To get a UK visa from Dubai, most expatriates living in the UAE apply for a Standard Visitor visa. You apply online on GOV.UK, pay GBP 135 for a visa of up to 6 months, then give your fingerprints and photo at a VFS Global visa application centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. A decision usually takes about 3 weeks, or you can pay for priority or super priority. Emirati citizens, and other nationalities that are visa-exempt, do not need a visa; they apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for GBP 20.
Do this next to get a UK visa from the UAE
- Check whether you need a visa or an ETA with the GOV.UK visa checker, based on your passport.
- Apply up to 3 months before travel on GOV.UK and pay the fee online.
- Book your biometrics appointment at the VFS Global centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
- Prepare your evidence: UAE residence, salary certificate, bank statements and a clear travel plan.
Visa or ETA: what UAE residents need
| Your passport | What you need | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| UAE (Emirati) and other Gulf passports | ETA, not a visa | GBP 20 |
| EU, US, Canadian, Australian and other ETA nationalities | ETA, not a visa | GBP 20 |
| Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Bangladeshi and most other expatriate passports | Standard Visitor visa | From GBP 135 |
| British or Irish passport | Nothing | Free |
Your UAE residence does not change which one you need; only your nationality does. Gulf nationals first replaced the old Electronic Visa Waiver with the ETA in 2024, and the ETA price has since risen to GBP 20.
UK Standard Visitor visa fees
| Visa | Fee | Stay per visit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months) | GBP 135 | Up to 6 months |
| Long-term visit visa, 2 years | GBP 506 | Up to 6 months |
| Long-term visit visa, 5 years | GBP 903 | Up to 6 months |
| Long-term visit visa, 10 years | GBP 1,128 | Up to 6 months |
| Visit for private medical treatment or as an academic | GBP 234 | Longer stays for these purposes |
| Priority decision (extra) | GBP 500 | Decision within about 5 working days |
| Super priority decision (extra) | GBP 1,000 | Decision usually by the end of the next working day |
The fee is set in pounds sterling and charged to your card in dirhams at the exchange rate of the day, so the AED amount moves slightly. VFS Global also offers optional paid services in the UAE, such as premium lounges or appointments outside normal hours. Priority and super priority are available only where the visa centre offers them, so check before you pay.
Documents for a UK visit visa from the UAE
- Passport valid for the whole stay, with a blank page, plus any old passports showing previous travel.
- UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies, to show you live legally in the UAE.
- Employment evidence: a salary certificate or no objection letter (NOC) from your employer confirming your leave, or a trade licence if you own a business.
- Bank statements, typically for the last 3 to 6 months, showing your salary and enough money for the trip.
- Travel plan: where you will stay and for how long. Booked flights are not mandatory, and UKVI advises against buying tickets before a decision.
- Invitation letter if visiting family or friends, with the host’s status in the UK; or a UK company letter for business visits.
- Family documents for children: a birth certificate and consent from parents not travelling.
Documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation. Upload copies online or bring them to VFS Global as instructed when you book.
How to apply for a UK visa from Dubai step by step
- Apply online on GOV.UK using the Standard Visitor form, choosing the UAE as the country where you will give biometrics.
- Pay the visa fee and any priority service online. Your application gets a GWF reference number.
- Book a VFS Global appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and upload your supporting documents.
- Attend the appointment with your passport and appointment letter. Your fingerprints and photo are taken, and you get your passport back the same day.
- Wait for the decision, usually within 3 weeks of your appointment for a standard application.
- Access your eVisa: successful applicants now receive an eVisa linked to a UKVI account rather than relying on a passport sticker. Create the account and link it before you travel.
How long does a UK visa take from the UAE?
| Service | Typical decision time |
|---|---|
| Standard | About 3 weeks after biometrics |
| Priority | Within 5 working days for most applications |
| Super priority | By the end of the next working day, or 2 working days if biometrics fall on a weekend or holiday |
| ETA | Often within minutes on the UK ETA app, and up to 3 working days |
The earliest you can apply for a visit visa is 3 months before you travel. Summer is the busiest time at the Dubai centre, so book appointments early.
How the UK ETA works for Emiratis
- Apply on the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK for GBP 20, with your passport and a photo.
- The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- You can make multiple trips of up to 6 months each while it is valid.
- An ETA is linked to the passport you used, so apply again if you get a new passport.
- Use only the official GOV.UK app or website; other sites charge extra fees.
Why UK visit visas from the UAE are refused
- Unclear source of funds, or large deposits just before applying.
- A salary that does not match the bank statements or the employer letter.
- Weak evidence of ties to the UAE, such as a residence visa close to expiry.
- A travel plan that does not make sense for the length of stay or the money available.
- Not declaring previous refusals or immigration problems in any country.
There is no appeal for a refused visit visa, but you can reapply with stronger evidence that addresses each reason in the refusal letter. The fee is not refunded.
More travel guides for UAE residents
- Trips without a visa: visa-free countries for UAE residents.
- Countries that give a visa on arrival: visa on arrival for UAE residents.
- Filling in the form? Find your residence visa number and EIDA number.
Official sources: GOV.UK’s Standard Visitor visa, faster decision and ETA pages, and the Home Office announcement on ETAs for Gulf visitors. Fees change from time to time, so confirm the amount when you apply.
How much is a UK visa from Dubai?
A Standard Visitor visa of up to 6 months costs GBP 135, charged in dirhams at the day’s exchange rate. Long-term visit visas cost GBP 506 for 2 years, GBP 903 for 5 years and GBP 1,128 for 10 years.
How long does it take to get a UK visa from Dubai?
A standard decision usually takes about 3 weeks after your biometrics appointment. Priority (GBP 500 extra) aims for 5 working days and super priority (GBP 1,000 extra) for the next working day.
Can I get a UK visa in 3 days from the UAE?
Only with the super priority or priority service, where available. The standard service takes around 3 weeks.
Do Emiratis need a UK visa?
No. UAE citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs GBP 20 and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months over 2 years.
Where do I give biometrics for a UK visa in the UAE?
At a VFS Global UK visa application centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, after applying and paying online on GOV.UK.
How early can I apply for a UK visit visa?
Up to 3 months before your travel date.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No. Flight bookings are not mandatory, and it is safer to buy tickets once you have a decision. You do need a clear travel plan.
Can I appeal a refused UK visit visa?
No. Visit visa refusals carry no right of appeal, but you can reapply with stronger evidence addressing the refusal reasons.
This guide is part of our UAE Visa and Emirates ID Guide.
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
DubaiHowto is an independent informational platform created to help UAE residents and visitors understand everyday services such as public transport, telecom, government procedures, visas, fines, and utility systems.
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers