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.

The UK ETA is needed for anyone to visit the UK in the short term (up to six months) for tourism, and business.

To help you prepare for your entry to the UK, this guide has everything you need to know about getting your UK Visa from the UAE.

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.

 To help you out, here is an overview of everything you need to know:

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 - as 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.

There are many different visas available for UAE citizens. Make sure you apply for the relevant type according to your purpose of travel to avoid delays or issues in processing your visa.

These are the most common types of UK visas for UAE citizens if they are not eligible for the ETA for the UK or if they are traveling for a long period and/or for purposes that are not permitted on an ETA.

• Standard Visitor Visa Also known as the UK Tourist Visa. It is used for travel, visiting family or friends, and business trips. It is valid for 6 months, although there are some options available for longer stays which are typically 2, 5, or 10 years for multiple visits.
  
  The tourist visa is the best option to visit from the UAE if you can’t use the ETA for the UK system.
• Skilled Worker Visa This allows you to work for a UK government-approved employer. You can apply for this UK 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.
  
  This is the most popular UK work visa option from Dubai and the UAE.
• Student Visa The UK student visa is for those who have enrolled in a course at any recognized educational institution. If successful, you can stay in the UK for the length of your course (usually 3-4 years).
• Graduate Visa This visa gives graduate citizens of the UAE permission to remain in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) without a sponsor. It is valid after they have completed a university degree course at a licensed student sponsor university in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
• Health and Care Worker Visa Available if offered a job within the NHS or any other part of the UK’s health and care sector. It is valid for up to 5 years.
• Global Talent Visa The Global Talent Visa is for highly skilled individuals in specific fields who want to live and work in the UK without needing a job offer. It is aimed at leaders and potential leaders in areas like: culture, arts, digital technology, and academia and research. It is valid for between 1-5 years and is renewable.

Required Documents for UK Visas

In addition to the general documents, certain UK visa categories require extra documentation.

For a Skilled Worker Visa, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer, including your job title, salary, and occupation code.

A Student Visa application requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your educational institution, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

If you’re applying for a Graduate Visa, you must have successfully completed an eligible course in the UK and it may be helpful to provide the original CAS reference number.

For the UK Standard Visitor Visa (UK Tourist Visa), a detailed travel itinerary is beneficial, proof of return travel is not mandatory but can support your application.

Each visa type may also require additional supporting documents depending on your personal circumstances, such as proof of relationship for dependents, employment letters, or property ownership documents in your home country.

Important information if you are under 18:

If you’re under 18, you’ll need written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility). This must include their consent for:

• Your visa application.
• Your living and care arrangements in the UK.
• Your travel to the UK.

You’ll also need to 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

To help your application go smoothly, below is a summary of  how to apply for a UK visa from Dubai and the UAE.

The following are the requirements for every visa from Dubai and the UAE for those wanting to travel to England and other parts of the UK.

• Complete the online application form Complete the application form for the relevant United Kingdom visa you want to apply for. You will be asked to input specific personal details, along with other information relating to your passport, employment, travel plans, etc.
  
  Make sure you provide accurate and truthful answers to avoid any delays or rejection of your visa request.
• Pay the visa fee Once you have completed the online form, you will need to pay the fee in full for the UK visa.
• Schedule an appointment 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.
• Go to your visa appointment The VAC appointment is to collect your biometric information, i.e., a photograph and fingerprints.
• 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, along with instructions on how to collect your visa. Email is the easiest way for UK visa tracking.

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 additional services such as priority processing. For instance, a UK visit visa from the UAE costs a lot less than a graduate visa, so getting the right one is important!

Fees may also differ based on whether the application is made from inside or outside the UK. Below are the current UK visa fees from Dubai and the UAE:

Visa Type	Fees (USD)
Standard Visitor Visa	155
Long-Term Visitor Visa 2 years	582
Long-Term Visitor Visa 5 years	1039
Long-Term Visitor Visa 10 years	1298
Student Visa	661
Short-Term Study Visa	270
Graduate Visa	2676 - 4015
Skilled Worker Visa	402 - 1914
Skilled Worker Visa- Health and Care	383
Global Talent Visa	259 - 965

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

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 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 for this is the Health and Care visa which takes 3 weeks. So it is much quicker to do it from outside of 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 Submitting an incomplete application form or providing incorrect information.
• Insufficient Funds Failing to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.
• Lack of Evidence to Support the Purpose of Visit Not providing enough evidence to justify the purpose of your visit, such as a detailed itinerary or invitation letters.
• Previous Immigration Violations or Criminal History Having a history of immigration violations or criminal records can negatively impact your application.
• Failure to Meet English Language Requirements Not meeting the required level of English proficiency if you are applying for a work or study visa.
• Inadequate Ties to Home Country It might indicate a risk of overstaying.
• False Information Providing false or misleading information in your application.

Steps to take if your UK visa is rejected

These are the best steps to take if your visa is rejected. It is worth noting that even if you follow these steps, your visa may still be rejected.

• Review the Refusal Notice Carefully read the refusal notice for rejection reasons.
• Consult with an Immigration Expert They will be able to advise on your specific case.
• Gather Stronger Evidence Collect additional evidence and strengthen your application.
• Correct Any Errors in Your Application Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete.
• Administrative Review or Appeal If you believe the decision was incorrect, you can request an administrative review or appeal the decision.

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 for UAE residents that UAE residents might need include:

• Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) This visa is 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) This visa is for anyone who has been offered a job in the UK.
• Student Visa (Tier 4) This visa is for students who have been accepted into a UK educational institution for a course lasting more than six months. It allows them to live and study in the UK for the duration of their course.

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, given that the trip will be short-term (up to 6 months) and the purpose of travel is allowed on an ETA.

FAQs

These are the most commonly asked questions travelers from the UAE have regarding UK visas: