UK Visa Fees and Entry Requirements from UAE 2023

UK Visa Fees and Entry Requirements for UAE Citizens 2023

UAE nationals and residents need to apply for a visa if they intend to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK.

UK visa requirements for UAE nationals and residents depends on the type of application.

For instance, if UAE passport holders are applying for UK visit or tourist visa, then need to meet the requirements of Appendix V for Visitors, Immigration Rules.

How much is UK Visa Fee in UAE?

UK visa fee requirements in UAE depends on the type of application.

For instance, UK tourist, student, and spouse visa fees in UAE are US$129, US$467, and US$1,980, respectively.

How Long Does It Take to Process UK Visa in UAE?

In 2023, non-settlement visit, study, and work visa application processing time in UAE is usually 3-weeks.

UK priority non-settlement visit, study, and work applications processing time from UAE is normally 5 working days.

The additional cost of UK priority (non-settlement) visa service from UAE is US$322.

Spouse Settlement Visa Processing Time from Dubai, UAE

The UK settlement visa processing time after biometrics from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, UAE for spouse, partner, family applications are usually within 12 weeks.

Spouse priority settlement visa processing time for UAE passport holders is 6-weeks.

The additional cost of UK priority settlement visa service from UAE is US$738.

In 2023, UKVI has suspended settlement priority service for new family visa applications.

Super Priority Visa Processing Time in UAE

Super-priority service fee in UAE is US$1,231 to process UK visa applications by next working day. However, the super priority service is not operational in UAE.

How long can UAE Nationals stay in the UK?

On a visitor (holiday or tourist) visa UAE nationals and residents can stay in the UK up to 180 days per visit.

UAE nationals on a spouse, student, and work visa in the UK can stay up to the validity of the visa.

Emiratis on valid spouse, work, and student visa can extend their duration of stay in the UK by meeting the relevant leave to remain (LTR) requirements.

Family and some work routes such as Skilled Worker, Innovator etc. also enable Emirati migrants in the UK to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and subsequently Naturalisation and British Citizenship.

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Can Emiratis Travel to the UK?

Emirati nationals and passport holders can travel to the UK if they have a valid visa.

UAE nationals can get electronic visa waiver (EVW) for visiting the UK.

Emiratis having citizenship of non-visa countries such as USA, Australia, New Zealand, EU do not require a visa for visiting the UK for up to 6 months. However, Emiratis having a Permanent Residence (PR) in a non-visa country do require a visa for travelling to the UK.

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)

In term of Appendix V for Visitors, instead of applying for a UK visa, nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can get an electronic visa waiver (EVW) for visiting the UK up to 6 months for tourism, business, study, and private medical treatment.

The requirements of UK EVW application are quite simple and upfront. UAE nationals only need to complete the online EVW application form at least 48 hours before the trip to the UK. However, before starting to fill the form, UAE nationals must ensure that they have:

• a current passport
• an address in the United Kingdom for staying during the visit
• details of the journey to and from the UK (including departure and arrival dates and times)

The EVW Fees is a non-refundable fee of 30 GBP (US$37) payable by a debit or credit card.

EVW is single entry. Therefore, applicants need a new EVW for every visit to the UK.

The electronic visa waiver does not entitle visitors to do work or get married or enter a civil partnership in the UK.

Types of UK Visit Visas for Emiratis

The most popular visa for visiting UK from UAE is the standard visitor visa. However, depending on the purpose of visiting the UK, Emirati Citizens can apply for other types of visitor visas such as marriage, private medical treatment, permitted paid engagement.

What is UK Visit Visa Success Rate for Emiratis?

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 2,245 Emiratis applied for visitor visa UK. 2,310 applications resolved, 2,285 visit visas granted to Emirati nationals, and 13 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK visitor visa success and refusal rate from UAE are 98.92% and 0.56%, respectively.

Standard Visitor Visa

Emirati nationals can apply for standard visitor visa for tourism (holidays), visiting family in the UK, business meetings, study (courses up to 6 months), and other permitted activities.

Emiratis can apply for either short term (6 months) or long term (2, 5 and 10 years) standard visitor visa.

