Visitors from abroad coming to Manchester or to the United Kingdom in general fall into 3 categories: those who require a visa, those who can enter visa-free for up to 6 months, and those who need an Electronic Visa Waiver.

The Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for the UK is a digital travel authorisation that travellers from eligible countries can use to travel to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland without having to go through the hassle of applying for a visa at a British embassy or consulate.

The UK Electronic Visa Waiver can be obtained by completing an application form online.

Who can get the EVW?

Currently, the EVW is only available for nationals of the following countries:

  • Kuwait
  • Qatar
  • Oman
  • The United Arab Emirates

While only holders of passports issued by the Gulf states listed above can get an EVW at present, it is possible that the platform will be opened up to visitors from other countries following the end of the transition period as the UK leaves the EU.

There has been talk of increasing border security by requiring travellers from the EU and other visa-exempt countries to register with a travel authorisation system similar to the US ESTA and the Australian ETA. However, it has not yet been announced whether the EVW will provide this function or if it will be scrapped in favour of a new system.

How to apply for the EVW

Travellers with a passport issued by an eligible country can get their Electronic Visa Waiver to visit the UK by filling out an online application form. This is quick and simple compared to a visa application and usually takes a few minutes.

The form asks you to enter some basic personal information like your name, nationality, and date of birth. It also asks for passport details and travel plans, including the dates you plan to arrive and depart from the UK.

Applicants must also provide an email address, as the approved EVW will be delivered by email. A printed copy must be shown at passport control when landing in the UK.

Arriving at Manchester Airport with the EVW

Travellers flying into Manchester Airport (MAN) with an Electronic Visa Waiver will disembark the aircraft and pass through border control. As only Kuwaiti, Omani, Qatari, and Emirati nationals can currently obtain an EVW, they will have to join the queue for international passengers (as opposed to the queue for British and EU/EEA/Swiss arrivals).

EVW holders will have to show their passport and a printed copy of their waiver to a border control officer to enter the country.

From Manchester Airport, there are a number of transport links to get new arrivals to their destination. The airport has its own train station and Metrolink (tram) connection. It is also served by a number of frequent bus and coach services. There are also taxi ranks at all 3 terminals.

This makes it easy to get from the airport to the city centre or to any other destination.

Visiting Manchester with the EVW

If you are flying to Manchester with the Electronic Visa Waiver, there is a wide range of things to see and do in England’s second city.

Manchester is well-known for its sporting connections, with both Manchester United and Manchester City bearing the city’s name. Going to see a match at either club’s stadium would be a highlight of any trip.

Old Trafford, Manchester United’s legendary stadium, is well worth seeing. Having stood for over a century, the Red Devils’ home ground has been the scene of many famous victories over the years. Visitors can take the stadium tour, check out the United Megastore, and grab a bite to eat at the famous Red Café. 

While Old Trafford is a historic footballing landmark, Manchester City’s home ground is the epitome of the modern game. The City of Manchester Stadium was built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which were hosted here. Sold to City and now rebranded as the Etihad Stadium (for sponsorship reasons), it is the centrepiece of SportCity, which includes various other facilities, including the National Cycling Centre and Manchester Regional Arena. 

The National Football Museum is also located in Manchester, in the former Urbis exhibition centre — a distinctive glass building in the city centre close to Victoria Station and Manchester Cathedral.

Visitors with an interest in architecture can explore the heritage of Manchester through its buildings. Manchester is a city of contrasts, where modern glass towers stand back to back with the many red-brick facades, which boldly stand out as proud reminders of the city’s Victorian industrial heritage. This includes a number of impressive neo-baroque buildings, such as Lancaster House and the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel (formerly the Palace).

Manchester Town Hall in Albert Square is one of the most important Victorian buildings in England, designed in the Gothic revival style, while the nearby Central Library, recently refurbished and modernised, is a similarly impressive work of architecture.

Manchester is also well-known for its night-life and vibrant music scene. Whether you prefer the eclectic alternative vibe of the Northern Quarter or upmarket bars in the Spinningfields complex off Deansgate; classic British pubs or lively nightclubs; live bands or a stroll down Canal Steet in Manchester’s famous Gay Village, the city has the perfect night out for everyone.

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