UK Visa for the UAE Citizens

UK Visa for the UAE Citizens

What is a UK Visa for the UAE Citizens?

A UK visa is an official travel permission issued by the British government. It allows citizens of every country in the world to either seamlessly transit through, temporarily stay for the purposes of tourism, visit family or work, or live permanently in the United Kingdom.

There are several types of UK visa from the UAE, and the one you get has traditionally been given in the form of a stamp on your passport (when you arrive at border control) or in the form of documents that are issued to you by a UK embassy or consulate in the country where you live. 

However, as of February 2024, citizens of the UAE are now required to get a UK electronic travel authorization (UK ETA) if they want to visit the United Kingdom short-term for up to 6 months for the purposes of tourism, business & transit.

This new visa requirement has replaced the (soon to be defunct) Electronic Visa Waiver scheme (EVW), and Emirati citizens are not the only ones who need it.

Nationals from the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, many Caribbean countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, must also get a UK ETA, and during the year 2025, most European countries will need one as well.

Why Was This New Type of United Kingdom Visa Launched?

These new UK visa requirements were introduced by the British government as part of a wider plan to digitize its immigration and border control system by 2025.

Primarily, it enables them to more effectively screen all travelers before arriving in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales to strengthen border security by preventing abuse of the system.

They are enabled to do this because when people apply for an ETA, they have to provide their biometric, biographic, and contact details. They also have to answer a short selection of questions designed to assess their suitability.

The information gained from assessing travelers will increase the UK government’s knowledge about the people who want to come to the United Kingdom and identify the potential arrival of those who may present a threat to national security.

On top of this, the new ETA for the UK visa is designed to provide a more seamless entry experience for approximately 128 million international visitors who come through the UK border every year.

What is the UK ETA for the UAE Citizens

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization is a digital document that enables UAE citizens to travel or transit through the countries of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Here is some more specific information about it:

About the UK ETA

While the new travel permission scheme was originally launched in November 2023, the UK ETA became mandatory for Emirati citizens in February 2024. Before that, they could travel without the need for a UK tourist visa from the UAE for up to 6 months.

Benefits of the UK ETA

For those eligible for the ETA for the UK visa from the UAE, the new initiative provides them with several benefits.

They include: 

  • An unlimited number of visits to any UK country over a period of two years or as long as their passport remains valid (whichever comes first).
  • Not needing to secure separate visas for each visit
  • Straightforward online application process that takes just a few minutes to complete
  • Fast approval process within 48 to 72 hours.

Validity and Duration of Stay

It is worth pointing out that the ETA is not a United Kingdom Visa. But it does allow for the UAE citizens to stay there for the following purposes on a short stay;   

  • Tourism, visiting family members or friends, short-term study or business purposes (Maximum 6 months at a time)
  • Creative Worker visa concession (Maximum 3 months at a time)
  • A permitted paid engagement
  • Transit (including not passing through UK border control)

As previously mentioned, this right is extended to the UAE citizens for a period of two years or the remaining length of their passport, whichever comes first.

Application process

If you want to apply for a UK ETA Visa from the UAE, this is the process you will need to follow:

  1. Complete the Online Application Form

    The first step is to complete the application form. It shouldn’t take you too long to do this, and you should find it to be a fairly straightforward process.

  2. Requirements

    When filling out your application, you will need to submit the following documents and details:
    A) Passport 
    You must upload a photocopy of the passport you will be using to travel to the UK. Make sure it is valid for at least the full duration of stay and preferably longer (ideally 2 years)

    B) Digital Passport Photo 
    You will also need to upload a digital headshot where you are not smiling or wearing sunglasses or a hat. There may be several other guidelines you might be prompted to follow before your photo is accepted.

    C) Valid Email Address 
    Information about your UK ETA visa will be sent to your email, so you must ensure you provide the UK government with an accurate address and that you have enough room in your inbox for the notification to get through.

    D) Payment Details 
    You will need to pay for your UK ETA, which you can do either via a debit or credit card or through your Apple Pay or Google Pay account.