The UK multiple entry visa rules are same for all types of standard visitor or tourist visa. Therefore, Emiratis on standard visitor or tourist visa can stay in the UK up to 180 days per visit.

How Much is UK Visit Visa Fee in UAE?

In 2023, the 6 months visit visa fee UK in UAE is US$129.

Frequent travellers from UAE to UK can apply for long-term visitor visa for tourism, visiting family, and permitted business activities.

The UK visa fees in UAE for long term 2, 5, and 10 years visit visa applications are US$484, US$862, and US$1,077, respectively.

How Much is UK Priority Visit Visa Fee in UAE?

UK priority visa fees in UAE for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years tourist or visitor applications are US$451, US$806, US$1,184, and US$1,399, respectively.

How much is super priority visa in UAE?

The cost of UK super priority service in UAE is US$1,231 for tourist or visitor visa.

UK super-priority 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years visitor or tourist visa fees from UAE are US$1,360, US$1,715, US$2,093, and US$2,308, respectively.

How Much is London or England Visa Price in UAE?

The application fee of 6 months standard visitor visa UK from UAE is commonly known as England or London tourist visa price.

The 6-months London or England tourist visa price in UAE is US$129 per applicant.

To get a London or England visa for tourism Emiratis need to prove that they have ample funds for the trip and will leave the UK at the end of the visit.

Use of false documents for London or England visa from UAE may lead to 10-year deception ban.

How much is Child Visit Visa UK Fees from UAE?

UK child visitor visa fees in UAE for 6 months, 2, 5, and 10 years are US$129, US$484, US$862, and US$1,077, respectively.

Infants and children under 5 years of age are not exempt from application fee payment.

Other Visitor Visas UK from UAE

Marriage Visitor Visa

Emiratis need to apply for marriage visitor visa if they are travelling to the UK for getting married, forming a civil partnership, or giving a notice of marriage or civil partnership.

UK marriage visitor visa fees in UAE are US$129.

Emiratis can stay in the UK up to 180 days on a marriage visitor visa.

Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

Emiratis need to apply for a medical visitor visa if they are travelling to the UK for getting private medical treatment and check-up for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months.

The UK Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Fees in UAE are US$257.

Emiratis can stay in the UK up to 11 months on private medical treatment visa.

Please note, there is no provision in the Immigration Rules for a family member, friend, or nurse to accompany a visitor, who is coming to the UK for private medical treatment. Therefore, any attendant needs to apply as a visitor and satisfy the requirements.

Visiting Academics

For research and formal exchange arrangements, Emiratis can apply for academic visitor visa UK up to 12 months.

The UK Academic Visitor visa cost for Emiratis is US$257.

Emirati academics (and their accompanying partner or child) can stay in the UK up to 12 months on academic visitor visa.

Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE)

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visitor visa is for those Emirati experts who are coming to the UK for undertaking specific paid engagements up to one month.

Accordingly, as per Appendix 3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, Emirati professionals such as visiting examiners, assessors, lecturers, designated air pilot examiners, qualified lawyers, artists, entertainers, and sportspersons can apply for Permitted Paid Engagement visitor visa up to 30 days.

UK Permitted Paid Engagement visit visa fees requirements in UAE are US$129.

Parent of a Child Student Visa

Emiratis can apply for a Parent of Child Student visa up to 12 months if their child is attending an independent fee-paying day school in the UK.

Parent of Tier 4 Child Student visa cost in UAE is US$684.

Transit

The transit visa is for those Emiratis who intend to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border unless Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme applies.

Please note Emiratis citizens having a valid standard, marriage, or medical visitor visa are allowed to transit the UK. Therefore, such passengers do not need to apply for the transit visa.

How much is Transit Visa Fees in UAE?

Cost of Direct Airside Transit (DATV) visa in UAE is US$45.

The application charges for ‘Visitor in Transit’ and for ‘Joining a Ship or Aircraft as a Member of Crew of that Ship or Aircraft’ are US$82.

UK Student Visa Fees and Requirements for Emirati Citizens

As of October 5, 2020, UK student visa under Immigration Rules Appendix Student has replaced Tier 4 (General) Student route.

