UK Visa UAE 2024: A Guide for Dubai Residents and Emiratis

1. ETA for Emiratis for Visiting the UK

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For UAE citizens planning trips to the UK, understanding the visa and entry requirements is crucial. While specific visas are needed for long-term stays such as work, study, or settlement, the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has simplified shorter visits.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

As of February 2024, the ETA is mandatory for UAE citizens visiting the UK for up to six months for tourism, short business trips, or short-course studies. This system replaces the previous Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), offering greater flexibility by allowing multiple entries over a two-year period, or until the passport expires—whichever comes first. This improvement means Emiratis no longer need to apply for a new authorization with each visit.

Emiratis do not need an ETA if they have either:

• A visa
• Permission to live, work, or study in the UK
• A British or Irish passport
• A British overseas territories passport

ETA from Dubai, UAE: Application Process

The ETA application is entirely online, accessible via the UK government’s app or website. The process is straightforward: it requires uploading a digital photo, passport details, and other personal information. The fee for the application is £10. Decisions typically come within three working days, though often sooner, making the process quick and efficient.

What Emiratis Can Do with an ETA

The ETA allows for multiple short visits for:

• Tourism
• Visiting family and friends
• Short-term business activities
• Short-course studies

It’s important to note that while the ETA facilitates entry to the UK, it does not guarantee it; travelers will still undergo standard checks at the border.

Transition from EVW to ETA

The switch from EVW to ETA means that UAE citizens can now enjoy easier and more frequent travels to the UK without the need for repetitive applications. This is a significant enhancement in travel convenience and cost-effectiveness.

For those planning to stay in the UK for more than six months or to engage in activities like working or studying for longer durations, appropriate visas are still required and must be obtained in advance.

2. UK Visa Requirements for UAE Residents for Visiting and Tourism

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For visiting the UK, Emiratis can apply for UK ETA. Residents of Dubai need to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom unless they hold dual citizenship with a visa-exempt country such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, or EU Member States.

Standard Visitor Visa from Dubai to UK

The Standard Visitor Visa is suitable for Dubai residents looking to engage in various short-stay activities in the UK, including tourism, family visits, business engagements, and short-term studies. It’s essential to meet the eligibility criteria, which include proving the purpose of the visit, financial stability, and arrangements for accommodation and return travel.

In terms of application success rates, a high approval rate is observed with UK visitor visas from the UAE. The latest data indicates a 98.92% approval rate with a very low refusal rate, demonstrating strong compliance with visa requirements by applicants from the UAE​ (GOV.UK)​.

Dubai to UK Visit Visa Price 2024

For 2024, the UK visit visa from Dubai application fees are structured as follows:

• £100 for a 6-month visa
• £432 for a 2-year visa
• £771 for a 5-year visa
• £963 for a 10-year visa

These fees are reflective of the option to apply for long-term Standard Visitor visas, which allow multiple entries, each up to six months per visit​​.

UK Visa UAE Processing Time 2024

The usual processing time for a visitor visa is about three weeks, but expedited processing options are available. A Priority Service can shorten this to approximately 5-7 working days, and a Super Priority Service offers a decision by the next working day​.

Documentation Required for Tourist Visa to UK from Dubai

When applying for a UK tourist visa from Dubai, applicants must submit:

• A valid passport with at least one blank page
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements
• Details of accommodation and a travel itinerary
• A return ticket or proof of onward travel

Applicants may need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their stay, typically in the range of GBP 3,000 to 5,000, depending on the length of stay and travel plans.

Visit Visa to UK from Dubai Application Process

The visa application process involves:

• Completing an online Visit Visa Application Form
• Booking an appointment for document submission and biometric information
• Paying the visa fee online and submitting the necessary supporting documents

Each family member must apply separately if traveling together, and applications must be completed with accuracy to avoid delays or refusals​.

Other Visit Visa from Dubai to UK

• Marriage Visitor Visa
  • Purpose: For UAE citizens and Dubai residents to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK.
  • Duration: Up to 180 days.
  • Marriage Visitor Application Dubai to UK Visa Price: US$145.
• Private Medical Treatment Visa
  • Purpose: For UAE and Dubai residents to receive private medical treatment in the UK.
  • Duration: 6-11 months.
  • Note: Attendants must apply separately.
  • Medical Treatment Application Dubai to UK Visa Price: US$253.
• Visiting Academics
  • Purpose: For UAE and Dubai academic professionals to engage in research or educational exchanges.
  • Duration: Up to 12 months.
  • Visiting Academics Application Dubai to UK Visa Price: US$253.
• Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa
  • Purpose: Allows UAE professionals to perform short-term paid tasks like lecturing or assessing.
  • Duration: Up to 30 days.
  • PPE Visa to UK from UAE Fee: US$145.
• Parent of Child Student Visa
  • For UAE parents of children attending fee-paying day schools in the UK.
  • Duration: 12 months.
  • Parent of a Child Student Visa to UK from UAE Fee: US$805.
• Transit Visas
  • For brief stops in the UK while transiting to another country.
  • Airside Transit Visa: US$44.
  • Visitor in Transit Visa: US$81.

