Heading to the UK from the UAE? Whether you need a UK visit visa depends on your passport.
Emirati nationals now travel on an Electronic Travel Authorisation, while UAE residents on other passports still apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
Do You Need a UK Visit Visa From the UAE?
Emirati nationals don’t need a visit visa. They travel on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — a quick online permission that now costs £20. Our ETA guide covers it in full.
UAE residents on other passports — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian and similar — still need a UK Standard Visitor Visa, also called the UK tourist or visit visa. The rest of this guide is for them.
It lets you stay up to six months for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short courses. You cannot work, study long-term, or claim public funds on it.
Required Documents
Gather these before you start your application:
- A current passport valid for your whole stay
- Proof of your legal residence in the UAE if it is not shown in your passport
- Financial documents showing you can fund the trip, such as bank statements that show the source of funds or proof of earnings
- Your travel and accommodation plans (avoid paying in full until the visa is granted)
- Proof of employment, study or business in the UAE
- An invitation letter and host details if visiting family or friends
According to GOV.UK, you must also show that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
How to Apply
You apply online, then attend a biometrics appointment in the UAE. The steps are:
- Complete the form on GOV.UK and pay the fee
- Book a biometrics appointment at a UK visa application centre in the UAE
- Attend in person to give your fingerprints and photo
- Submit your supporting documents
- Wait for the decision, which is sent by email
You’ll get a letter or email explaining the next steps. Most successful UK visit visa applications now receive a digital UK eVisa only rather than a passport sticker, so check your email for access.
Fees and Processing Time
The Home Office raised visa fees on 8 April 2026. Standard Visitor Visa fees are below.
| Visa Type | Validity | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | 6 months | £135 |
| Long-term visitor | 2 years | £506 |
| Long-term visitor | 5 years | £903 |
| Long-term visitor | 10 years | £1,128 |
The 2, 5 and 10-year options allow repeat visits over a longer period, but each stay is still capped at six months.
A standard decision usually takes up to three weeks from your biometrics appointment. Priority (around £500) and super-priority (around £1,000) services are faster, for an extra fee.
Medical-treatment (up to 11 months) and academic (up to 12 months) visits cost more. Confirm current amounts on the official Home Office fee tool.
Once your visa is sorted, compare flights to London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham, and browse hotels in London or Manchester on Wego.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Make sure your UAE residence visa or Emirates ID stays valid for the whole trip
- Show strong ties to the UAE — a stable job, family or property — to prove you will return
- Provide clear, recent bank statements, as unexplained large deposits can trigger a refusal
- Keep supporting documents in English or include certified translations
- If you travel to the UK often, a long-term visitor visa can be cheaper than repeat single visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a visit visa to a work or study visa inside the UK?
In most cases, no. You usually have to leave the UK and apply for the relevant work or study visa from outside the country.
Do children need their own ETA or visit visa?
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own ETA or Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK.
How early should I apply before travelling?
Apply for a visit visa at least three weeks ahead. An ETA is usually faster, but still allow three working days.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Standard Visitor visa
- GOV.UK — Apply for a Standard Visitor visa
- GOV.UK — Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents
- GOV.UK — Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- Home Office — Visa fees tool
- Home Office — ETA factsheet, April 2026
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