To study English Language in the UK, Emiratis can also apply for Short-term Student (English language) visa.

If Emiratis intend to study a course for 6 months or less in the UK, then can do so on visitor visa.

Student Visa (aka Tier 4)

If Emiratis intend to study with a UK sponsor on a course of further or higher education, a pre-sessional English course, a recognised foundation programme or to take an elected post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer then need to apply for Student Visa as per Immigration Rules Appendix Student.

What is UK Student Visa Success Rate for Emiratis?

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.

How Much is UK Student Visa Fees in UAE?

UK student visa fees in UAE are US$467 to study in London or elsewhere in England or Britain.

Student dependants (spouse, partner, children) visa UK fees in UAE are also US$467.

UK student visa processing time in UAE is usually 3 weeks

Priority Student Visa Fee in UAE 2023

To accelerate processing time within 5 working days, the cost of priority student visa UK in UAE is US$789 i.e. application fee US$467 plus priority service charges US$322.

Super Priority Student Visa Fee in UAE 2023

Emiratis can use super priority (premium) service to expedite student visa processing by next working day.

The cost of super priority student visa UK in UAE is US$1,698 i.e. application fee US$467 plus super priority service charges US$1,231.

IHS Fees for UK Student Visa UAE

The study visa Immigration Health Charge (aka Immigration Health Surcharge or IHS) requirements for Emirati students are @ £624 per year for each year of stay in the UK.

IHS for student dependent visa from UAE is also @ £624 per year for each year of stay in the UK.

Can Emirati Students Work in the UK?

Emirati students on degree level course in the UK can work for 20 hours per week during term-time.

Emirati students on below degree level course in the UK can only work for 10 hours per week during term-time.

During semester break, Emirati students on degree or below degree course can work fulltime.

Dependent spouse of Emirati student studying below degree level course cannot work in the UK. However, a dependent spouse of Emirati students studying degree level course can work (including self-employment and voluntary work) in the UK.

Does UK Give Post Study Work Visa to Emiratis?

Yes, under the Graduate route Emirati students, who have completed bachelor’s degree or above in the UK, can apply for 2-Year post study work visa.

If Emiratis have completed PhD in the UK, then can get 3-Year post study work visa.

Short Term Student (English Language) Visa

If Emiratis intend to study English language in the UK for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months at an accredited institution, then needs to apply for Short-term Student (English language).

English Language study visa fees requirements for Emirati students are US$257.

If Emiratis intend to study a course for 6 months or less without student sponsor but with an accredited provider, then can apply under Appendix V for Visitor.

Therefore, if English Language course is up to 6 months, then application charges are US$129.

UK Family Visa Fees and Requirements for Emirati Citizens 2023

The family route is for those Emiratis 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 dependant relative, parent of a British Child visa etc.

UK Family Visa Success Rate for Emiratis

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%.

Spouse or Partner Visa UK for Emiratis

In terms of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, Emiratis can apply for spouse (partner) visa under the 5-year route.

If Emiratis meet the spouse visa requirements under the 5-year route, then get entry clearance as spouse, civil, unmarried, same-sex partner for an initial period of 33 months with no recourse to public funds.

After 30 months Emiratis need to make spouse visa extension application for a further leave to remain in the UK.

Emiratis may qualify for ILR (indefinite leave to remain) after completing 60 months (5 years) in the UK under the family settlement route Appendix FM.

ILR under the 5-year route is for those who meet all the suitability and eligibility requirements of the Immigration Rules at every stage.

If Emirati spouse fails to meet the financial, English language or lawful immigration status requirements then cannot apply for settlement under the 5-year route.

If exceptional circumstances under Appendix FM apply, then Emiratis may be considered for settlement under the 10-year route.

How Much is UK Spouse Visa Fees in UAE?

In 2023, UK spouse, civil, unmarried, or same-sex partner visa fees in UAE are US$1,980.

To fast track UK spouse settlement visa within 6 weeks the fee in UAE is US$2,718 i.e. application cost US$1,980 plus the priority settlement service charges US$738.

