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Visa information

Planning a trip to Dubai? Find out whether you need a visa and how to apply.

Do you need a visa?

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Are visas affected by coronavirus/COVID-19?

Do I need a visa to enter Dubai?

How do I apply for a Dubai tourist visa?

How long can I stay in the UAE?

What is the validity period of my visa?

What nationalities are entitled to a visa on arrival in Dubai?

What should I check before travelling to Dubai?

Can I get visa on arrival in Dubai, or do I need to apply in advance?

Can I stay in Dubai without a visa?

Do I need a transit visa for 2-8 hours in Dubai?

Do Schengen visa holders require a visa for Dubai?

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Visa Information

1) British Passport Holders

Holders of full British passports (travel documents are not accepted) will be granted a free of charge visitor/tourist visa upon arrival in the UAE. No application in advance of travel is needed. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you pass through Immigration at any of the International airports in the UAE. The visa issued at the airport for British passports holders is valid for 30 days – plus a 10 day grace period. If you wish to stay longer, you may make a request with the Immigration Officer at the airport or contact the local General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs at least three days prior to the expiry date (chargeable services). Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. There are no exemption procedures provided via the Consulate.

British Overseas Territory passport holders require a visa to be arranged before travel for entry to the UAE.   2)Nationalities that do not require a visa to be arranged before travel to the UAE

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals do not require a visa to enter the UAE.

Passport holders of the countries listed below will be granted a free of charge 30 day visa on arrival in the UAE. No application in advance of travel is needed. Your passport will be stamped with the Visit Visa as you pass through Immigration at any of the airports in the UAE.

Andorra Australia Brunei Canada Hong Kong Ireland Japan Kazakhstan Malaysia Monaco New Zealand People's Republic of China Russian Federation San Marino Singapore South Korea Ukraine United Kingdom United States of America Vatican City Passport holders of the countries listed below will be granted a free of charge 90 day multiple entry visit visa on arrival in the UAE, valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 90 days in total. No application in advance of travel is needed. Your passport will be stamped with the visit visa as you pass through Immigration at any of the International airports in the UAE.   Austria Barbados Brazil Belgium Bulgaria Chile  Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Grenada Hungary Honduras Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Montenegro Mexico Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Republic of Kiribati Seychelles Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine Uruguay   Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. There are no exemption procedures provided via the Consulate 

  3) Nationalities that require a visa to be arranged before travel to the UAE Important: The UAE embassy in London does not issue Visitor / Tourist visas.   You will require a visa to be arranged before travel, if you hold a passport which is not stated in the lists above. The UAE embassy in London does not issue visitor/tourist visas. Please contact one of the following:

• Visa Agents: You may look for visa agents online yourself. Alternatively, you may contact your hotel or airline and they may recommend one for you. The embassy does not recommend visa agents
• Fly Emirates or Etihad Airways: Both Fly Emirates and Etihad Airways can assist their costumers in applying for tourist/visitor visas. Please contact them and follow there relevant procedures.
• Friends/relatives residing in the UAE: Friends/relatives can apply for a visa as your sponsor through the local immigration office in the UAE.

4) UAE Residents

• If you have, or are planning to overstay the allotted 180 day period outside the UAE, then please contact your sponsor or PRO and follow the relevant procedures. 
• Please contact your sponsor to apply for a UAE residency. The embassy does not issue or process residency applications. 

5) Other Queries

• Holders of UK residency status

Those who hold UK residency status, but are nationals of a country not listed in the "nationalities that do not require a visa before travelling to the UAE" lists, will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to the UAE.

• Holders of Indian Passports

Those who hold Indian Passports with UK residency status (e.g. indefinite leave to remain, spouse visa) valid for more than 6 months are eligible for a 14 days visa costing 100AED upon arrival in the UAE. This visa can be extended for a maximum of another 14 days. You must carry your BRP card, or the passport which holds your residency sticker.

Please note that the UK residency must be in form of a BRP card or Sticker. 

You can contact the UAE directorate of residency and foreigner’s affairs for further clarification:  https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en

• Holders of Travel documents

Holders of a UK "Travel Document" cannot apply for visa and are not eligible for a visa on arrival.

• Temporary Work

If you are going to be carrying temporary work in the UAE, you may be required to obtain a mission work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Please contact your sponsor or host company whether you need this type of visa.   Alternatively, you can contact MOHRE directly on: Tel:  00971-68027666 Website (online chat service available):  https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/home.aspx

6) Diplomatic and High Commission Visa Requests

The requests for visas submitted by embassies and high commissions are received and processed by the consular section of the UAE embassy. The following is required:

• A written request (Note Verbal) from the embassy or high commission stating the applicants: details, purpose and dates of travel
• A completed and signed application form for each applicant. Please request this form via email:  [email protected]
• 1 recent passport size photo.
• A Passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of arrival.
• The applicants contact information (mobile, e-mail address).

Processing time is 10 working days. No charge is applicable for visas requested by embassies and high commissions.   7) Entry Permits for Lost Passports NOTE: The Consulate no longer issues entry permits for lost passports. Please contact your sponsor/PRO and follow the relevant procedures. 

8) Carrying Medication to the UAE FAQ   I am transiting through the UAE (not leaving the airport), do I need approval for me medication?

Transit passengers who are not leaving the airport do not need prior approval for their medication from MOHAP (providing the medication is not prohibited, please check the answer below for how to check the list of controlled medication). Simply carry a copy of your prescription and letter from your doctor.   Does my medication need prior approval before travelling to the UAE?

Please note that not all medication require the process of approval. Please contact the UAE MOHAP costumer service line quoting the names of your medication to enquire whether you need to apply for approval before travel or not. Tel: 00971 800 11111. Live Chat:  http://www.mohap.gov.ae

How do I apply for approval to take my medication to the UAE?

Please follow these steps:

• Visit this link:   http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/Pages/361.aspx
• Click on "go to the e-service"
• Create an account
• Fill in the required details and attach the requested documents
• Submit the request

Please contact MOHAP directly if you wish to follow up on your application.    I am travelling urgently and I have not received a reply from MOHAP regarding my medication, what should I do?

Contact the MOHAP via the customer service telephone, livechat or email quoting your application reference number Tel: 00971 800 11111 Livechat:  http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en Email:  [email protected]   My application for taking my medication has been rejected, what should I do?

Contact the MOHAP via the customer service telephone or email quoting your application reference number Tel:  00971 800 11111 Livechat:  http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en Email:  [email protected]   I am having technical difficulties submitting my medication application online, what should I do?

