United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor United Arab Emirates passport holders
The United Kingdom grants Emirati nationals visa-free entry for up to 6 months (180 days). From 2024, UAE passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. The UK ETA costs GBP 10 and is applied for via the UK ETA app.
Great news! United Arab Emirates passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
The UK ETA is required from January 2025 for UAE nationals. Apply via the UK ETA app (GOV.UK) or at the official website. Upload a photo and passport details, pay GBP 10, and receive approval (usually within minutes, up to 3 working days). The ETA is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry and allows multiple trips of up to 6 months each.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
UAE Passport
Valid UAE passport for the duration of the stay.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
UK ETA approved before travel. Apply at GOV.UK or via the UK ETA app. Cost: GBP 10. Valid 2 years.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed return or onward flight from the UK. UK Border Force may request this.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking, host invitation, or address where you will be staying.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank card or bank statement showing adequate means for the intended stay.
Current Travel Situation
United Arab Emirates to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for UAE nationals globally: London's world-class shopping (Harrods, Westfield), premier league football, world-class hospitals and universities, and the Gulf diaspora community all draw significant UAE visitor numbers. Emirates, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic all operate multiple daily Dubai-London (LHR/LGW) flights. The UAE-UK relationship is among the strongest bilateral partnerships in the world.
How to Get There
Ireland (visa-free 90 days, separate quota) shares the Common Travel Area with the UK; crossing between London and Dublin is seamless. Combine a UK trip with France (Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, 2.5 hours).
Money & Banking
The UK uses the pound sterling (GBP). Contactless card payments accepted everywhere. London is expensive; budget GBP 200-400 per day for comfortable travel. UAE bank cards accepted universally.
Practical Tips
The 6-month UK stay is entirely separate from Schengen; you can use your full 90-day Schengen allowance AND 180 days in the UK independently. The UK uses a different entry system from Schengen. London's Oyster card or contactless bank card covers all Underground, bus, and Elizabeth Line journeys. NHS emergency care is available to all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE passport holders need a visa for the UK?
UAE nationals do not need a traditional visa but must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. The UK ETA costs GBP 10, is applied via the official GOV.UK app, and is valid for 2 years.
How do I apply for the UK ETA?
Apply via the UK ETA app (available on App Store and Google Play) or at the GOV.UK website. Upload a passport photo, enter passport details, and pay GBP 10 by card. Approval is usually within minutes to 3 working days. Apply before booking connecting transport.
How long can UAE nationals stay in the UK?
Up to 6 months (approximately 180 days) per visit. The UK ETA is for visa-exempt visitors; the 6-month leave to enter is granted at the border. The UK Border Force officer makes the final determination.
Is the UK ETA the same as a visa?
No. The ETA is a pre-travel security check, not a visa. It does not grant automatic entry; the border officer makes the entry decision. However, UAE passport holders are a very low-risk group and ETA approvals are near-universal.
What are the top attractions in the UK for UAE visitors?
London (Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, British Museum, Harrods, Oxford Street, Hyde Park), Scotland (Edinburgh Castle, Isle of Skye, whisky distilleries), the Cotswolds (picturesque English villages), Liverpool (Beatles museums), and Stonehenge are highlights.
Are there direct flights from UAE to the UK?
Yes. Emirates operates 5-6 daily direct flights from Dubai (DXB) to London Heathrow (LHR). British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also serve the Dubai-London route. Etihad connects Abu Dhabi to Heathrow. Flight time is approximately 7-8 hours.
Is London good for shopping for UAE visitors?
London is one of the world's premier shopping destinations. Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols (Knightsbridge), Oxford Street and Regent Street, Bond Street (luxury brands), and Westfield Stratford and Shepherd's Bush (malls) cater to every taste and budget. VAT refunds for non-UK residents on eligible purchases are no longer available post-Brexit.
Is the UK in the Schengen Area?
No. The UK left the EU and is not in Schengen. Your UK 6-month visa-free allowance is entirely separate from your Schengen 90-day allowance. You can use the full Schengen 90 days on a European trip and a separate 180 days in the UK.