United Kingdom visa for United Arab Emirates citizens
Residents of the United Arab Emirates travelling to the United Kingdom for tourism must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. Applied for online, the ETA carries a fee of 20 GBP and removes any need to visit a British consulate for a short visit. It allows stays of up to 180 days for tourism and similar short trips. Processing is not instant in every case, so apply ahead of time and check current timelines on the official gov.uk guidance. The ETA is linked to your passport and must match the document you carry when you fly.
| Visa required | No (source) |
|---|---|
| e-Visa available | No (source) |
| Maximum stay | 180 days (source) |
| Processing time | Varies — verify on the official source |
| Visa fee | 20 GBP (source) |
Official resources
Requirements
- A valid passport to which the Electronic Travel Authorisation is linked.
- A digital photograph and, typically, a selfie submitted via the official app.
- An email address to receive the ETA outcome.
- A payment card for the 20 GBP application fee.
- Completed character and travel-history questions.
- No requirement to attend a biometric appointment.
- Sufficient time before departure, since processing is not always immediate — consult gov.uk.
- An understanding that the ETA permits visits of up to 180 days.
Documents checklist
- A valid passport that the Electronic Travel Authorisation will be linked to.
- A digital photograph meeting the official app's specification.
- A selfie submitted through the app in most cases.
- An email address to receive the ETA outcome.
- A card to pay the 20 GBP application fee.
- Your travel dates and UK accommodation details.
- Completed character and travel-history questions.
- Evidence of onward or return travel for boarding.
- An understanding that the ETA allows visits of up to 180 days.
Application steps
- Use the official UK ETA app or the gov.uk online service rather than an agent.
- Scan your passport so the authorisation is linked to it.
- Provide the photograph and selfie requested in the app.
- Answer the eligibility and travel-history questions accurately.
- Pay the 20 GBP application fee.
- Submit in good time and check processing guidance on gov.uk.
- Receive the ETA approval by email.
- Travel on the same passport; the ETA permits visits of up to 180 days.
Processing time
Varies — verify on the official source
Visa cost
Fee (from our data): 20 GBP (source) . Fees are subject to change; check the official source before applying.
For UAE residents, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation costs 20 GBP, paid online at the application stage. The fee covers the ETA itself; the process is fully digital, so there is no separate appointment or service-centre charge.
Use a debit or credit card on the official app or gov.uk service to pay. Be cautious of third-party sites that add their own fee on top of the government charge.
Because fees and timelines may change, check the latest figures on the official gov.uk guidance before applying.
Common mistakes to avoid
Travellers from the UAE heading to the UK for tourism need an Electronic Travel Authorisation rather than a visa, and the errors mostly come from treating it as optional.
- Skipping the ETA before departure. It must be approved before you board; apply on the official ETA service in advance.
- Overpaying through intermediaries. The official charge is 20 GBP — avoid sites that resell the same authorisation at a premium.
- Counting on same-day approval. Build in time and check the official guidance for current processing expectations.
- Passport details that don't match. The ETA is linked to the passport used in the application; travel on the same document.
- Misreading the allowed stay. Visits are permitted up to 180 days, but the ETA is strictly for tourism and short stays.
- Forgetting individual applications. Every traveller needs their own approved ETA, children included.
Country context & recent trends
What UAE residents should know
The UK now expects an approved ETA before travel for short visits, a change that catches out those used to earlier arrangements. The process is online with no consular visit, yet it must be completed and approved ahead of your flight.
Because the scheme is still expanding and demand shifts through the year, processing is not always immediate. Confirm the current requirements and timelines on the official gov.uk guidance before you book travel.
How it compares to nearby destinations
For UAE residents planning to visit the UK and mainland Europe, the table shows how the separate entry systems compare.
| Destination | Visa required | Typical processing | Indicative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ETA required (electronic authorisation) | Varies | 20 GBP |
| Ireland | Separate entry rules; check requirements | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| France (Schengen Area) | Schengen short-stay rules; ETIAS authorisation expected | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| Spain (Schengen Area) | Schengen short-stay rules; ETIAS authorisation expected | Varies | Varies — check official source |
Because the UK and Schengen systems are independent, confirm the requirements for your nationality on each country's official source before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
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Do UAE residents need a visa for the UK?
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for short visits rather than a full visa. It is applied for online and must be approved before you travel.
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How much is the ETA?
The ETA costs 20 GBP, paid online. Using the official service avoids the extra charges added by third-party sites.
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How soon should I apply?
Processing is not always instant, so submit your application in good time. Check current timelines on the official gov.uk guidance before booking.
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What stay does it permit?
An approved ETA allows visits of up to 180 days for tourism and similar short trips. It does not permit work or long-term residence.
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Do children need an ETA?
Yes. Each traveller, including children, must hold their own ETA. Every application is tied to that person's passport.
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Do I need a new ETA with a new passport?
Yes. The ETA is linked to the passport used to apply. Renewing your passport means applying for a new ETA.