These options provide various avenues for UAE residents to visit the UK under specific circumstances and durations, with fees tailored to the type of visit and visa required.

3. Study Visa to UK from Dubai, UAE

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The UK Student Visa permits Dubai Residents to pursue a range of educational opportunities in the UK, from higher education to Student Union roles.

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 753 Emiratis applied for student visa UK. 767 applications resolved, 756 student visas granted to Emiratis, and 3 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK student visa success and refusal rate for Emiratis are 98.57% and 0.39%, respectively.

UK Student Visa Fee from UAE

A UK Student Visa typically costs US$619 and is processed within approximately 3 weeks. For faster processing, an additional US$632 is payable. Students are also required to pay an annual Immigration Health Charge (IHS) of £776.

• Short-term English Language Visa from Dubai to UK
  • The short-term study visa is designed for Dubai Residents studying English in the UK for 6-11 months, costing US$253.
  • A 6-month course costs US$145.
• Work Rights for Dubai Residents Students
  • Degree-level students are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time during vacation periods.
  • For sub-degree level courses, the limit is 10 hours per week.
• Post-Study Work Opportunities
  • Dubai Residents graduates can avail a 2-year post-study work visa.
  • PhD holders can get a 3-year visa.

4. Family Visa to UK from Dubai, UAE

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The family route is for those Emiratis and Dubai Residents, UAE, who can apply for a UK visa because of their relationship to a person settled in the UK or a British citizen. This includes spouse settlement visa, adult dependent relative, parent of a British Child visa etc.

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 4 Emiratis applied for family settlement visa UK. 4 applications resolved, 4 family settlement visas granted to Emiratis, and no application rejected. Therefore, the UK family (spouse) settlement visa success and refusal rate from UAE is 100.00%.

Applying for a UK Spouse or Partner Visa from the UAE

• Eligibility Requirements:
  • UAE applicants need to adhere to the Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules.
  • Key elements for the UK Spouse Visa encompass proving a genuine and subsisting relationship, ensuring financial stability, having secure accommodation, and demonstrating English language skills.
• Visa Tenure and Extension:
  • Initially, the spouse visa is issued for 33 months to UAE nationals and can be extended for another 30 months.
  • After 5 years, applicants may pursue ILR under the partner route, assuming ongoing compliance with all the visa conditions.
  • In cases where criteria such as financial stability or English proficiency are not met, a special 10-year route to settlement might be available.
• UK Visa Fees Dubai for Spouse Settlement Application:
  • For UAE-based applicants, the standard fee for spouse visa applications is US$2,332.
  • An optional expedited processing service, reducing the processing time to 6 weeks, involves an additional cost of US$632, making the total fee US$2,964.

Other Family Visa to UK from Dubai, UAE

• Fiancé(e) Visa
  • For UAE and Dubai Residents intending to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. Valid for 6 months.
  • UK Visa Dubai Fees for Fiancé(e) Application: US$2,332
• Parent of a British Child Visa
  • For UAE and Dubai Residents who are the sole caregivers of a British child.
  • Parent of a British Child Visa to UK from UAE Fee: US$2,332
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa
  • For UAE and Dubai Residents requiring long-term care from a UK-based relative.
  • UK Visa Dubai Fees for Adult Dependent Relative: US$4,106
• Returning Residents Visa
  • For UAE and Dubai Residents who have previously been settled in the UK and wish to return.
  • UK Visa Dubai Fees for Returning Residents Application: US$805

5. UK Work Visa from Dubai, UAE

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The main avenue for Emiratis and Dubai residents seeking employment in the UK is through various work visa categories such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, and the Health and Care Worker Visa.

UK Work Visa from Dubai Cost and Requirements

Skilled Worker Visa

For Dubai residents sponsored by a UK employer for specific skilled roles, offering a path to permanent settlement.

• Skilled Worker Visa to UK from UAE Fees:
  • Up to three years: US$908
  • Longer than three years: US$1,794
• Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa
  • For individuals in roles listed on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List.
  • Up to three years: US$696
  • Longer than three years: US$1,370

Health and Care Worker Visa

For qualified health professionals from Dubai, sponsored by the UK health sector.

