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 500 and 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
