. Parent/Guardian complete contact information.
  • 3. Proof of living arrangements and the address in the UK.
  • 4. Full Name and date of birth of Caregiver supervising the minor.
  • 5. The relationship of the caregiver to the child.
  • 6. Parent(s) or legal guardian must provide authority allowing the caregiver to care for the child during the stay in the UK.
  • 7. Have the school notify the local authority.
  • 8. The reply from the local authority must be included if available.

I am an adult traveling with a minor. Do they need consent from both parents in order to travel?

If you are an adult traveling with a minor who is not your legal dependant/child, or if you are a minor seeking to enter the UK without having both parents accompany you, you will require an authorized document from your biological parents/legal guardians authorizing your trip. This includes:

  • Written consent allowing the child to travel to the UK.
  • Parent/Guardian complete contact information.
  • Parent(s) or legal guardians must provide authority allowing the caregiver to care for the child during the stay in the UK.

EVW Eligibility & Required Information

I have been refused a visa in the past. Will that affect my EVW application?

To enter the UK, an applicant must be of good character and forthcoming in their application. For example, if you have any unspent criminal convictions, been previously refused entry into the UK, been deported or removed, etc.

Do not attempt to conceal any of the information mentioned above from the UK government. If it is discovered that you were not honest in your application, you may be denied entry into the UK. An EVW is not out of the question, but it is recommended that you try applying for a visa instead if you have any of these circumstances.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please not hesitate to book a Professional Consultation with our immigration consultant.

Can I update my travel information on my EVW even though it has already been processed?

Yes, you can change your travel details as long as it is at least 48 hours before your intended travel date. You can submit your updated travel details to us and we can amend it for your, or you can simply apply for another EVW. If you need to make changes less than 48 hours before your intended date of travel or location changes, you will not be able to submit a new application and will, therefore, need to change your departure flight to a later date.

Does it cost the same for adults and children?

Yes, the application fee is the same for all applicants. There is no fees exemption or difference in the cost for adults and children.

My flight plans changed, how can I change my EVW?

You can change your travel details at a minimum of 48 hours prior to your intended travel date.

You may submit a request via your account to request a change in your travel details.

In order to change the details of your EVW, you will need to provide your new travel details or a copy of your itinerary.

We recommend contacting our office at least 5 days before your intended travel date to change your flight details.

I noticed that I made a mistake in my EVW details, how can I change that?

If an error was made on your application before you submitted your application, you can edit the application and update your information.

In an error was made after you submitted your application, you will need to contact our office as soon as possible advising of the error and provide us with the correct information. You must ensure that this information is received in a timely manner- at least 72 hours before your intended trip- for us to update your application on your behalf.

Why do I need to provide my UK address and contact details?

This information is required by the UK Government in order to process your EVW application. It is recommended that you have confirmed your accommodation before making your EVW application.

What if I am not eligible for an EVW, what do I need to do?

Almost all EVWs are granted. However, if your EVW request was denied, we suggest that you contact our office to speak with our immigration consultant to discuss your options.

During this time, you should not attempt to travel, as you will not be allowed to board your plane, train or boat to the UK.

Travel EVW can assist you in determining why you are not eligible for an EVW and if you may eligible to apply for a visitor visa instead.

Is my EVW guaranteed?

Having an EVW or any type of visa does not guarantee entry into the UK. Rather, the EVW helps to facilitate your trip to the UK.

As with other countries, the final decision will be made at the border by an immigration officer.

This is why it is critical to ensure that you have declared and answered all information truthfully when applying for your EVW.

EVW Processing

When will I get an answer?

Most applicants receive an email notification within minutes or up to 72 hours of submitting their application.

If it has been more 72 hours and you have not received an email, contact our office for further assistance.

Why is there a delay in receiving my EVW result?

Most applicants receive an email notification within minutes or up to 24 hours of submitting their application. The processing time for your application depends when you submitted your application and if additional information is required.

Normally, applications submitted during the week are usually processed within the same day. However, applications submitted on the weekend can take up to 24 hours to be processed.

Additionally, if the UK government requests additional information, your application may take longer than normal to be processed.

If it has been more 72 hours and you have not received an email, contact our office for further assistance.

The system is not accepting my biodata page, why?

If your passport biodata page is not being accepted, there may be an issue with the image of your passport or the file type. As per the instructions in your application, you must ensure that your passport meets the following specifications:

  • Whole page and no other objects
  • Clear and in focus
  • No flash, shadows, creases or tears
  • JPG or JPEG format only
  • Maximum file size: 5MB (mega bytes)

If your passport is not being accepted, you will need to upload a new copy that meets the above specifications. If your passport does meet the above specifications and you continue to experience difficulties, you can contact our office for further assistance.

I’m unsure how to answer some of the required questions. What should I do?

In the event that you are being asked for your travel details and you do not have that information at the time of applying, you will need to obtain your exact travel details and return to complete the application.

If you are unable to proceed with the application for another any other reason, you may contact our office to speak with one of our Client Service Representatives for further assistance in completing your application. Rest assured that if you stop the application, you can return to it a later date as your application details will be saved in your account.

Will I be able to travel before my EVW is issued?

No, you will need a valid EVW in order to board your flight. You will need to have a valid and signed copy of your EVW that matches your passport and travel details in order to travel.

Your EVW is usually processed within 24 hours of receipt of your application. If you are travelling within 5 days and did not receive a copy of your EVW within 24 hours, we recommend contacting Travel EVW to request an update regarding your application.

What are your service and visa fees?

The service fee for our Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) is £99.The service fee for our Visitor Visa service is £564.

What is the status of my EVW application/s?

You can log in to your Travel Visa UK account and download your visa confirmation receipt. It will display the dates your EVW was granted and when it is due to expire.

What are my options if I no longer require Travel Visa UK’s services?

We understand that travel plans change. However, our service is our professional advice and expertise. Therefore, once our service has been provided to you, it cannot be returned/cancelled whether or not you have changed your mind or you no longer wish to utilise it.

If I require a refund, how should I go about it?

We’re disappointed to hear that you were not happy with the service provided. Please log in to your Travel Visa UK account and submit a refund request. If your application has not been processed yet, then we will refund you in full. If your application has already been processed, then we cannot issue a refund.

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