Can Emiratis Apply for Fiancé(e) Visa UK?

Emiratis can apply for fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa if the purpose is getting married or entering a civil partnership in the UK.

The duration of fiancé(e) visa is six (6) months.

After the marriage or civil partnership in the UK, Emiratis can apply for leave to remain as a spouse or civil partner.

Fiancé(e) visa fee in UAE is US$1,980.

Other Family Visa UK Fees and Requirements in UAE

Parent of a British Child

Emiratis can apply for Parent of a British Child Visa if they have the sole responsibility for or direct access to the child following the breakdown of their relationship with the child’s other parent.

Parent of British Child visa application charges are US$1,980.

Adult Dependant Relative

Emiratis can apply for Adult Dependant Relative Visa if they are parents (or other adult dependent relatives such as brothers, sisters etc) and need long-term personal care due to illness, age or disability and the UK sponsor is their only relative, who can provide such long-term personal care without recourse to public funds.

UK Adult Dependant Relative visa fees in UAE are US$4,184.

Dependants joining or accompanying

The ‘joining or accompanying’ route is for those Emiratis who are applying for visa based on their relationship to another migrant who is not settled in the UK or a British citizen, and who is on a route without a specific visa for dependants.

The UK spouse or partner visa fees in UAE under Dependant Joining or Accompanying route are US$1,980.

Returning Residents

Emiratis may be able to live permanently in the UK as a ‘returning resident’ if they were previously settled in the UK.

UK visa application cost in UAE for Returning residents is US$684.

EEA Family Permit

Due to Brexit, the EEA family permit route under EEA Regulations 2016 has ended on June 30, 2021.

EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit

In terms of Appendix EU (Family Permit), Emiratis can apply for EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit as a non-EEA family member such as spouse, civil partner, child, child above 21 years of age, and parent of an EEA national living in the UK.

There are no application charges for EUSS Family Permit in UAE.

UK Work Visa Fees and Requirements from UAE 2023

The most popular route for getting a job in the UK from UAE is the Skilled Worker visa.

Emiratis can also apply for other types of UK work visa such as Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, Health and Care Worker etc.

UK Work Visa Success Rate for Emiratis

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 42 Emiratis applied for work visa UK. 40 applications resolved, 39 work visas granted to Emirati nationals, and 1 application rejected. Therefore, the UK work visa success and refusal rate from UAE are 97.50% and 2.50%, respectively.

Skilled Worker (aka Tier 2 General)

If Emiratis are sponsored to do a specific skilled job for a Home Office licensed sponsor, then can apply for Skilled Worker visa.

Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 General (aka work permit) in 2020. However, unlike Tier 2 General, this new route for skilled workers can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Emirati citizens can move to UK from UAE through the Skilled Worker visa route.

How Much is Skilled Worker Visa Fee in UAE?

UK Skilled Worker visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for main applicant and dependants.

If the COS is for 3-years or less, then the UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees in UAE are US$805.

If the COS is for 3-years or more then the fee is US$1,590.

Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa UK Fees for Emiratis

Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

If the COS is for three years or less, then the fee is US$617.

If the COS is for three years or more then the fee is US$1,214.

Health and Care Work Visa UK

If Emiratis are sponsored to work in the UK as a qualified doctor, nurse, or allied health professional for Home Office licensed sponsor, then can apply for Health and Care Visa.

Health and Care work visa route for skilled workers can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Emirati citizens can move to UK from UAE through Health and Care Worker visa route.

How Much is Health and Care Visa UK Fee in UAE?

The UK Health and Care visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

If the COS is for 3-years or less, then application cost is US$318.

If the COS is for 3-years or more, then application charges are US$617.

Start-up

If Emiratis intend to set up an innovative business for the first time in the UK, then can apply for the Start-up visa.

UK Start-up Visa Fees in UAE are US$487 for main applicant and dependants.

Please note, Start-up visa has replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route in March 2019.

Successful applicants may get up to 2-year leave. Start-up is not a route to settlement. However, Emirati may be eligible to move permanently to UK if they progress from start-up to innovator, which is a route to settlement.