  3. Processing Time

    Shortly after completing your online application, you should be sent an email confirmation from the British government that they have received it.
    A decision will be made typically within 48 ~ 72 hours whether it has been approved or rejected, and you will be informed within this timeframe via email.

UK Visa Types for the UAE Citizens

If you are a UAE citizen that is wanting to visit the UK for a long stay or a specific purpose there are several other visas you can apply for apart from the ETA.

Below is an overview of some of the main ones, although you should refer to the UK government’s website to see the full list.

You should be aware that each visa type has its own set of application procedures and specific eligibility criteria. Therefore, it is important to check what they are on the UK government’s website before applying, as they can be updated anytime.

Standard Visitor Visa

Often referred to as the UK Tourist Visa, this standard visa is issued for the purposes of travel, visiting family or friends, and business trips.

It is valid initially for 6 months, although there are some options available for longer-term visas.

Skilled Worker Visa

This type of visa enables you to stay in the UK to perform a skilled and eligible job for a government-approved employer.

You can apply for this UK work visa from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere else in the UAE, and if approved, it is valid for up to 5 years, with further extensions available.

Student Visa

The UK student visa is for those who have enrolled in a course offered by any recognized education institution.

Those who are granted it can stay in the UK for the length of their course duration, often this is between 3 to 4 years at the undergraduate level.

Graduate Visa

This visa gives graduate citizens of the UAE permission to remain in the United Kingdom for at least a period of 2 years.

It is valid after they have successfully completed a university degree course at any institute of higher learning in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Health and Care Worker Visa

Those who have been offered a job within the NHS or any other part of the UK’s health and care sector can be issued with a health and care worker visa. It is valid for up to 5 years.

Global Talent Visa

If you are over the age of 18, this visa is open to you if you are deemed to be a (potential) leader in culture, arts, digital technology, and academia.

It is valid for between 1 to 5 years and is renewable.

UK Visa Requirements for the UAE Citizens

Depending on which type of UK visa you apply for, the requirements for the UAE citizens might differ, and again, you should refer to the UK government’s website for the most up-to-date information.

However, here is an overview of the following documents you may need to apply for a UK visit visa from the UAE.

Visa application form

This can be accessed online and you will need to complete and sign it before sending it off to the UK government.

Passport

You will need a passport that is valid for - at a bare minimum - the duration of your intended stay in the United Kingdom.

Front and back copies of it should be submitted with your application.

Photographs

Most often, you will be required to send two photographs with your application.

Unless advised otherwise, they will need to be 4.3 x 3.5 cm in size and taken against a white background. They should also have been taken within the last six months.

UAE residence permit

You will need to send evidence of a valid UAE residence permit to confirm your legal residency.

Proof of accommodation

The UK government may ask you to provide them with a copy of your hotel reservation confirmation or, if you are staying with a friend or family member, a statutory declaration or signed letter that has been notarized in the UK that confirms you are staying with them.

Proof of return

You might be asked to provide details of your return flight reservation to the UAE, although if you do not have one it is not necessarily a dealbreaker.

Employment offer

If you are coming to the UK to work, you will be required to provide the company's offer to the authorities.

This should be on an official letterhead denoting the company name, job title, start date, salary, and the date you will be leaving the employment of the organization.

Education placement offer

Similar to the employment offer, if you are applying for a student visa, you will be asked to provide proof that you have been invited to enroll in an educational course at a university or institute of higher education.

Proof of finances

Often, you are asked to demonstrate your ability to fund your long-term visit to the UK.

This might involve you providing copies of your bank account statements for at least three months, which should be sealed and signed by the bank manager.

UK Visa Application Process for the UAE Citizens

If you want to apply for a UK visa (as opposed to the UK ETA), here is what you have to do.

  1. Complete the online application form

    Head to the Gov.UK website and complete the application form for the relevant UK visa you want to apply for.
    You will be asked to input specific personal and character details, along with other information relating to your passport, employment, travel plans, and if you have a criminal record.
    Make sure you are accurate and honest in all your answers because if you are not, your application could be rejected.

