UK Visa from the UAE

If you are visiting the UK from the UAE for a long period

Chances are you will need a visa! A UK visa is an official travel permission issued by the UK government. It allows you to travel to, temporarily stay for specific purposes, and live permanently in the UK.

Even if you have traveled to the UK before, things changed in February 2024 for Emirati citizens. Previously you would have not needed a visa or an ETA due to the Electronic UK Visa Waiver Scheme. However, this system has been replaced, and you are now required to get a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) for short stays.

Understanding the UK ETA for UAE Travelers

Unfortunately, a visa on arrival for UAE residents is not available. However, citizens of the UAE don’t need a pre-entry visa to the UK for short visits, just the UK ETA. This will allow travel to the UK for up to 6 months for:

• Tourism or visiting relatives and friends.
• Investment in the UK.
• Studying for a short and limited period.
• Traveling on the Creative Worker Concession for up to 3 months.
• Conducting business or attending meetings.
• Attending a permitted paid engagement.

The Benefits of the UK ETA

• Quick and Easy Process – takes about 20 minutes to complete the application without needing to visit an embassy.
• Affordable - one ETA is valid for 2 years, granting multiple entries of up to 6 months for each visit.
• Saves you time and money from applying for a UK tourist visa from the UAE.

Validity and Duration of Stay

• Valid for two years from the date of issuance or until the expiration of the passport used for the application.
• The duration of stay should not exceed six months per trip.

Application process

This is how to apply for an ETA from the UAE the fastest:

• Begin with filling in the online application.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of your trip.
• Provide an email address. This is important for tracking and for receiving the ETA decision.
• Pay the application fees with a valid debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
• Upload a copy of your passport and a recent passport-size personal photo.
• Pay the £79 fee for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application which is inclusive of the official government fee and our professional services fee for facilitating the process.
• The ETA is issued within 3 business days. However, it is often issued within a couple of hours.

Types of UK Visas for UAE Citizens

For a short trip, a UK ETA is all you need. However, for longer stays, studying, or work, you will have to apply for a visa. The most common types are:

• Standard Visitor Visa — also known as the UK Tourist Visa (valid usually for 6 months; options exist for 2, 5, or 10 years for multiple visits).
• Skilled Worker Visa — allows you to work for a UK government-approved employer (valid up to 5 years with possible extensions).
• Student Visa — for those enrolled at a recognized educational institution (stay allowed for the length of your course).
• Graduate Visa — allows graduates to remain in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without a sponsor.
• Health and Care Worker Visa — available for jobs within the NHS or UK health and care sector (valid up to 5 years).
• Global Talent Visa — for highly skilled individuals in specific fields (valid 1–5 years and renewable).

Required Documents for UK Visas

No matter if you are applying from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or elsewhere in the UAE, you will need to provide evidence to meet UK visa requirements. Typical documents include:

• Valid Passport — valid for the entire duration of your stay and a blank page for the visa.
• Visa Application Form — completed online application for the specific visa category.
• Passport-sized Photographs — recent photos that meet UKVI specifications.
• Proof of Financial Means — bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters to show you have sufficient funds.
• Travel Itinerary — details of flight bookings and accommodation.

Additional documents required by specific visa categories:

• Skilled Worker Visa — Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer with job details and salary.
• Student Visa — Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
• Graduate Visa — proof of successful completion of an eligible UK course (original CAS reference may help).
• Standard Visitor Visa — a detailed travel itinerary is beneficial; proof of return travel is supportive but not mandatory.
• Other supporting documents as applicable — proof of relationships for dependents, employment letters, property ownership, etc.

Important information if you are under 18

• Written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) is required for: your visa application, living and care arrangements in the UK, and your travel to the UK.
• Provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government-issued document) that shows the names of your parents.

UK Visa Application Process for UAE Citizens

Summary of steps to apply for a UK visa from Dubai and the UAE:

• Complete the online application form for the relevant UK visa and provide accurate information.
• Pay the visa fee in full.
• Schedule an appointment via the VAC (Visa Application Centre) website; upload documents online or bring them in person.
• Attend your VAC appointment to provide biometric information (photograph and fingerprints).
• Collect your visa once a decision is made; you will be informed by SMS, email, or your chosen contact method.

Current UK Visa Fees

The UK visa cost from Dubai and the rest of the UAE depends on the type of visa, duration of stay, and any additional services (such as priority processing). Fees vary by visa category and whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. For example, a standard visit visa generally costs less than a graduate or skilled worker visa. Always check the exact fee for your chosen visa category before applying.

Processing Times for UK Visas

Here you will find the approximate typical UK visa processing time from Dubai and other parts of the UAE. Processing times vary for each visa so don’t leave it last minute!

Please note that visa fees are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Please bear in mind that the following is approximate and can change due to high demand and individual circumstances.

• Standard Visitor Visa – 3 weeks
• Long-term Visitor Visa (2, 5, 10 years) – 3 to 5 weeks
• Skilled Worker Visa – 3 weeks
• Skilled Worker Visa (Health and Care) – 3 weeks
• Student Visa – 3 weeks
• Graduate Visa – 8 weeks
• Global Talent Visa – 3 weeks

Applying for a visa from inside the UK typically takes 8 weeks. The only exception is the Health and Care visa, which takes 3 weeks. It is generally quicker to apply from outside the UK.

What to Do if Your UK Visa Application is Rejected

In this section, you will find the top reasons visas are rejected and what to do if they are.

Common reasons your visa will be rejected

• Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
• Insufficient Funds
• Lack of Evidence to Support the Purpose of Visit
• Previous Immigration Violations or Criminal History
• Failure to Meet English Language Requirements
• Inadequate Ties to Home Country
• False Information

Steps to take if your UK visa is rejected

• Review the Refusal Notice
• Consult with an Immigration Expert
• Gather Stronger Evidence
• Correct Any Errors in Your Application
• Administrative Review or Appeal

UK Visa for UAE Residents

Being a UAE resident does not exempt someone from the UK visa requirement. UAE residents must obtain a visa to enter the UK, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.

Common types of UK visas that UAE residents might need include:

• Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) – Suitable for short stays in the UK for leisure, visiting family or friends, attending events, or short business activities. It typically allows stays of up to six months.
• Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa) – For individuals who have been offered a job in the UK.
• Student Visa (Tier 4) – For students accepted into a UK educational institution for a course lasting more than six months.

If the UAE resident is a national of a country that qualifies for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), they will need to apply for an ETA instead of a visa, provided the trip is short-term (up to 6 months) and the purpose of travel is eligible under the ETA.