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UK visas for Emirati citizens

Get details on popular UK visas for UAE travellers

Planning to visit the United Kingdom from the United Arab Emirates? The type of visa or travel permit you need depends on the purpose of your trip and the length of your stay.

There are many visa types available for UAE citizens, including work, study, and residence visas. You can also apply for the ETA, which has replaced the electronic visa waiver (EVW) for short stays.

What type of visa do I need to visit the UK from the UAE?

As a UAE citizen, you can visit the UK without a visa for up to 6 months if you complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

To stay for longer, choose the visa that best suits your travel plans.

  1. ETA for UAE visitors

    Get an ETA to visit the UK for up to 6 months visa-free. It’s valid for tourism, visiting family and friends, and business networking. Your ETA lasts for 2 years — you can use it for multiple trips.

  2. Study in the UK

    To study for more than 1 month, you’ll need a Student visa. You’ll be entitled to live in the UK for the duration of your course, and visit other countries and re-enter as you wish.

  3. Visiting academics, or medical patients

    Stay for up to 11 months of medical treatment, or 12 months as a visiting academic, with an extended Standard Visitor visa. You’ll need to give details of your care plan, or teaching post.

  4. Work for a UAE company

    You can apply for a visa to work in the UK branch of your company, or set up a new company branch yourself. You’ll need to hold a senior position, or be a specialist worker.

  5. Accept a job offer

    If you’ve been offered a temporary or permanent job contract in the UK, your employer must sponsor your visa application. The validity of your visa will depend on the type of job you’re taking.

  6. Live permanently in the UK

    Visas to join family in the UK are open to UAE citizens. You can also apply for residency if you’ve worked in the UK for more than 5 years, or if you have a British grandparent.

How long you’re allowed to stay in the UK depends on the type of visa you hold. For work and study opportunities, your visa will usually be issued to cover the length of your course or job contract.

It’s often possible to extend your UK visa to stay for longer, but this depends on your visa type and individual circumstances.

How to get your UK visa from the UAE

All visa applications must be made through the visa portal on the official UK government website.

If you need an ETA for your visit to the UK, you can apply with UK Visa Kingdom.

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    UK Visa Kingdom

    Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation for your trip? We offer a comprehensive ETA application service for UAE citizens.

    Get your ETA
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    UK government site

    Need a visa instead of an ETA?

    Once you’ve decided which visa is right for you, head to the government’s visa portal to apply for your UK visa from the UAE.

    Visit the government website

Business and trade travel: popular UK visas for Emirati citizens

There are various visa options popular with travellers from the United Arab Emirates seeking professional development in the UK. You do not need a job offer to apply for the following types of visas:

  • ETA for the UK
    Travelling to the UK for a business meeting, conference, or interview? UAE citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation to enjoy visa-free travel for business. The ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
  • Global Talent visa
    If you’re a leader in research, the arts, or digital technology, you can apply for this 5 year visa. You’ll need endorsement from an official body.
  • High Potential Individual visa
    Eligible university graduates can apply for a visa to seek work opportunities in the UK. It’s valid for up to 5 years and can be extended indefinitely.
  • Graduate visa
    Stay in the UK to pursue career opportunities for up to 2 years after you graduate. Only alumni from UK universities can apply.
  • Innovator Founder visa
    Entrepreneurs can start a new business in the UK with this 3 year visa. You’ll need to show your company will offer something new to the sector.

If you have a job offer from a company based in the United Kingdom, you’ll need a work visa. Your employer will provide sponsorship for your visa application.

Required documents for travel to the UK from the UAE

The documents you need to travel to the UK depend on the type of trip you’re taking.

For short trips to the UK, UAE citizens must apply for an ETA, which grants visa-free stays of up to 6 months.

To apply for an ETA, you’ll need:

  • Valid passport
  • Colour photo of yourself
  • Credit or debit card to pay the ETA fee

With UK Visa Kingdom, you’ll get a decision on your ETA application in just 1 to 3 days.

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Additional documents for work, study, and residency visas

If you need to apply for a visa, you’ll need to provide additional documentation. The requirements depend on the type of visa you’re applying for, and could include bank statements, travel bookings, or an offer of employment.

Most people need to visit an application centre to give fingerprints and have their photo taken. You’ll be asked to schedule an appointment at your nearest centre when making your online application.

FAQ for Emiratis travelling to the UK

Is there visa-free entry to the UK for GCC residents? Toggle faqs

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. This grants visa-free travel to the UK for up to 6 months.

The ETA is available for nationals, but not residents, of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Domain, United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia. If you’re eligible, you can apply from Dubai, Riyadh, or wherever you’re based.

Can I get a visa on arrival in the UK? Toggle faqs

UAE travellers need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation in advance. It’s easy to complete and entitles you to visa-free stays in the UK of up to 6 months.

The ETA replaces the formerly used Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). Make your ETA application online before you travel.

Can UAE citizens visit the United Kingdom? Toggle faqs

Yes, Emirati passport-holders can visit the United Kingdom with an ETA and a valid passport.

For work, residence, or study, UK visa applications are open to UAE citizens. Find out the requirements for your chosen visa and apply online through the government website.

How long does it take to get the ETA? Toggle faqs

It only takes a few minutes to apply for your Electronic Travel Authorisation. Make sure you have your passport to hand when completing your online form.

You’ll get a decision about your ETA within 3 days. Most applications are approved. You’ll receive confirmation by email.

Who needs a UK ETA from the UAE? Toggle faqs

All passengers from the United Arab Emirates need an approved ETA to enter the United Kingdom.

If you’re travelling with infants, you can make an application on their behalf through the online form.

How do I apply for a UK visa from the UAE? Toggle faqs

If you’re eligible for an ETA, you can make your application with UK Visa Kingdom.

If you need a different type of UK visa, apply through the official government site. You’ll need to upload any requested images or documentation and pay the visa fee. Depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, you might be asked to visit an application centre.