Innovator

If Emiratis intend to do innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK then can apply for the Innovator visa.

UK Innovator visa fees in UAE are US$1,334 for main applicant and dependants.

Please note, Innovator visa has replaced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route in March 2019.

To apply for innovator visa UK (aka tier 1 or t1 business visa), Emirati usually need to have an endorsement letter, £50,000 of investment funds, B2 level of IELTS or equivalent for proving English language ability and at least £1,270 for maintenance funds.

The initial duration of innovator visa is 3 years. After 3 years, Emirati on innovator visa route can apply for an ILR i.e. permanent settlement in the UK. Therefore, if Emirati businesspersons or entrepreneurs intend to emigrate (move permanently) to UK from UAE then Innovator route is a workable option.

Investor

Investor visa is for high value Emiratis, who intend to make an investment in the UK.

UK Investor Visa fees in UAE are US$2,109.

Global Business Mobility Visa UK from UAE

Global Business Mobility Visa route consists of several new sponsored categories for businesses to establish presence in the UK, transfer overseas staff, or come to the United Kingdom for a specific business purpose.

The five sub-categories to Global Business Mobility Visa UK are:

1. Senior or Specialist Worker
2. Graduate Trainee
3. UK Expansion Worker
4. Service Supplier
5. Secondment Worker

Emiratis can get the Global Business Mobility visa if the UK employer sponsor the worker to come to the UK for specific job.

The Global Business Mobility visa is points based.

Emiratis need to score 40 to 60 points depending on the sub-category of Global Business Mobility Visa UK.

All five sub-categories of Global Business Mobility visa do not lead to settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Emirati citizens cannot emigrate (permanently move) to UK from UAE through Global Business Mobility route.

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

This route is for senior managers or specialist employees who are assigned to a UK business which is linked by common ownership to the overseas employing company.

Senior or Specialist Worker visa has replaced the Intra-company Transfer route.

Senior or Specialist Worker visa fees in UAE depends on the duration of application.

If the application is for 3-years or less, then the fees are US$805.

If the application is for three years or more then the fee is US$1,590.

Graduate Trainee

This route is for workers on a graduate training course which leads to a senior management or specialist position and who are required to undertake work placement in the UK.

Graduate Trainee visa has replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route.

UK Graduate Trainee visa fees in UAE are US$333.

UK Expansion Worker

Emiratis can apply for Expansion Worker visa if they are specialist or senior employees who are assigned for business expansion in the UK.

UK Expansion Worker visa has replaced the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business route. However, the Sole Representative visa will remain open for Media Representatives and those already on Sole Representative visa extending or applying for ILR in the UK.

UK Expansion Worker visa fees from UAE are US$333.

Service Supplier

The Service Supplier Visa is for overseas workers coming to the UK to provide a service that is in line with UK trade commitment.

UK Service Supplier visa fees in UAE are US$333.

Service Supplier visa has replaced contractual service providers and independent professional persons in the T5 Temporary Worker – International Agreement route.

Secondment Worker

The UK Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker Visa is new route.

Secondment Worker route is for those Emirati workers who are seconded to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment by their employer overseas.

Secondment Worker visa fees in UAE are US$333.

High Potential Individual (HPI)

High Potential Individual visa is for Emirati graduates from the top-50 Universities across the world who wish to come to the UK to undertake full-time employment or self-employment work or seek employment opportunities.

The High Potential Individual visa fees in UAE are US$920.

Emirati citizens having Bachelor’s or Master’s degree will get a 2-year non-extendable High Potential Individual Visa UK. Applicants having a PhD qualification can get a 3-year High Potential Visa.

Emirati need to meet the English language and financial requirements for scoring 70 points. High Potential Individual Visa route does not lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain – ILR) but Emirati citizens can switch to other routes if they intend to work, emigrate, or move to UK.

Scale-up

The Scale-up visa is those Emiratis who have a sponsored job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company to qualify for a ‘fast-track visa’.

Scale-up Visa UK Fees in UAE are US$920.

