Jordan Nationals No Longer Eligible for UK ETA

IN THIS SECTION

As of 15:00 BST on 10 September 2024, nationals of Jordan are now required to obtain a visa before visiting or transiting through the UK.

The change, outlined in the Home Office’s Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217), adds Jordan to the visa national list and removes it from the Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) eligibility list.

In paragraph 5.2 of the Explanatory Memorandum, the Home Office cites the change in rules as a response to a rise in Jordanian nationals using ETAs for purposes not permitted under UK rules, such as living, working, or claiming asylum in the UK or Ireland.

 

Transition Arrangements

 

For those with existing ETAs, travel to the UK is still permitted if the journey was booked before 3pm (UK time) on 10 September 2024, and the arrival is scheduled before 3pm (UK time) on 8 October 2024. Proof of the booking must be provided during travel and upon arrival. However, travel dates cannot be amended to meet these conditions, and those who do not meet the criteria must apply for a visa.

After 3pm on 8 October 2024, all existing ETAs will be cancelled without refunds, and travellers will need to secure a visa to enter the UK. Jordanian nationals who are already in the UK can remain as long as they adhere to the ETA rules.

A 28-day transitional period is in place to allow Jordanian nationals with valid ETAs and pre-booked travel to enter the UK before 8 October 2024, giving them enough time to apply for a visa.

In addition, Jordanian nationals will also require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) for airside transit through the UK, with upcoming amendments to the Immigration (Passenger Transit Visa) Order 2014 expected to formalise this change.

 

Need Assistance?

 

For advice on the entry requirements to come to the UK as a Jordanian national, contact our experts.

 

Author

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility.

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Read more about DavidsonMorris here

 

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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