• Health and Care Worker UK Visa for UAE Residents Application Cost:
  • Up to three years: US$359
  • Longer than three years: US$696

Global Business Mobility Visa

This category includes various visas designed for specific business purposes:

• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
  • For senior managers or specialists transferring to a UK branch.
  • Fees:
    • Up to three years: US$908
    • Longer than three years: US$1,794
• Graduate Trainee Visa
  • For individuals in graduate training programs leading to specialist roles.
  • Fee: US$377
• UK Expansion Worker Visa
  • For specialists or senior personnel looking to expand a business into the UK.
  • Fee: US$377
• Service Supplier Visa
  • For professionals providing services under UK trade agreements.
  • Fee: US$377
• Secondment Worker Visa
  • For individuals seconded to the UK for significant contracts or investments.
  • Fee: US$377

Quick Guide to Other Work and Business Visas

• Start-Up Visa
  • For UAE and Dubai residents initiating innovative business ventures in the UK.
  • US$550
• Innovator Visa
  • Targeted at those with innovative, viable, and scalable business ideas. Requirements include an endorsement and a minimum investment of £50,000. Applicants must meet English language requirements at B2 level.
  • Fee: US$1,505
• Innovator Founder Visa (Introduced 2023)
  • Ideal for entrepreneurs from UAE and Dubai, offering a simplified process with the potential for family residency in the UK.
  • Fees:
    • Endorsement: US$1,263
    • Application: US$1,505
• Investor Visa
  • For affluent individuals investing a significant amount in the UK economy.
  • Fee: US$2,380
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
  • For graduates from top-50 global universities, allowing them to seek employment in the UK.
  • Fee: US$1,039
• Scale-Up Visa
  • For individuals with a job offer from a recognized UK scale-up company, this visa also leads to potential settlement after five years.
  • Fee: US$1,039
• Global Talent Visa
  • For recognized leaders or emerging leaders in specific fields like academia, arts, or digital technology.
  • Fees:
    • Initial application with an approval letter from UAE: US$662
    • Main applicant with approval letter: US$243
    • Main applicant without approval letter and for dependents: US$905
• T2 Minister of Religion Visa
  • For individuals planning to engage in preaching and pastoral work in the UK.
  • Fee: US$908
• International Sportsperson Visa
  • For elite sportspeople or coaches from UAE and Dubai aiming to contribute to sport in the UK.
  • Fees:
    • Up to 12 months Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): US$377
    • More than 12 months CoS: US$908
• T5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
  • For individuals engaged in short-term work in various sectors like seasonal, religious, or creative fields.
  • Fee: US$377

6. How to Apply for UK Visa from Dubai, UAE

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Estimated Cost: 145 USD

Supply:

• Application form
• Valid Passport with UAE Residence Permit
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Payment for visa fee in USD
• Proof of UK accommodation

Tools:

• Internet access
• Passport with UAE Residence Permit
• Financial documents

Materials: Hard copy of online application form, Copies of original documents, if required, mailing envelope for document submission.

UK Visa Application Centres in UAE

• Abu Dhabi
  • World Trade Centre, Lower Ground B2, Khalifa Bin Zayed 1st Street, Corniche Road, Al Khubeirah
• Al Ain
  • Remal Mall, 1st Floor, Khalid Bin Sultan Street, Opp. Kanad Hospital, P.O. Box 80079
• Dubai
  • WAFI Mall, Level 3, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
  • Dubailand, Hessa St, DAMAC Hills
  • Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Industrial Area
• Ajman
  • Al Jurf, Al Ittihad St
• Sharjah
  • 3rd Floor, Regus Building, Near Mega Mall, Al Qasimia

For further details please refer to find a visa application centre.

7. UK Visa Documents from Dubai, UAE

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Primary Documents Required for UK Visa from Dubai, UAE

• Valid Passport:
  • Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
• Application Form:
  • Completed via the UK Visas and Immigration portal.
• Proof of Accommodation:
  • Details of where you will stay during your visit.
• Financial Evidence:
  • Bank statements or other documents proving financial stability.
• Travel Itinerary:
  • A detailed plan of your activities and travel within the UK.
• Ties to UAE:
  • Documents that demonstrate your intent to return to the UAE, such as employment or property ownership.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • Often required, usually demonstrated through an accredited English language test.

These documents are generally required across all types of UK visa applications. Additional documents may be needed depending on the specific visa category.

UK Visa from UAE: Documents Required by Visa Type:

• Work Visas:
  • Job offer letter and a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer.
• Study Visas:
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the educational institution.
• Family Visas:
  • Evidence of relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
• Tourist Visas:
  • Additional details about your trip, possibly including events and locations you plan to visit.

For UK-Based Sponsors:

If you have a sponsor in the UK, providing additional documents from them can strengthen your visa application, particularly for categories that require sponsorship (like work and family visas).

• Invitation Letter:
  • A letter from your sponsor detailing the purpose of your visit and their relationship to you.
• Sponsor’s Immigration Status:
  • Proof of your sponsor’s legal immigration status in the UK.
• Financial Documents:
  • Evidence of your sponsor’s financial ability to support your stay.
• Accommodation Evidence:
  • Proof that you have a place to stay during your visit, provided by the sponsor.
• Proof of Relationship:
  • Documents verifying the relationship between you and the sponsor.

These sponsor-related documents are supplemental; meeting the primary visa criteria remains essential.

8. FAQs: UK Visa UAE – Time, Fees, & Requirements

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