ABU DHABI // Emiratis will be able to visit the UK without a visa from early next year.

The new electronic visa waiver will be free, and can be obtained up to 48 hours before departure.

It will be available online and replaces the existing time-consuming system of providing biometric information, booking an appointment at a visa application centre and handing over your passport.

“I am very pleased that the British government is enabling easier access to the UK for Emiratis,” said Dominic Jermey, the British ambassador to the UAE.

“As you know, the UK is sometimes known as the ‘Eighth Emirate’. The UK and UAE share many close ties and our nationals are frequent visitors to each other’s shores. I look forward to welcoming many more Emiratis to the UK.”

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the visa waiver would strengthen relations between the two countries, especially in the areas of economy, health, tourism and culture.

The breakthrough means Britain has overtaken the 26 Western European nations in the Schengen area in offering visa-free travel to Emiratis. That process has been approved by various committees of the European Parliament, but awaits a vote by the full parliament and the Council of Ministers, which is not expected before the middle of next year.

The new visa waiver was announced by the British prime minister, David Cameron, at the Lord Mayor of London’s annual banquet. It is expected to become available early next year to citizens of the UAE, Oman and Qatar, and to Kuwaitis later in the year.

Last year, 530,000 visitors from the GCC travelled to the UK, up 6 per cent on the previous year. Gulf visitors are the biggest spenders, parting with more than Dh12,000 per person per visit, according to VisitBritain.

The number of visits to the UK by Emiratis has doubled in the past decade.

“This is very exciting,” said Ahlam Bolooki, from Dubai. “We as GCC nationals hold the UK quite dear to our hearts. It’s our second home as it is and now that the visa gap has been bridged, it just feels much closer to home. I would definitely visit more than once a year now.”

Mohammed Al Zaabi, from Abu Dhabi, said: “This will definitely encourage more tourism to the UK. We used to get long-term visas but the hassle of the application process is eliminated now so we can travel to the UK whenever we want without too much forward planning.

“This will also help improve the already fantastic relationship between the UK and the UAE and could lead to more economic growth for both countries as tourism will increase.”

Bader Al Kalooti, a Kuwaiti who lives in Dubai, said: “These GCC countries are big supporters of the London property market and a lot of Gulf Arabs have a lot of investments there, be it property or other.

“The fact that other countries like the US and Europe really give us a hard time in getting a visa and that the UK gave us this opportunity means they’ll get more tourism and more investment opportunities thanks to visa restrictions being lifted.

“I personally think London is the favourite pastime for Gulf Arabs and this is a good gesture that’s long overdue.”

Mona Al Ali, from Fujairah, said: “Many people don’t plan their holiday and they usually want to travel to places where they don’t need a visa.

“I think I will travel to the UK more now that there is no visa and I think it’s a great decision. There should also be more openness between the UAE and Europe for the Schengen visa.”

The new visa waiver lasts for six months and is for short-term visits. Those travelling for work or study must still apply for visas.

cmalek@thenational.ae