This comprehensive guide covers UK visa and ETA requirements from Dubai and the UAE in 2026, including requirements for both Emirati nationals and UAE residents. Emirati passport holders now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits, while the millions of expatriates living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE must apply based on their passport nationality. Since the ETA scheme launched in November 2024, over 126,170 Emirati nationals have applied with a 98.93% approval rate—ranking the UAE #30 globally for ETA applications. For UAE residents requiring visas, fees start at $177 (650 AED) for visitor visas, with processing through VFS Global centres across the Emirates.
Emirati citizens (UAE passport holders): No visa needed for short visits—apply for an ETA ($22 / 81 AED). UAE residents (expatriates): Requirements depend on your passport nationality. Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, and other visa-national passport holders need a full UK visa regardless of their UAE residence. US, EU, and other visa-exempt nationals need only an ETA.
UK ETA for Emiratis 2026
Emirati citizens (UAE passport holders) visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short courses (up to 6 months) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The UK ETA costs $22 / 81 AED (£16), is valid for 2 years, and allows unlimited entries. Apply via the UK ETA app or gov.uk—most applications are approved within minutes. The ETA replaced the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system in November 2024.
The UK ETA requirement for Emirati citizens came into effect in November 2024 as part of the Gulf States Phase 2 rollout. The UAE was among the first countries in the ETA scheme, replacing the previous Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system. The ETA offers significant improvements—valid for 2 years with unlimited entries, compared to the single-use EVW.
UK ETA Statistics for Emirati Citizens
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, cumulative October 2023 to September 2025
How to Apply for UK ETA from UAE
- Download the UK ETA app from App Store or Google Play, or visit gov.uk/eta
- Have your UAE passport ready—the ETA will be linked to this passport
- Scan your passport using the app's NFC capability or camera
- Take a selfie for identity verification
- Answer security questions about criminal history and immigration violations
- Pay $22 / 81 AED (£16) by debit or credit card
- Receive confirmation—most decisions arrive within minutes by email
What Can Emiratis Do on an ETA?
- Tourism: Visiting London, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Family visits: Visiting relatives and friends in the UK
- Business: Meetings, conferences, negotiations (no paid work)
- Short-term study: Courses up to 6 months (recreational, not leading to qualification)
- Transit: Connecting through UK airports
- NOT permitted: Working, long-term study, or settlement—apply for the appropriate visa instead
UK Visa for UAE Residents
UK visa requirements for UAE residents (expatriates) depend on your passport nationality, not your UAE residence status. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, and other visa-national passport holders living in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE need a full UK visa. US, EU, Australian, and other visa-exempt passport holders need only an ETA. Your UAE residence visa does not change these requirements.
Dubai alone hosts millions of expatriates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and dozens of other countries. Whether you're applying from DIFC, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or anywhere in the Emirates, you must check your own country's visa requirements with the UK—not the UAE's.
UK Visa for Indian Residents in UAE
Indian passport holders living in the UAE must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa ($177 / 650 AED) or other appropriate visa category. You can apply from VFS Global centres across the UAE using your UAE address and bank statements from UAE banks. See our detailed guide on UK visa from India.
UK Visa for Pakistani Residents in UAE
Pakistani nationals with UAE residence follow the same process. You apply based on your Pakistani nationality, providing evidence of your ties to the UAE (employment letter, bank statements, accommodation proof). See our detailed guide on UK visa from Pakistan.
UK Visa Fees from Dubai 2026
UK visa fees from Dubai in 2026: ETA $22 (81 AED) for Emiratis, Standard Visitor visa $177 (650 AED) for UAE residents, Student visa $731 (2,683 AED), Skilled Worker visa $1,072-$2,118 (3,934-7,773 AED), and Spouse visa $2,703 (9,920 AED). Fees are paid in USD; AED equivalents shown at 1 USD = 3.67 AED.
Exchange rate: 1 USD = 3.67 AED (January 2026). Additional Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035/year applies to work and study visas.
UK Visit Visa from UAE
UAE residents from visa-national countries need a Standard Visitor Visa ($177 / 650 AED) for UK tourism, family visits, or business. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks, reducible to 5 working days with Priority Service. Apply through VFS Global centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, or Ajman.
The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to 6 months per visit for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or taking short courses. Long-term visitor visas (2, 5, or 10 years) are available for frequent travellers—each still limits stays to 6 months per visit.
UK Tourist Visa Requirements from Dubai
- Valid passport with at least one blank page
- UAE residence visa (for expatriates)
- Completed online application via UK visa application form
- Bank statements (typically 6 months) showing sufficient funds
- Employment letter from your UAE employer or business documents
- Proof of accommodation in the UK (hotel bookings or host letter)
- Travel itinerary and return flight booking
- Evidence of ties to the UAE (property, family, employment)
UK Student Visa from UAE
The UK Student Visa costs $731 (2,683 AED) plus Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035/year. You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK institution, English language proof (IELTS), and evidence of funds. Both Emirati nationals and UAE residents can apply from VFS centres across the Emirates.
The UAE is a significant source of UK student visa applications, with students from both Emirati families and the large expatriate community seeking British higher education.
Student Visa Requirements from UAE
- CAS Number: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a licensed UK institution
- English proficiency: Usually IELTS 5.5-7.0 depending on course level
- Financial evidence: Tuition fees + £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London)
- TB test: Required for applicants from certain nationalities
Work Rights and Graduate Route
Students on degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. After graduation, the Graduate Route allows Bachelor's/Master's graduates to work for 18 months (PhD graduates: 3 years).
