United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK passport holders receive a free visa-on-arrival stamp valid for 30 days when entering the UAE, with no need to apply in advance.
The stay can be extended once for a further 30 days (total 60 days) without leaving the country.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer world-class tourism infrastructure, making the UAE one of the most straightforward long-haul destinations for British travellers.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
There is nothing to arrange before you travel. UK passport holders simply present their passport at the immigration counter on arrival.
What happens on arrival:
Immigration officers issue a free entry stamp valid for 30 days. The process takes a few minutes and there is no fee.
- A UK passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry
- A return or onward ticket (airlines and immigration may ask for proof you are leaving)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation or, if staying with a host, their contact details)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (a bank card or statement is normally sufficient)
What to bring:
If you wish to extend your stay, apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for other emirates, at least a few days before your current stamp expires. A fee applies for extensions.
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
Valid UK Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the UAE. Ensure it has at least one blank page for the arrival stamp.
Return or Onward Ticket
You must be able to show proof that you are leaving the UAE. Airlines may ask to see this before boarding, and immigration officers may request it on arrival.
Proof of Accommodation
A hotel booking confirmation, resort reservation, or details of the host you are staying with (name, address, contact number). This may be requested by immigration.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Evidence that you can support yourself financially during your stay. A credit or debit card, or a recent bank statement, is normally sufficient.
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
UK citizens do not need a visa before travelling to the UAE. A free entry stamp is issued automatically on arrival at any UAE port of entry, including Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum International (DWC), and Abu Dhabi International (AUH).
The initial stay permitted is 30 days, which can be extended once for a further 30 days from inside the UAE, giving a maximum stay of 60 days without leaving the country. Extensions can be arranged through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or via most hotels and travel agents in the UAE.
Tourist infrastructure across the UAE is excellent. English is widely spoken in hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, and tourist areas. Dubai and Abu Dhabi both have extensive public transport networks (metro, tram, bus, water taxi) alongside taxis and ride-hailing apps.
- Alcohol is legal but only available in licensed hotels, restaurants, and some clubs. Drinking in public or being drunk in public is illegal.
- Drugs carry extremely severe penalties, including long prison sentences. Even trace amounts can lead to arrest. Prescription medicines should be carried with a doctor's letter.
- Public displays of affection (including kissing) in public are illegal and can result in arrest.
- Dress codes are enforced at government buildings and religious sites. Modest dress is expected in souks and non-tourist public areas.
- Photography of government buildings, military installations, and some individuals without permission is prohibited.
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal even for non-Muslims.
Key things to be aware of:
How to Get There
Direct flights from the UK to the UAE:
- British Airways operates daily non-stop flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH).
- Virgin Atlantic flies Heathrow to Dubai daily.
- Emirates runs multiple daily flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Glasgow (GLA), and Newcastle (NCL) to Dubai (DXB).
- Etihad Airways connects London Heathrow and Manchester to Abu Dhabi (AUH).
- flydubai operates from London Gatwick and several UK regional airports to Dubai.
- Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offers budget options into Abu Dhabi.
Flight times: approximately 6.5 to 7 hours from London. Flights from northern UK airports may be slightly longer.
Tip: Emirates and Etihad also serve a wide range of UK regional airports, so a direct or one-stop connection to Dubai or Abu Dhabi is available from most of the country.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate (1 USD = 3.67 AED). This makes costs easy to estimate and exchange rates stable.
- Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the UAE, including supermarkets, restaurants, taxis, and tourist attractions.
- Contactless payments are widely supported.
- Apple Pay and Google Pay work at most terminals.
- Inform your UK bank before travel to avoid cards being blocked for suspected fraud.
UK bank cards:
- ATMs are plentiful at airports, malls, metro stations, and hotels.
- Currency exchange booths are available throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi if you prefer to carry dirhams.
- Card users rarely need cash, though some smaller souks and local eateries are cash-preferred.
Cash and ATMs:
Cost of living:
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expensive by international standards. Dining out, alcohol (where available), and branded goods cost roughly the same as London or more. Budget accommodation is limited in central areas. However, supermarkets, street food, and local restaurants can be affordable.
Practical Tips
- Alcohol is only available in licensed venues (hotels, some restaurants, clubs). Purchasing alcohol from outside these venues or drinking in public is illegal.
- Drugs of any kind carry severe penalties. Even residue amounts in luggage have led to prosecution. Carry a doctor's letter for any prescription medication.
- Public behaviour: avoid loud or disruptive behaviour in public. Public displays of affection are illegal.
- Photography: do not photograph government buildings, military sites, or individuals (especially women) without clear consent.
- LGBTQ+ travellers: same-sex relationships are illegal in the UAE. The FCDO advises LGBTQ+ travellers to exercise caution.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees in souks, malls (outside beach/pool zones), and government offices. Beachwear stays on the beach.
Local laws and customs:
Ramadan:
If visiting during Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited by law for everyone (not just Muslims). Many restaurants close during the day or operate screened-off sections. Nightlife intensifies after sunset. Check dates each year as Ramadan shifts by approximately 11 days annually.
Working week:
The UAE weekend runs Friday and Saturday (the working week is Sunday to Thursday). Many attractions and malls have adjusted hours on Fridays due to midday prayers.
Weather:
The best time to visit is October to April, when temperatures are between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. From May to September, temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius and humidity is high, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Emergency number: 999 (police), 998 (ambulance), 997 (fire).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Dubai or the UAE?
No. UK passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UAE. A free entry stamp is issued automatically on arrival at Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum (DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and other UAE ports of entry. There are no fees and no advance paperwork required.
How long can UK citizens stay in the UAE?
UK citizens receive a 30-day visa-on-arrival stamp at no cost. This can be extended once for a further 30 days from inside the UAE (without leaving the country), giving a maximum continuous stay of 60 days. Extensions are handled through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the GDRFA in Dubai, and a fee applies.
Are UK bank cards accepted in Dubai and the UAE?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards are accepted almost universally across the UAE, including in shops, restaurants, taxis, and tourist attractions. Contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely supported. ATMs are available throughout both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Notify your UK bank before travelling to avoid your card being flagged for fraud.
What laws should UK tourists be aware of in the UAE?
- Alcohol is only available in licensed hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs. Drinking in public is illegal.
- Drugs carry severe penalties, including imprisonment. Even prescription drugs should be accompanied by a doctor's letter.
- Public displays of affection (including kissing) are illegal and can result in arrest.
- Dress modestly outside beach and pool areas, especially in souks, malls, and near mosques.
- LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal in the UAE.
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone.
The UAE has strict laws that differ significantly from the UK:
The UK FCDO travel advice page for the UAE provides a full and regularly updated list.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Dubai?
- Emirates flies daily from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow to Dubai (DXB).
- British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate daily Heathrow to Dubai flights.
- Etihad Airways serves Heathrow and Manchester to Abu Dhabi (AUH).
- flydubai and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offer budget options from several UK airports.
Yes. There are extensive direct flight options from the UK to Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
Flight time is approximately 6.5 to 7 hours from London.
What is the best time to visit Dubai or the UAE?
The best time to visit is October to April, when temperatures are comfortable (roughly 20 to 30 degrees Celsius) and outdoor activities and sightseeing are enjoyable. From May to September, temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius with high humidity, making outdoor exploration very uncomfortable. December and January are peak season, with higher hotel prices and larger crowds. Visiting during Ramadan (dates shift each year) means restrictions on eating and drinking in public during the day, but also a unique cultural atmosphere in the evenings.