Bahraini citizens planning to travel to the United Kingdom can anticipate significant enhancements to the existing visa waiver programme, allowing them to extend their stay for up to six months without the need for a visa. These forthcoming changes are expected to come into effect by February of the next year.
His Excellency Alastair Long, the Ambassador of the UK to the Kingdom of Bahrain, responded positively to inquiries regarding the relaxation of travel regulations between the two nations. He confirmed that the visa waiver programme is set to progress to the next level in early 2024.
While the current visa waiver programme, introduced in May of the previous year, enables Bahraini citizens to stay in the UK for various purposes such as tourism, business, study, or medical treatment, the upcoming phase of the programme is poised to offer additional advantages.
Typically, significant advancements in visa regulations involve extending the duration of visa-free stays, broadening eligibility criteria to include residents of other countries residing in Bahrain, simplifying documentation requirements, or streamlining the application process.
Addressing the query, Ambassador Long emphasized the need to strike a balance between risk and opportunity, highlighting ongoing efforts to implement the visa waiver programme in innovative ways.
He mentioned, “We have good news coming in early in 2024 on that. We set up an electronic visa waiver scheme in the GCC not very long ago. We’re moving to the next level at the beginning of next year, and more will follow on that, but it’s very, very good news.”
Dr. Maryam Al-Dhaen, a Member of Parliament, expressed her support for this development, emphasizing its role in strengthening connections between the two nations and promoting economic prosperity. She underscored the significance of the longstanding friendship between Bahrain and the United Kingdom, grounded in shared priorities like trade, investment, and security.
Dr. Al-Dhaen noted that many Bahrainis choose the UK for education, training, cultural exchange, and gaining valuable experiences. She spoke of the UK as an ideal and preferred destination for Bahrainis, drawing from her own experiences in the country. Over the years, she has accumulated knowledge and expertise and is eager to bring this back to Bahrain for the benefit of her homeland.
This forthcoming upgrade in the UK visa waiver programme is expected to further facilitate travel and strengthen the ties between Bahrain and the United Kingdom.