UK Work Visa from Dubai
The Skilled Worker Visa costs $1,072-$2,118 (3,934-7,773 AED) depending on duration. You need a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, Certificate of Sponsorship, and must meet the minimum salary threshold of £41,700/year. The Health and Care Worker Visa has reduced fees ($424-$823) and is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The main route for UAE residents seeking UK employment is the Skilled Worker Visa. Healthcare professionals should consider the Health and Care Worker Visa, which offers significant fee reductions and IHS exemption.
UK Spouse Visa from UAE
The UK Spouse Visa costs $2,703 (9,920 AED). The UK sponsor must demonstrate minimum annual income of £29,000. Processing takes approximately 12 weeks standard, reducible to 6 weeks with Priority Service. After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
The UK Spouse Visa is initially granted for 33 months, extendable for another 30 months. You must prove a genuine relationship, meet the financial requirement (£29,000 minimum), provide adequate accommodation, and pass an English language test.
How to Apply for UK Visa from Dubai
Apply online at gov.uk, pay the fee in USD, then book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, or Ajman. Standard processing takes 3 weeks for non-settlement visas and 12 weeks for settlement visas. Priority Service reduces processing to 5 working days (non-settlement) or 6 weeks (settlement).
UK Visa Application Process from UAE
- Complete the online application at gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk
- Pay the visa fee online in USD
- Book a VFS appointment in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, or Ajman
- Attend your appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
- Track your application online and collect passport when ready
VFS Global Centres in UAE
UK visa applications from the UAE are processed through VFS Global centres in Dubai (WAFI Mall, Dubailand, Dubai Digital Park), Abu Dhabi (World Trade Centre), Sharjah (Regus Building), Al Ain (Remal Mall), and Ajman (Al Jurf). For current addresses and opening hours, visit the official visa application centre finder.
UK Visa Processing Time from UAE
- Emirati citizens: ETA required ($22 / 81 AED) — 98.93% approval rate, #30 globally
- UAE residents: Requirements based on passport nationality, not UAE residence
- Visitor visa: $177 (650 AED) for 6 months — up to $1,477 for 10 years
- Student visa: $731 (2,683 AED) + IHS £1,035/year
- Spouse visa: $2,703 (9,920 AED) — £29,000 minimum income requirement
- Processing: 3 weeks standard, 5 days priority, next day super priority
- ETA enforcement: Strict from 25 February 2026 — no ETA, no boarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Emirati citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No, Emirati citizens (UAE passport holders) do not need a visa for short visits. They need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs $22 / 81 AED (£16), is valid for 2 years, and allows visits of up to 6 months. For work, study, or settlement, Emiratis must apply for the appropriate visa.
Do UAE residents need a UK visa?
It depends on your passport nationality, not your UAE residence status. Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, and other visa-national passport holders need a full UK visa regardless of their UAE residence. US, EU, Australian, and other visa-exempt nationals need only an ETA ($22).
How much is a UK visa from Dubai?
UK visa fees from Dubai in 2026: ETA $22 (81 AED) for Emiratis, Standard Visitor visa $177 (650 AED), 2-year visitor $662 (2,429 AED), Student visa $731 (2,683 AED), Skilled Worker visa $1,072-$2,118 (3,934-7,773 AED), and Spouse visa $2,703 (9,920 AED). Priority service costs an additional $697 (2,558 AED).
What is the UK visa processing time from Dubai?
Standard UK visa processing from Dubai takes approximately 3 weeks for visitor, student, and work visas. Settlement visas (spouse, family) take around 12 weeks. Priority service reduces processing to 5 working days for non-settlement visas and 6 weeks for settlement visas. ETAs are typically processed within minutes to 3 working days.
Can I apply for UK visa from Dubai with an Indian passport?
Yes. Indian passport holders with UAE residence can apply for UK visas from VFS Global centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other Emirates. You apply based on your Indian nationality, using your UAE address, employment letter from your UAE employer, and bank statements from UAE banks. Your UAE residence visa does not change the UK visa requirements.
What is the UK ETA approval rate for Emiratis?
Emirati citizens have an ETA approval rate of 98.93%. Of 126,170 applications processed between October 2023 and September 2025, only 71 were refused (0.06%). The UAE ranks #30 globally for ETA applications. The slightly higher rejection rate (1.01%) compared to refusals suggests most unsuccessful applications are due to technical errors rather than eligibility issues.
Where are the UK visa application centres in UAE?
VFS Global operates UK visa application centres across the UAE: Dubai (WAFI Mall, Dubailand, Dubai Digital Park), Abu Dhabi (World Trade Centre), Sharjah (Regus Building), Al Ain (Remal Mall), and Ajman (Al Jurf). These centres handle biometric appointments for all visa categories.
What is the difference between Emirati citizens and UAE residents for UK visa purposes?
Emirati citizens (UAE passport holders) need only an ETA ($22) for UK visits up to 6 months. UAE residents are expatriates from other countries—their UK requirements depend on their passport nationality. Indians, Pakistanis, and other visa-national passport holders need full UK visas regardless of their UAE residence status. Your UAE residence visa has no bearing on UK entry requirements.
For more information about UK visa requirements and application procedures, explore our related guides: UK ETA Scheme, Standard Visitor Visa UK, UK Visa from Saudi Arabia, and UK Visa Refusal: What Next?