  2. Pay the visa fee

    Once you have completed the online form, you will need to pay the fee in full for the UK visa you have applied for.
    You can do this via several online payment methods.

  3. Schedule an appointment

    Having processed your payment, you will then be redirected to the VAC (Visa Application Centre) website to make an appointment with a member of their team.
    At this point, you can choose to upload copies of the relevant document they need online or hand it to them in person.

  4. Go to your visa appointment

    The main purpose of the VAC appointment is to collect your biometric information i.e., a photograph and fingerprints.
    If you didn’t send them online, you must also provide them with all relevant supporting documents.

  5. Collect your visa

    Once a decision about your UK visa application has been made, you will be informed via SMS, email, or your preferred method of contact.
    If your application has been approved, you can then arrange a time with the VAC to collect your visa-affixed passport from them.
    Whilst you are waiting for a decision, UK visa tracking might be possible via your contact at the VAC or the gov.uk website.

UK Visa Processing Time for the UAE Citizens

Currently, the UK visa processing time from Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and all other parts of the UAE is 15 working days.

This period begins once you have completed the online visa application and had your biometrics taken at the visa application center. 

That said, there are some circumstances where your visa application might take longer, in which case you will be informed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department.

Typically, this might be because, 

  • The information you supplied in your application is inaccurate or needs deeper consideration.
  • Your supporting documentation has to be verified.
  • If you are asked to provide more information, i.e., further proof of funds
  • Further details are required in relation to your personal circumstances (e.g., a criminal conviction).
  • When you have been requested to attend an interview
  • During times when the UK government is experiencing a big demand for visas

UK Visa Fees for the UAE Citizens

At present, the UK visa cost for a short-term Standard Visitor Visa for citizens of the UAE £115 and in the below table you will find more information about the cost of different visa types:

Visa TypeFeesMaximum duration of stay
Standard Visitor visa£1156 months
2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa£4326 months per visit
5-year long-term Standard Visitor visa£7716 months per visit
10-year long-term Standard Visitor visa£9636 months per visit
Standard Visitor visa for Academic purposes£20012 months per visit

The fees must be paid online after you have filled out the application form via the Gov.UK website. It is charged for the processing of your completed application and is non-refundable, even if your application was ultimately unsuccessful.

UK Visa for the UAE residents

It is worth noting that being a resident of the UAE does not exempt you from needing a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Irrespective of your residency status, all UAE citizens and most (non-British) residents will have to apply for a visa before traveling to the UK.

As mentioned above, the type of visa you require will depend on why you will be visiting England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales. The new UK ETA replaces the old UK visa waiver scheme and allows you to go there as many times as you want for a maximum period of 6 months within a two-year timeframe for the purposes of tourism and leisure, business, and transit.

However, if you want to stay for a longer period of time, there are several other visa types you can apply for, including a Standard Visitor Visa, a Work Visa, and a Student Visa and Medical Visa.

For a full list of the different visa types you can apply for as a UAE citizen or resident, refer to the gov.uk website.

FAQ

What are the different types of UK visas for UAE citizens?

Overall, UAE citizens might be eligible to apply for any one of several different types of UK visas. For a full list of them, you should check out the UK government’s website.
However, some of the main ones include an ETA, standard visa, student visa, graduate visa, skilled worker visa, health and care worker visa, and global talent visa.

How to apply for a UK visa from Dubai?

The best way to apply for a UK visit visa from Dubai is to visit the gov.uk website. There, you will find the application form along with further details of which types of visas you can apply for.

Can I get an England visa from Dubai?

There is actually no such thing as an ‘England visa’ because the country is part of the United Kingdom. However, you can get a UK tourist visa from Dubai to live or work in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales for varying lengths of time.
You will need to visit the gov.uk website to find out the full range of visa options available to you.

Can you get an ETA visa for UAE residents upon arrival?

No. The ETA visa is linked to your passport and is issued to you before your intended date of travel to the UK.

What is the cost of the UK visa fees from Dubai?

The UK visit visa from Dubai cost of your application will depend on which type of visa you are applying for. At present, the standard visa costs US$115. However, you should refer to the gov.uk website as this can be updated at any time.

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