Emirati citizens will initially get a Scale-up Visa for 2-years – the first six months of which they need to work for the sponsor. Afterwards, Emirati citizens may be eligible to extend the Scaleup visa in the UK for up to 3 years.

Emirati migrants in the UK on a Scale-up visa can apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain – ILR) after a period of 5 years. Therefore, Emirati citizens can emigrate (permanently move) to UK from UAE through Scale-up visa route.

Global Talent

Emiratis can apply for Global Talent visa if they are a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology.

Global Talent visa UK fees in UAE are as under:

• Approval Letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application US$587
• Main Applicant – where Approval Letter is required US$215
• Main Applicant – where Approval Letter is not required US$802
• Dependants US$802

Please note, Global Talent visa has replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route.

T2 Minister of Religion

The T2 Minister of Religion route is for those Emirati Citizens who intend to undertake preaching and pastoral work, Missionary, or Member of a Religious Order in the UK.

The T2 Minister of Religion visa fees in UAE are US$805.

T2 Sportsperson

The T2 Sportsperson route is for an elite Emirati sportsperson or coach whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of sport at the highest level in the UK.

T2 Sportsperson visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

If the COS is up to 12 months, then application charges are US$333.

if the COS is for more than 12 months then application cost is US$805.

T5 (Temporary Worker)

T5 (Temporary Worker) visa is for:

• Seasonal Worker
• Religious Worker
• Charity Worker
• Creative and Sporting Worker
• Government Authorised Exchange Worker
• Youth Mobility Scheme.

The T5 (Temporary Worker) visa fees in UAE are US$333 for main applicant and dependants.

How to Apply for UK Visitor Visa from UAE?

The visa application process starts with the purpose of visiting the UK and ends with passport collection.

Emiratis can apply UK visa online and no paper application form is required.

Emiratis can apply UK visitor visa 3 months prior to the intended visit.

For instance, if a Emirati passport holder wishes to visit the UK for tourism from Feb 15, 2023, to 5 March 2023, then can apply from Nov 15, 2022, onwards.

Emirati nationals usually submit a UK visitor visa application 4-6 weeks prior to the scheduled visit as the processing time for most of the applications from UAE is within 15-30 working days!

Purpose of Visiting the UK from UAE

The first step is to specify the purpose of visiting the UK and start gathering supporting documents.

Emiratis can travel to the UK for holidays, short term study, limited business activities or family visits.

Emiratis visiting the UK can do following permitted activities:

1. Tourism and leisure
2. Volunteering
3. Private medical treatment
4. Transit
5. Permitted Business Activities such as attending conference, seminar, meetings etc.
6. Conversion of a civil partnership into a marriage
7. Short Term Study
8. Participation in an exchange program
9. Educational visit

Can Emiratis Work on Visiting Visa in the UK?

Emiratis visiting the UK are not allowed to do work.

Emiratis travelling on a visitor visa needs to abide the conditions of stay in the UK.

If the Home Office finds a visiting Emirati breaching their conditions of stay, then may cancel the visitor visa with a re-entry ban.

Fill Online Application Form for Visiting the UK

Emiratis can read questions in languages other than English but can only fill the online visa application form in English.

After selecting a language for reading the questions, applicants need to select UAE as the country of application if an applicant is applying from inside UAE.

If a Emirati passport holder is applying from some other country, then needs to select that country. And need to provide the details of the permission to reside in that country.

After reviewing and finalising the online application, Emiratis can select the service type (standard or priority) and schedule an appointment at UKVACs in UAE.

How to pay for UK visa fee in UAE?

Emiratis for UK visa from UAE need to pay the onine application cost in US Dollars. Accordingly, Emiratis can pay for UK visa fee online by a debit or credit card. after completing the application form.

