United Kingdom will introduce a visa requirement for Jordanian nationals starting today, September 10, 2024, at 15:00 BST.

This change means Jordanians traveling to or transiting through the UK must now have a valid UK visa, replacing the previously used Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.

A transition period will be in place from today until October 8, 2024, during which travelers who booked their trips before the new rule came into effect may still use their existing ETA. After this period, all travelers from Jordan will require a visa.

The UK Home Office has announced this decision due to concerns over misuse of the ETA system. The Home Office cited instances where Jordanian nationals used the ETA for asylum applications in Ireland, sometimes under false pretenses. This misuse, including involvement by organized crime groups in human trafficking, prompted the UK to reinstate the traditional visa requirement.

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates confirmed that the British Embassy in Amman officially notified them of the UK authorities’ decision to end the ETA system, which was initially introduced in February 2024 to facilitate electronic visa applications for Jordanians.

According to Dr. Sufian al-Qudah, the ministry’s spokesperson, the British Interior Minister’s letter to Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister attributed the decision to continued abuses and “misuse” of the ETA by some travelers. Despite efforts by Jordanian authorities to address these issues through dialogue with the UK, the persistent misuse led to the reinstatement of the previous visa system.

The Jordanian government remains in discussions with the UK to potentially reinstate the ETA system under revised conditions that meet both parties' requirements. The goal is to make it easier for Jordanians to visit the UK while ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has also been working to improve the global ranking of the Jordanian passport. Their efforts have been successful, increasing the passport’s ranking by ten positions in the Henley & Partners index from 2017 to 2024, which has facilitated easier travel for Jordanians. The ministry will continue to strive for further improvements in the passport's global standing.