Required Documents UK Visit Visa from UAE

Emiratis and foreign residents need to upload/submit the required supporting documents for UK visit visa such as:

1. Print out of the UK visa online application form
2. Current valid Emirati passport
3. Previous Emirati passport, if applicable
4. Translation of documents, which are not in English/Welsh
5. A valid UAE residence visa (for foreign residents applying from UAE)
6. Invitation letter, if applicable
7. A UK address for staying during the visit
8. Residential address in UAE
9. Telephone or mobile number
10. Marriage certificate, if applicable
11. Family certificate, if applicable
12. Business/Employer details
13. Tax registration certificate
14. Tax returns
15. Bank statements
16. Salary slips (for employed persons)
17. Conveyance/Mortgage Deed or Rental Agreement of the address in UAE
18. Evidence of assets

Please note, this is not an exhaustive checklist of UK visit visa supporting documents from UAE, as the actual supporting documents may differ due to the personal circumstances of an applicant.

Emiratis can provide UK sponsor’s supporting documents for visit visa application.

If Emiratis provide false or forged supporting documents, then may get a 10 Year Deception Ban under General Grounds for UK visa refusal.

The required supporting documents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are the same for the UAE nationals and foreign residents – such as Indian, Pakistani, Filipino citizens.

Identity Verification (Biometrics) UK Visa from UAE

Emiratis are not eligible to use the Immigration App to verify their identity. Therefore, for biometrics and application submission they need to book an appointment at UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC) in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, UAE.

• Abu Dhabi – UK Visa Application Centre Shining Tower, Level 25, Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Adjacent to Khalidyah Mall, Abu Dhabi – UAE, P.O. Box 30023
• Dubai – UK Visa Application Centre, WAFI Mall, Level 3, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai
• Sharjah – UK Premium Visa Application Centre, 3rd Level, Regus 2XL Building, Near Mega Mall, Central Sharjah Al Qasimya

Staff of the application centre takes electronic photograph and biometrics (scanning of fingers + thumbs).

If the application is successful British HC or Embassy uses the electronic photograph taken at UKVAC for visa vignette.

Visit Visa UK Waiting Time in UAE 2023

The UK visa processing time from UAE for all the short and long-term visitor visa application is usually within 10-15 working days i.e. 2 to 3 weeks.

Priority visitor visa processing time from UAE is normally within 5-7 working days.

At times tourist visa processing time for Emiratis may escalate up-to 12 weeks due to documents verification, interview, administrative bottlenecks etc.

UKVI Decision Email for Emiratis

Once applicants visit application centre in UAE to prove their identity, then UK visa processing time starts from the appointment day after biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).

The UK visa processing time ends when Emiratis receive email from UKVI.

UKVI’s decision email usually states that visa application has been processed and the application centre (TLS Contact) will inform the applicant when passport is ready from collection.

Passport Collection

Once the UKVI makes the decision on the application then the UKVAC will inform the applicant for passport collection.

If application remains unresolved even after 12 weeks or sixty working days, then applicants may need to contact UKVI.

How to know if the UK visa is approved from UAE?

Emiratis only come to know about the UK visa approval (or refusal) after passport collection.

How to Track UK Visa Application in UAE?

A few years ago, Emiratis were able to track UK visa application after biometrics. However, now it is not possible to track UK visa application after biometrics from UAE.

If for any reason Emiratis intend to know the application status, then can contact UKVI by phone or email:

Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 – select option 1 – If you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers, use +44 (0) 203 875 4669.
Monday to Friday, 24 hours
Calls cost US$1 per minute on top of your standard network charges.

Email enquiries cost US$4. You will not be charged for any follow-up emails about the same enquiry.

Please note, Emiratis may contact UKVI for:

• general queries about applying for a visa to come to the UK
• questions about the progress of their UK visa application from UAE
• technical problems with their UK visa application
• a mistake in their online application
• problems logging into their account or with their password
• problems with making a payment to UKVI online or pending payments

However, UKVI contact centre staff cannot give advice to Emiratis about their personal circumstances

What Emiratis can do if UK Visit Visa is Refused?

Emiratis can either reapply or file Judicial Review after UK visitor or tourist visa rejection.

There is no right of appeal or administrative review against UK visitor visa denial.

If Emiratis have applied for UK visa on human rights grounds, then can file appeal after refusal.

Please note, common reasons for visitor or tourist visa refusal for Emiratis includes but not limited to doubtful intentions and large unexplained transactions in the bank statement.