Please note that the embassy does not receive or process medical application. All applications are processed  by MOHAP. Please contact them directly if you have any technical difficulties: Tel:  00971 800 11111 Livechat:  http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en Email:  [email protected]   Any other Queries regarding medication

Please note that the embassy does not receive or process medical application. All applications are processed by MOHAP. Please contact them directly if you have any further queries: Tel:  00971 800 11111 Livechat:  http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en Email:  [email protected]

9) UAE Driving License Exchange

To submit an online application for a "To whom it may concern” certificate-license Data verification letter. Please follow the following steps:

Visit the link: https://www.moi.gov.ae/en/default.aspx

Sign in with a username and password.

Choose Smart Services from the page header

From the E-Services menu, choose the service from the driving licensing tab that falls under the traffic services.

You can submit a new request by clicking on the “New Request” button. The list of previously submitted requests is displayed and can be downloaded. 

Select purpose use and address to then click on the next button.

The total fees for issuing certificates will be displayed, click on Next to go to the payment screen.

After the payment is completed, users can download and print the certificate.

10) Contact Information

You can send us your query to our regularly monitored email  [email protected]

Please note that we may not answer all phone calls. We advise you to send us an email instead.

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Everything You Need To Know About A UAE Visa

But the good news is that you can get a visa on arrival (VOA) after landing at the airport when you are entering the nation for tourism, transit, or business purposes.

A UAE visit VOA arrives with a maximum stay period of up to 30 days. Once you exit the country, your visa is automatically terminated. 

This means that you cannot use the same visa to re-enter UAE, even if it is still valid. You need to obtain a fresh VOA every time you seek to enter UAE borders.

If you wish to extend your stay in UAE, you can apply for an extension twice, while you are within the country’s borders. Each extension allows you an additional stay period of 30 days.

For further help, you should contact the UAE Immigration in Dubai (04-3980000) or in Abu Dhabi (02-4024500).

Passport requirements for availing a Visa on Arrival

Once you land in the UAE, you will need to present your passport for stamping the Visa on It should hold a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE, provided your purpose of the trip is related to business or tourism. Remember that your passport should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

However, if you are entering the nation only for transit and you do not have to pass through immigration, your passport can have a validity of 3 months.

Again, if you have a valid UK residence permit, your passport must have a minimum validity of 3 months from your date of arrival in the UAE.

Note: If your passport specifies another category of British nationalities such as British Overseas Citizen or British National Overseas, you shall need to obtain a visa from the nearest UAE Embassy before traveling to the UAE.

Additional requirements for obtaining a VOA at UAE airports

Just like the common requirements for availing a visa on arrival in any country, you need to carry certain mandatory documents to obtain one in the UAE as well. These include:

• Proof of sufficient funds, which ensure that you have the required means to support your stay in the country. You can present this evidence in the form of cash, cards, or recent bank statements.
• Remember to carry originals or copies of your onward/return airline tickets.
• You may be asked to present proof that specifies the purpose of your trip.
• Required documentation for the next destination

Confirm with your airline, before you travel, if they allow boarding without a visa. Sometimes, regulations change and you may not be aware of the new rules. A simple confirmation goes a long way in avoiding any unwelcome surprises after all your travel plans are final.

Seeking employment in the UAE

Do note that you are not allowed to engage in any remuneration-generating work on a visit visa on arrival. What you can do is, first enter the country on a VOA. Next, you can apply for a probationary work permit with the Ministry of Labour. This permit comes with a validity of 3 months and allows you to stay up to 60 days.

If you fail to follow this mandatory requirement and are discovered working on an ordinary visit visa, you may be jailed, fined, or even deported.

If you wish to extend your stay in the UAE beyond the granted period of 60 days, you need to contact the UAE Consulate in London, the Naturalisation and Residency Department in Dubai or visit the website of the UAE Federal E-Government Portal.

Another method of working in the UAE on a long-term basis is to apply for a residence visa once you enter the border on a visit VOA.

After you obtain the visa, you may be asked by your UAE employer to submit your passport with the company. 

You may find this clause as part of the terms and conditions of employment. However, this is illegal and you can appeal to the Labour Department if such an incident happens in your case.

Note: All applications for a residence visa require a blood test. If you are tested positive for HIV, you shall be detained and eventually deported.

Once your said employment period is over, please ensure that you cancel your work visa before departing the UAE permanently. Failure to do so has severe penalties. You can be deported on the grounds that you are an absconder or arrested during your next entry into the country. Additionally, prior to exiting the country, even if you are in transit, remember to repay all your debts and resolve any ongoing cases against you. You must display your legal status in the UAE when you depart. If you are facing a case for a travel ban, legal proceedings, unpaid debts, or custody dispute, you can be refused exit from the UAE.

Medication Requirements

UAE immigration officials follow strict rules when it comes to the intake of medications. If you carry prescribed or over the counter medicines, you have to follow the UAE’s rules on whether these drugs are allowed within its borders.

Certain medications are classified by the UAE as narcotic, psychotropic, controlled or semi-controlled. If your drugs fall under any of these categories, you need to obtain prior approval from UAE authorities. 

You can find a complete list of these regulates on the website for the UAE Ministry of Health.

It is advised that you get this approval in advance via an electronic application form available on the UAE Ministry of Health website. If you do not carry this approval, you shall need to present relevant documents. Sometimes, approval is not guaranteed after arrival and worse still, you might have to face prosecution under UAE law.

There are also limits on the number of medications allowed into the country. If your medicines do not fall under the classification above, you can bring a supply of 3 months. Otherwise, this quantity is reduced to a supply of 1 month.

Rules to be followed if you have previously traveled to Israel

If you have formerly visited Israel and your passport contains Israeli visas or stamps, you can enter the UAE if you are not traveling for work-related activities. If it is the latter, you will be subjected to further checks.

British nationals holding dual nationality of Israeli citizenship can sometimes be refused entry into the nation.

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How to get a UK Tourist visa from UAE: Step-by-step guide

Who would not be eager to explore the marvels of the United Kingdom and spend a vacation ravishing oneself with its magnificence? Who would hesitate to enrich themselves with the breathtaking greatness of Stonehenge, the awe-inspiring grandeur of Windsor Castle, the historic splendidness of the British Museum, the monumental glory of Buckingham Palace, or the iconic beauty of Tower Bridge, not to mention the numerous other exquisite places to experience? 

But without proper guidance, the process of acquiring a visa and other necessary travel documents can be a huge turn-off for any traveller. The Visa Guy is here to make travel easy for everyone, and here is our simple step-by-step guide to getting a UK tourist visa from the UAE.

Table of Contents

How to Get a UK Tourist Visa from UAE

The application process for a UK tourist visa mainly involves an online application form and an appointment at a visa application centre. First, you have to choose from the pool of different types of UK visas and determine the kind of visa that suits your requirement as a tourist from UAE. The following step-by-step guidelines shall help you navigate the process of getting a UK tourist visa from start to end.

1. Determine Your Required Visa Type

Different types of uk visas.

There are numerous types of UK visas depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, duration of stay, and personal circumstances and skills. There are standard visitor visas, work visas, student visas, marriage visitor visas, family visas, ancestry visas etc. However, there are three possible visa options for a tourist to consider and determine the suitable one.

– Visa Not Required

The first thing to determine is whether you need a visa to enter the UK. Depending on your nationality, as per your passport, you might not require a visa at all. For example, if you are a Canadian national residing in the UAE, you are exempted from the visa requirement to travel to the UK for a stay shorter than 6 months. Similarly, citizens of the USA, EU member states, and certain commonwealth countries do not need a visa to stay in the UK for no longer than 6 months.

You can check whether you require a visa to enter the UK here .

– Electronic Visa Waiver

Instead of a Standard Visitor Visa, nationals of some middle-eastern countries, including the UAE, have the option to enter the UK with an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) . The UK Electronic Visa Waiver, a digital alternative to regular visitor visas, can be availed by the nationals of the following countries if their stay is no longer than six months for tourism, business, study, or medical treatment:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

  If you are a national of one of the six countries mentioned above and residing in UAE, the easiest option is to go for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).

– Standard Visitor Visa

Suppose you belong neither to any nationalities exempted from the UK visa requirement nor to the nationalities that can avail of an Electronic Visa Waiver. In that case, you must get a Standard Visitor Visa to travel to the UK as a tourist. Those eligible for an Electronic Visa Waiver can also get a UK Standard Visitor Visa. You can usually stay up to 6 months in the UK with a standard visitor visa. However, in certain circumstances like academics and medical treatment, you might be permitted to stay longer than six months.

To get a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you must apply online and attend an appointment at a visa application centre before you travel to the UK. Suppose you plan to visit the UK as a tourist regularly. In that case, you may opt for the long-term standard visitor visa, which will help you avoid the visa application process each time you travel, although the maximum stay per visit would remain 6 months.

The earliest you can apply for a visitor visa is three months before your journey. You should begin your visa application process as soon as possible to relax and prepare for your travel comfortably.

2. Gather the Required Documents

You must keep the following documents ready for a seamless visa application process. Check the documents required for a UK tourist visa from UAE.

List of Required Documents

1. Passport

Your passport must be valid during the entire course of your ijju stay in the UK. It must also have at least one page blank for your Standard Visitor Visa.

2. Proof of Accommodation

Proof showing where you will be staying in the UK.  Documents such as hotel reservation, host invitation, confirmation by a tour operator or rental agreement/contract will qualify as sufficient proof of accommodation.

 3. Proof of Financial Means

To show that you have sufficient funds to live in the UK, you should produce bank statements or proof of earnings (such as a letter from your employer)

4. Proof of Travel History

Previous travel documents/passports which indicate your travel history.

5. Proof of Legal Residence

If you are not a UAE national or your right to reside in UAE is not mentioned in your passport, you should furnish documents to confirm your legal residence in the UAE, to apply for a UK visitor visa from UAE.

6. Proof of Employment/Education Status

To demonstrate your employment or education status, you must produce either of the following.

• If you are an employee, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, with information regarding your role, salary, and duration of employment.
• If you are self-employed, business registration documents or recent invoices.
• If you are a student, a letter from your institution on official letterhead confirming your studentship and leave of absence.

Additional Documents Required if You Are Under 18

1. Document Showing the Relationship between You and Your Parent

Such as birth certificates, adoption papers etc.

2. Copy of photo page of Guardian’s Passport (if parents are not applying for the visa)

Ensure that their passport number and signature are included. If they don’t have a passport, produce another document with their signature.

3. Signed letter from your parent (if you are not travelling with your parent)

Additional Documents Required if You Have a Sponsor

If someone in the UK is providing your travel or accommodation, you must produce:

• Letter of invitation from the host
• Document showing the relationship between you and the sponsor (family, employer etc.)
• Legal residence document of your sponsor

Understanding the UK Visa Application Fee

• The Electronic Visa Waiver costs 30 Euros, which is approximately 120 AED.
• The fee for a UK Standard Visitor visa is approximately equivalent to 500 AED.
• The fee for a 2-year long-term standard visitor visa is approximately equivalent to 1800 AED.
• The fee for a 5-year long-term standard visitor visa is approximately equivalent to 3200 AED.
• The fee for a 10-year long-term standard visitor visa is approximately equivalent to 4900 AED.

3. Complete the Online Application Form

The online application form is the key step to getting your UK standard visitor visa before attending an appointment at a visa application centre. Once you start the online application form, you can save it any time and finish it later by signing back in. The following is a step-by-step breakdown of filling out your online application form for the UK standard visitor visa.

Tips to avoid common mistakes while filling out the form

• Keep some of your original documents/ID proofs next to you while filling out the form to verify the spelling of your particulars against your ID proofs.
• While answering yes or no questions regarding your legal, criminal and immigration history, ensure you don’t get confused. 

It’s always preferred to contact a visa assistance service like Visa Guy to fill out your application form to ensure everything is filled out correctly. 

4. Schedule Your Appointment at Visa Application Centre (VAC)

How to schedule your appointment at the uk visa application centre.

• Open the VFS-Global website and find the UK Visa Application Centres list in UAE . 
•   From the list, click on the centre that is nearest to you.
• Read and understand the opening hours and regulations of the Visa Application Centre you have chosen, and proceed to book by clicking on the Book Now tab.
•   Give the online application credentials asked.
•   Choose a feasible date and reserve your appointment.

Understanding the Biometrics appointment

The appointment at the Visa Application Centre for identity verification and biometric information is a crucial step in your visa application process. It is a mandatory process which you must directly appear for. Your fingerprints and photograph will be collected at the Visa Application Centre. Both your photograph and fingerprints of all 10 digits will be collected by a digital scanner, and your documents shall be verified to confirm your identity.

Preparing for Your Appointment

After booking your appointment, in the following days, ensure that you have collected all documents required for the appointment. You will need to take the following documents to the Visa Application Centre .

• Printout of the Appointment Confirmation letter ( from VFS Global)
• Valid Passport (with at least one blank page)
• Printout of your checklist (from your completed visa application form)
• Supporting Documents
• Evidence of permission to be in UAE (if you are not a UAE national)
• Evidence of your sponsor’s legal residence in the UK (if you are applying as a dependant)

5. Attend the Appointment

At the Visa Application Centre , biometric scans and document verification will occur. It is important to know about the procedures in the Visa Application Centre to avoid any last-minute confusion. Make sure that you reach your Visa Application Centre on time. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Don’t forget to take your passport and other documents to the Visa Application Centre. For the biometric information collection, keep the following in your mind.

• Your full face must be visible in the photo. Sunglasses, tinted glasses or head coverings are prohibited unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
• Ensure your face is properly visible without any hair falling across the eye.
• Ensure that your fingertips do not have any cuts or abrasions- this may affect the scan.
• Children below the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
• You can use the Document Scanning Assistance Service at the Visa Application Centre to upload the supporting documents for the appointment.

Priority Visa Service- for Getting Faster Decision on your Application.

You might be able to get a faster decision on your visa application by opting for the priority visa service . Depending on the availability of the service in each Visa Application Centre, you can get a faster decision by paying a service charge for the same. 

6. Waiting for the Visa Decision

The waiting begins once you have completed your appointment and provided your biometric information. The waiting time ends when you get a mail consisting of the visa decision. Meanwhile, you can track your application to get updates about its progress.

Usual Processing Times for UK visitor visas

Normally you should get your visa decision within 3 weeks after you attend the appointment at the Visa Application Centre. However, as mentioned earlier, you can make a faster decision using the priority services. The ‘Priority Visa’ option will give you a decision within 5-7 working days, whereas the ‘Super Priority Visa’ will give you a decision by the next working day.

Acceptance or Refusal of Application

The result of your visa application shall be conveyed to you by email or a letter. The letter or email will describe what to do next. If you do not receive any mail even after enough time, check the spam or junk folders of your email.

What to do if your application is approved.

If your Visa Application Centre has collected your passport, they will return it with a sticker (vignette) once your application is approved. If you keep your passport, you have to take your passport to the Visa Application Centre to get the vignette in the passport. The vignette will show the visa type you have been granted, the validity dates, and the visa conditions. If you encounter any error in your vignette, contact your Visa Application centre and get it corrected as soon as possible.

What to do if your application is denied.

If your Visa application is refused, you will receive an email or a letter explaining the denial. If the Visa Application Centre keeps your passport, it will be returned to you. The letter will mention if you can appeal the rejection decision.

Read our article here to learn more about why UK visa applications are rejected and how to avoid them .

With proper guidance and some attentiveness, you can nail the UK visa application and pack your bags worry-free to explore the incredible gorgeousness of the UK. 

As a traveller, the application process and paperwork can be hectic and energy-wasting. But The Visa Guy has got your back. You can focus on other preparations for your travel and pack bags for your exciting days, cherishing the elegance of the UK while The Visa Guy takes care of your visa application and documentation process. We will make sure that your application process is carried out in a steadfast and hassle-free manner. The Visa Guy wishes you an unforgettable time in the UK, and we are waiting to help you in your journey.

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Apply for a visa, you do the flying, we’ll handle the faff..

Visa application processes are time consuming, complex and require a detailed approach. We can simplify the whole process for you – we’ll handle the paperwork. Your vacation shouldn’t give you another day ‘at office’.

How to Apply for a UK Tourist Visa in Dubai

Have you ever dreamed of traveling to the United Kingdom? Do you wish to see the Tower of London, ride the London Eye, or visit the Buckingham Palace? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then read on to learn how you can get a UK tourist visa!

Getting a UK tourist visa while residing in the UAE is pretty much straightforward. It involves preparing the necessary documents, scheduling an appointment, and visiting a visa application center. Here is a step-by-step guide to processing your tourist visa for the UK.

Related Post: How to Apply for a United States Tourist Visa in Dubai

Dubai Bloggers Personal Experience in Getting a UK Tourist Visa

Contact information: vfs global for uk office in dubai, google map location: vfs global wafi for uk visa application, contact information: vfs global for uk office in abu dhabi, google map: vfs global abu dhabi, guide to processing a uk tourist visa in dubai.

Step #1 Visit the UK government site for visa and immigration to learn about the requirements and setting a visa application appointment. You may also check out the website of VFS Global , the official partner of UK visas and immigration.

Required Documents for Processing The major documents you need to prepare typically include:

• valid passport
• recent photograph
• valid UAE residence visa
• flight tickets/tour tickets/letter of invitation/evidence of sponsor’s immgration status in the UK
• No objection certificate from employer
• bank statements
• hotel booking/travel booking
• marriage certificate (as applicable)

UPDATE: As per VFS Global website, you can find the updated required documents from this list – https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/ae/en/how-to-apply

NOTE: Bring additional documents that you may be asked to produce during your visa appointment. These include your job contract, educational certificates, bank statements, and marriage certificate.

Fill up the UK tourist visa application form online. You will need to register an account with VFS Global and pay online as well. Review your information, then save and print your application form.

Step #2 Book an appointment with any of the visa application centers in the UAE. You can do this by clicking “Book an Appointment” through your VFS Global account. Walk-in applicants will not be accommodated, since all visa applicants are required to schedule an appointment.

Step #3 Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early on the day of your appointment. Don’t forget to bring your application form, passport, residence visa, and other important documents.

Once you arrive at the application center, you will receive a number. Wait until your number is called before submitting your application to a VFS employee.

Step #4 Proceed to the biometric collection room, where you will undergo a digital finger scan (all fingers) and have your photograph taken. Make sure that your fingers are free from any cuts, markings, or decoration (e.g. henna). Before having your photo taken, remove tinted specs, sunglasses, and head covering (unless you are wearing one for medical or religious reasons).

Afterwards, you will be given a receipt with a reference number. Keep this safe as you will need it to collect your documents later on.

Step #5 Decide how you would prefer to receive your documents. You can either collect them personally at the visa application center or have them delivered via post. You can also opt for an SMS service, which will inform you about the status of your application.

How long will it take to get my UK visa approved and stamped? Please give it about 15 working days for the processing to be done. So make sure that you allot this time for them to send your passport. Be advised that this is still not a guarantee that your visa application will be approved.

Additional Reminders:

• It is recommended that you apply for a UK tourist visa as early as 90 days before your scheduled date of travel.
• Ensure that all your documents are ready before the date of your appointment.
• Bring original documents, as application centers are stringent in checking their authenticity.

As long as you have the necessary requirements, applying for a UK tourist visa in the UAE is easy and convenient. Once you receive that visa stamp on your passport, you’re all set to travel and see the sights of the United Kingdom!

Please check out the following blog articles below by bloggers who have written about their personal experience in applying for a UK visa for tourism in Dubai.

• Find Me a Break –  http://www.findmeabreak.me/travel/how-to-apply-uk-visa-from-dubai/
• AB and Me – https://www.abandme.com/apply-uk-visa-dubai/
• Pinay Flying High – http://www.janesarabia.com/2016/04/uk-tourist-visa-application-dubai/
• Jane Sarabia – http://www.janesarabia.com/2016/04/uk-tourist-visa-application-dubai/

WAFI Mall, Level 3, Falcon, Phase 2 Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai – UAE Website: https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/uae/applicationcentre.html

Business hours: 09:00 – 17:00 Sunday to Thursday 09:00 – 16:00 Application submission 16:00 – 17:00 Passport collection only

Below is a map guide for you to reach WAFI Mall. WAFI mall can be accessed via Dubai RTA Metro (Green Line). Nearest metro station is Healthcare City Metro Station.

For those based in Abu Dhabi, below are the contact details of the Abu Dhabi office in WAFI mall.

Shining Towers, Level 25 Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Adjacent to Khalidyah Mall, Abu Dhabi – UAE P.O.Box 30023

Comments are closed.

Apply Dubai Visa Online

Dubai Visa for UK Citizens in 2024: Unveiling the Benefits and Privileges

• Author- Priyanka
• Publish Date- 18-01-2024

With its magnificent skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and bustling city life, Dubai has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world. UK citizens who wish to explore the wonders of Dubai need to obtain a visa before their journey. In this guide, we will explore acquiring a  Dubai visa for UK citizens , providing you with all the necessary information and answering frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

What is the Dubai visa for UK citizens?

The Dubai visa for UK citizens in 2024 refers to the authorization needed for UK people to enter Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UK citizens have several visa options when visiting Dubai, including the popular tourist visa, which allows tourists or individuals visiting family and friends to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days. To obtain this visa, UK citizens typically require a sponsor in the UAE, such as a hotel, travel agency, or UAE resident, or they can choose to apply through reputable visa service providers like Dubaievisaonline.

UK citizens must typically gather the required documents to apply for a Dubai visa, which may include a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, passport-sized photographs, completed application forms, proof of travel arrangements (such as flight tickets), proof of accommodation in Dubai, and financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds to cover their stay.

The visa application process for UK citizens often involves submitting the required documents to the appropriate UAE embassy or consulate in UK. It is critical to carefully follow the embassy or consulate's instructions and pay any required visa fees.

Once the visa application is submitted, it goes through a processing period, which can vary in duration. To give adequate processing time, apply for the visa well before the anticipated travel dates. Upon approval, the visa is typically stamped on the UK citizen's passport, permitting them to enter Dubai for the specified duration and purpose. It is important to note that the visa's validity and permitted stay duration depend on the type of visa obtained.  

It is recommended that UK citizens familiarise themselves with the visa regulations and conditions before travelling to Dubai to ensure a smooth entry and stay in the city. Consulting with the UAE embassy or consulate in UK or referring to the websites, Dubaievisaonline can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Dubai visas for UK citizens. These reputable sources can offer comprehensive guidance on the visa application process, required documents, and any visa requirements or procedure changes, ensuring that UK citizens have the latest information for a hassle-free travel experience to Dubai.

Must Read: Dubai Visa for Cameroon Passport Holder Living i n Cameroon    

Dubai Visa Requirements for UK Citizens 

To enter Dubai, UK citizens must obtain a visa. Here are the essential requirements for acquiring a Dubai visa:   

• Passport:  UK citizens must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond their anticipated stay in Dubai. 
• Online Visa Application Form:  Applicants must complete the Dubai visa application form accurately and provide all the necessary information. 
• Passport-Size Photographs:  Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background are required for visa processing. 
• Flight Booking (Optional):  It is advisable to have a confirmed return flight ticket or an itinerary showing your travel plans. 
• Accommodation Proof (Optional):  UK citizens should provide proof of accommodation in Dubai, such as hotel reservations or an invitation from a host. 
• Travel Insurance (Mandatory):  You should obtain travel insurance for your entire stay in Dubai.
• Sponsorship (Not Required if you apply with us): In some cases, UK citizens may require a sponsor in Dubai. This can be a family member, friend, or employer who is a UAE resident.

Suggested Read: Am I Eligible for Dubai Transit Visa with Layover Less Than Eight Hours  

How to Apply for a Dubai Visa from UK?

Embarking on an unforgettable journey to Dubai from UK requires proper planning, and obtaining a Dubai visa is essential. With the convenience of online visa application services provided by Dubaievisaonline, obtaining a Dubai visa has become more accessible than ever. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Dubai visa from UK via Dubaievisaonline, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make your travel dreams a reality. 

Step 1: Choose Your Living and Citizenship Country  

We have included almost all the countries for the Dubai Visa so that you can choose your living and citizenship country from the drop-down menu.  

Step 2: Select the Type of Visa and Then Select Visa  

The Dubai E Visa Online offers a variety of visas, including Tourist Visas, Transit Visas, and Business Visas. You can choose a 48-hour, 96-hour, or 14-day business visa, a 30-day single-entry visa, a 30-day multiple-entry visa, a 60-day visa, a 90-day single-entry visa, or a 90-day multiple-entry visa.

Step 3: Fill out the Dubai Visa Application Form  

You must fill out this visa application form. You can add applicants to your application if you want multiple users. Upload documents like a passport scan copy, a photograph, and hotel and flight bookings. Your information is protected with a highly secured SSL certificate.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee   

You can pay your Dubai visa fees online or offline. If you complete your application, you will be given a payment option; otherwise, you will have to wait until we contact you with alternative payment alternatives.

Step 5: Track Visa Status and Download Visa  

Once you've filed your application, you can track its progress by providing your passport number and application ID. We continue to post your application at each stage. You will be able to download it after it has been authorized. We'll send you an email as well.

Suggested Read: Dubai Visa for Ghana Citizenship How to Apply Dubai Visa  

Types of Dubai Visas for UK Citizens 

Various types of visas are available for UK nationals who wish to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The specific types of Dubai visas include:

1. Tourist Visa:  This visa is designed for UK citizens who plan to visit Dubai for leisure. It allows them to explore the city's attractions and shops and experience the vibrant culture. The tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days, although it can be extended for another 30 days if necessary.

2. Business Visa:  UK citizens travelling to Dubai for business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, or exhibitions, require a business visa. This visa allows them to engage in professional endeavours and establish business connections in the city. The duration of a business visa can vary depending on the nature of the visit and the requirements of the sponsoring entity. 

3. Transit Visa:  If UK citizens have a layover in Dubai and plan to stay for a short duration before continuing their journey to another destination, they can apply for a transit visa. This visa suits those who want to explore the city briefly or have business commitments during their layover. The transit visa is usually valid for 48 to 96 hours.

4. Student Visa: UK citizens aspiring to pursue higher education in Dubai can apply for a student visa. This visa allows them to enrol in educational institutions and pursue their chosen academic programs. UK students must meet the admission requirements of the respective educational institution and provide the necessary documentation to obtain a student visa.

5. Employment Visa:  UK citizens seeking employment opportunities in Dubai can apply for an employment visa. This visa is sponsored by a UAE-based employer that offers the applicant a job. The employer must fulfil specific criteria and follow the necessary procedures to obtain the employment visa on behalf of the UK citizen. 

6. Residence Visa:  UK citizens who plan to live in Dubai for an extended period, such as for work, business, or joining family members, must obtain a residence visa. The residence visa allows them to reside legally in the city and enjoy the benefits and amenities available to residents. It is typically sponsored by an employer or a family member who is a UAE resident. 

Each type of visa has specific requirements and procedures that UK citizens need to fulfil. It is essential to carefully review the visa options and choose the one that aligns with the purpose and duration of your visit to Dubai. 

Suggested Read: Dubai Visa for Ethiopia Passport Holder Living in Ethiopia  

Dubai e-visa Fee for UK citizens in 2024

Understanding the Dubai e-visa fee structure is essential for UK citizens visiting this mesmerizing city. Dubai offers an efficient and convenient e-visa system that allows travellers to obtain their visas online, eliminating the need for embassy visits or paperwork. In this informative guide, we will delve into the details of the Dubai e-visa fee for UK citizens in 2024 , clarifying the costs associated with obtaining a visa and ensuring that you understand the financial aspects of your Dubai travel plans.

Suggested Read: Dubai Visa for US Green Card Holders  

Dubai Visa Application Process for UK Citizens 

To apply for a Dubai visa for a UK citizen, follow these steps: 

1. Gather the required documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, a visa application form, passport-sized photographs, a flight booking, accommodation proof, and travel insurance. 

2. Choose the Visa Type: Determine the purpose and duration of your visit to Dubai and select the appropriate visa category. 

3. Submit the Application: Visit the official website of the Dubai Visa Application Centre and submit your application online. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete. 

4. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee using the available payment options. 

5. Track the Application: After submitting your application, you can track its progress online by entering the supplied tracking number. 

6. Collect the Visa: Once your visa is approved, collect it from the designated visa application centre or choose the option for home delivery, if available. 

Further Read: Guide to Dubai Airport Transit Security Checks and Procedures  

A Dubai visa is essential for UK citizens visiting this dynamic city. By following the necessary procedures and providing the required documents, UK citizens can enjoy a memorable journey, exploring the magnificent attractions and experiencing the vibrant culture of Dubai. Remember to plan, apply for the visa promptly, and ensure all necessary documents are in order. With careful preparation, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure in the dazzling city of Dubai.  

With Dubaievisaonline , UK citizens can access user-friendly visa application services, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Remember to plan your trip, apply for the visa promptly, and ensure all necessary documents are in order. With careful preparation and the assistance of Dubaievisaonline, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure in the dazzling city.

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Dubai visa from UK: Requirements and Fee 2024

Last Updated : 03 May 2024

30-Second summary

UK nationals travelling to Dubai must apply for the Dubai e-visa , which allows UK citizens to visit for tourism.

The Dubai visa is an e-visa that allows you to apply entirely online.

The visa for Dubai from the UK does not require you to submit your passport and visit any Embassy for interviews.

Important Information

— Visa type

— Dubai visa price

— Dubai visa processing time

— Dubai e-visa validity

— Length of stay

Do UK citizens need a visa for Dubai?

UK citizens require a visa to enter Dubai. UK citizens are encouraged to apply for their visa before they travel to UAE.

One of the most convenient visa options is the e-visa , enabling applicants to complete the process online. UK nationals can apply for an e-visa on Atlys or the official government portal.

Do UK residents need a visa for Dubai?

You will need to check your eligibility based on your nationality ; you might be eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-visa .

Is there a Dubai visa on arrival for UK citizens?

Yes , British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival to Dubai. British citizens travelling to Dubai from the UK can do so without needing a pre-arranged visa. British passport holders can obtain a visit visa to Dubai on arrival for 30 days at the airport from the immigration authorities. The visa on arrival is free.

Applying for your visa before you travel is recommended , as a visa on arrival is not always guaranteed. If your application is rejected, you must return home. 

Dubai visa requirements 

You require a few travel documents before starting the visa application process. It's recommended to gather all these documents before applying. You'll need the following documents:

Valid passport : A passport valid for at least 6 months after you return. Have at least 2 blank pages.

Passport-sized colour photographs : A digital passport-size photo. The photo size must be 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, taken recently on a white background, looking straight ahead without glasses.

Depending on where you apply, you may need additional documents.

Dubai visa price

The Dubai tourist visa fee is £ 63 for a single-entry visa.

The Dubai visa cost for UK citizens will be charged as per the exchange rate on the day of the application.

Dubai application process for UK Citizens and Residents

At Atlys, we prioritise providing comprehensive guidance to our readers regarding visa application procedures and available options. For UK citizens and UK residents who require a visa, there are two main avenues to consider: utilising the services of Atlys or managing the application independently.

Apply through Atlys

To ensure a smooth and timely visa processing experience, here's a brief outline of the process when applying online through Atlys :

Start application : Begin your Dubai e-visa application journey by visiting Atlys .

Upload or take your photo : You can upload an existing photo or take a new photo directly through the portal using your smartphone or laptop.

Provide your details : Fill in the required personal and travel information accurately.

Finalise and pay : Review your application, checkout, and pay the applicable visa fees .

Why choose Atlys

Visa approval times can be uncertain, sometimes taking up to 7 working days. Atlys guarantees your visa within 4 days.

Atlys has established partnerships and liaisons with immigration officials in Dubai to ensure timely visa processing.

You can conveniently apply for your entire family on Atlys in a single application.

How to apply through the government

There are a few ways that you can apply for your Dubai visa online:

The Identity and Citizenship (ICP) eChannels portal : Through the eChannels portal, individuals and companies registered in the UAE can apply for a new visa or renewal. To apply, individuals and companies must first register themselves. Note that you can use the e-visa Dubai at the entry port in the UAE without putting the original visa in the entry port before the sponsor's arrival.

The website of GDRFA - Dubai : You can apply online for a visa through the websites of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai.

Licensed travel agents and hotels : Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can assist if you purchase a ticket through them and maintain a hotel reservation. Simply inquire if they can handle the visa application for you. 

Etihad Airways : The application process is simple and entirely online. Visit the Etihad Airways website, click "Apply for UAE visa," then choose the Dubai Tourist Visa . Fill out the form, attach the necessary documents (passport, photo, flight ticket), pay the fees online, and wait for your visa.

Emirates Airways : Apply for your Dubai Tourist Visa through Emirates. If you're travelling to Dubai from the UK or stopping with Emirates, you can conveniently apply for your UAE visa online without submitting your passport for stamping. Simply apply through Manage Your Booking after booking your Emirates flight. This service is available globally for residents and nationals. Please note that this option is only for passengers with confirmed Emirates bookings.

Fly Dubai : You can't apply for the visa online through their website like with the other airlines. Instead, you need to contact a nearby travel shop to see if they can help you with your Dubai Tourist Visa application. Unfortunately, only a few travel shops can help with your visa application for Dubai, so be sure you call to get all the relevant information.

Air Arabia : You can't apply online through the website. Instead, you need to contact the Air Arabia sales centre near you. They'll tell you everything you need to know about applying for the Tourist Visa Dubai through Air Arabia when you contact them.

Additional documents that are required:

Sponsor (If applicable) : Clear passport copy of the sponsor. Clear passport copy of the sponsored person.

Travel insurance : Valid for the duration of your trip.

Return flights : Copy of confirmed flight booking.

Proof of sufficient funds : This can be done using bank statements and payslips.

Apply with Atlys to avoid confusion and apply in a straightforward, easy process.

Tips to apply

Most of the time, you can only apply through an airline if you have booked your ticket with them.

Fill out the visa application form accurately and truthfully. 

Some methods to apply might require some additional documents. Make sure to research the documents you require for the method you apply.

Submit your visa application well before your planned travel dates to allow for processing time .

Receive your Dubai visa for UK citizens

Once you've submitted your visa application, you must wait for processing. Applying for your e-visa well in advance is essential for sufficient processing time.

Through Atlys:

Atlys will deliver your visa for Dubai from the UK to you via email, and you'll also have the option to download it from the Atlys app.

Through other options :

If you applied through any other portal, you must manually check the portal to confirm if your visa has been approved. Once approved, you can download and print your visa.

How the Dubai e-visa looks like:

Dubai visa information for UK nationals

How to do a dubai status check.

It depends on the method of application. All the options discussed above are online, so you must log into your account where you applied and check your status.

Apply with Atlys and easily do a Dubai status check through the Atlys app.

Dubai visa processing time

The visa processing time may differ, but it takes approximately 7 working days for them to process your Visa. However, by using Atlys , you can receive your approved visa for Dubai from the UK within 4 days.

Dubai e-visa validity & length of stay

The Dubai visa validity will be mentioned on your e-visa once you receive it. With an e-visa , you can stay in the country for 30 days , allowing you to enter the country once.

Our Commitment To Visa Accuracy

All the information in this blog is sourced from official government websites, ensuring reliability and accuracy. You can trust the content to be accurate, but remember to stay informed, as changes may happen without notice.

Government of Dubai

Government fees and processes can change over time. We recommend visiting the official website for the latest information before you begin your application. Doing this will ensure you have the most current details, smoothing your visa application process.

Frequently asked questions

Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong (China), Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau (China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, and Vatican City can get a 30-day visa on arrival .

Citizens from Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Uruguay can get a 90-day visa on arrival .

After your Dubai online visa has been approved, you will receive it via email. Then, you can finally travel to Dubai within the validity period of your visa.

You can apply for a visa extension through the Federal Authority For Identity & Citizenship, Customs & Port Security website . When accessing the website, click the "Public Visa Service" option. This will take you to the page where you can apply for your Dubai Tourist Visa extension.

First, you must provide your passport number, passport-type, date of birth, and nationality. Then, at the bottom of the page, you'll see the types of Dubai Tourist Visa s you can extend. The visa extension process is very straightforward; you must provide personal information, attach the required documents (the same documents as your visa), and then pay the service fee.

With an e-visa for Dubai, you can enter the city through any of its major ports of entry, including:

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Dubai Cruise Terminals

Land border checkpoints (if arriving by road)

These ports of entry cater to travellers arriving in Dubai by air, sea, or land. Check your e-visa validity and any specific entry requirements before planning your trip to Dubai.

Yes, you must print out your e-visa before travelling to Dubai, as you must have a physical copy when you land at the airport.

There are several different types of Dubai visas that British citizens can use. Each different type of Dubai visa can be applied for a specific purpose of visit or duration of stay. Some of the different visiting visas to Dubai for a stay are:

48-Hour Dubai visa : Travellers with a 48-hour stopover or layover in Dubai can apply for this visit visa to Dubai.

96-Hour Dubai visa : Travellers with a 96-hour stopover or layover in Dubai can apply for this visit visa to Dubai.

Short-term single entry visa : This tourist visa allows the holder to enter and exit Dubai once and stay for the duration of the visa's validity period, which is 30 days.

Short-term multiple entry visa : This tourist visa allows the holder to enter and exit Dubai multiple times during the validity of the visa, which is 30 days.

Long-term single entry visa : This tourist visa allows the holder to enter and exit Dubai once and stay for the duration of the visa's validity period, which is 90 days.

Long-term multiple entry visa : This tourist visa allows the holder to enter and exit Dubai multiple times during the validity of the visa, which is 90 days.

Size: The photo should be passport-sized, typically around 45mm x 35mm.

Colour and resolution: The photo should be in colour and high resolution, with clear and sharp details.

Background: The background should be plain and light-coloured, preferably white or off-white, with no patterns or objects visible.

Expression: You should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and looking directly at the camera. Your face should be fully visible, with no shadows or reflections.

To check the status of your UAE visa, follow these simple steps:

Download the Atlys app.

Scroll down until you reach the "My Documents" section.

Inside "My Documents," find your UAE visa.

Click on your visa to access its current status.

A Dubai Tourist Visa (Dubai Visit Visa) is for foreign nationals who are not eligible for a visa on arrival for Dubai or visa-free entry to the United Arab Emirates.

A Dubai Tourist Visa is a short-term visa, which means that the Visa is only valid for a short period. If you stay longer than the issue date (your visa's expiry date), you will get a fine.

Dubai does not offer visa-free entry for UK citizens. However, UK citizens and citizens of many other countries are eligible for a visa on arrival or can obtain a visa online before travel.

Though British citizens do not need a pre-arranged visa for Dubai, they must meet the Dubai entry requirements to get a visa on arrival . British citizens who are valid passport holders don't need a visa to visit the UAE for 30 days. However, please make sure you have the following:

Your original passport : It must have over 6 months of validity from the expected departure time from the UAE.

Round-trip flight ticket : Confirmed round-trip flight ticket or a flight ticket to another destination.

No , the UAE government does not offer a refund for rejected visa applications, be it for any reason. Similarly, airlines or agencies might have their policies. However, they usually do not offer a refund.

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Your comprehensive guide to UK passport renewal in Dubai

• UK Passport Renewal
• Application

Dubai welcomes professionals from across the globe. Hence, it’s not surprising that British nationals make up a significant percentage of expats in the city. If you are currently a resident of the UAE and your British passport is about to expire, here’s how you can go about UK passport renewal in Dubai.

How to renew your British Passport in Dubai

Renewing a British passport in Dubai, especially without proper guidance, can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the process. After all, as an expat, a passport is an essential document and the idea of applying and waiting for renewal can be stressful.

Remember, the renewal process is easy to follow and can be done quickly if you know what to do. What’s even better is that there’s an online system to get it done. This post will cover everything you need to know about renewing British passports in Dubai.

Online renewal of British passport in Dubai

British expats in Dubai who wish to renew their passports can do so through the online “Overseas British Passport Applicants” services on the UK government’s website. To use the service, all you need is your old passport, a credit or debit card and access to a printer. 

Overseas British passport application

The online British passport renewal process in Dubai is pretty simple for UK nationals currently residing in Dubai.

The website will ask you to enter basic details, including:

• If you live in the UK or the current country of residence.
• Your date of birth
• Details of your current passport, like the issuing date and issuing authority

The guidance notes on the online service are straightforward . Applicants must have the required supporting documents that are to be sent to the UK. This typically includes your current passport and one document as evidence of your name and residence over the past year. This can be a resident permit or your tax record.

Also, keep in mind that any documents that aren’t in English must be translated first. 

Sign the declaration form

Once the application has been paid for, the applicant will receive a declaration form and guidance.

The applicant must then sign the form and send two identical passport-sized photos and supporting documents to the HM Passport Office. The guidance specifications will indicate the photo specifications and the types of documents to be sent. It will also mention the address where you need to send the required documentation.

Courier companies in Dubai like DHL are recommended for the purpose. After the application is sent, your new passport will be delivered by courier in three weeks. 

The online application process for British passport renewal in Dubai allows British expats to track their request progress easily. 

For more information about British passport renewal in Dubai, contact the UK Embassy in Dubai.

• Address: Al Seef Road, Bur Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-309-4444
• Office hours: 07:30 am to 02:30 pm | Weekends closed

UK PASSPORT RENEWAL FEE

UK passport renewal fee is as follows:

• £86 for adults
• £56 for kids
• Plus an additional £19.86 for courier service

* UK passport renewal cost is subject to change without prior notice. Please visit the official website to verify the latest fees.

FAQS ABOUT UK PASSPORT RENEWAL

How long is the british passport renewal process.

Presently, the British passport renewal process takes three weeks. However, if your documentation has a problem, it may take another six weeks.

CAN I CONVERT MY BRITISH DRIVING LICENCE TO THE UAE VERSION?

Yes, you can. Check out this handy guide to converting your British driving licence in the UAE . You can also read our guide on moving from Britain to Dubai .

The online application service has made the renewal of a British passport in Dubai incredibly easy. If you are an expat, check out how you can track your UAE visa status online in Dubai . Do you plan on inviting your family from overseas? Here’s everything you need to know about spouse visa for Dubai .

For more information on international passport renewals in the UAE, subscribe to MyBayut.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Do you do the 1 day priority service like you can in the UK?

Hi Anouska! For information regarding priority services, please contact the British embassy in Dubai at +971-4-309-4444. Have a great day!

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Dubai tourist visa extension: Fees, process, everything you need to know

Do you want to extend your holiday or do you wish stay to explore employment opportunities here's a guide.

Elizabeth Gonzales

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Dubai is a prime destination for business and leisure, so it's no wonder that people from all around the world want to visit the city. Since Dubai has a lot to offer, guests often find themselves wanting to stay a little longer.

Do you want to extend your holiday in Dubai? Do you want to stay to explore employment opportunities? Here's all you need to know:

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

If you're on a 30 or 60-day tourist visa, you can extend your stay within the country by another 30 days. You can renew your tourist visa through the following channels:

GDFRA website

• Register in the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA) website using your email address
• Log in through your username
• Click New Application
• Click For Myself
• Fill in the application data, where applicable.
• Attach your passport
• Pay the service fee.

The visa extension fee is Dh600, in addition to the five per cent value added tax.

• Sign up or log in to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) app.
• Go to the dashboard and open dependent visa details.
• Tap the 'Renew Residence' icon.
• Fill up the details.
• Select delivery method.
• Submit the fee.
• Wait for SMS/email confirmation.

ICP website

• Register in the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) website using your email address
• Click Public Visa Services
• Click 'Extension of Current Visa'
• Fill in the application data
• Pay the fee
• Wait for SMS/email confirmation

Amer Service Centre:

• Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Centre.
• Get the automated turn ticket and wait.
• Submit the application that fulfils all conditions
• Submit your your passport and visa copy to the customer service employee.
• Pay the service fee

Amer website

• Go to amer247.com
• Click “UAE tourist visa” in the top-right corner.

You will be redirected to a new tab featuring 14 types of tourist visas varying based on the number of days, validity and prices.

• Select the most relevant one for you and click “Apply Now”.
• Pay the fee. Proceed to the completion of the process

While the visa extension fee is Dh600 plus five per cent tax, it is worth noting that the total amount of the visa fee may vary depending on your circumstances.

Once you're done with the process, you can expect a result of your request for visa extension in 48 hours or less.

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Transit visa

The UAE issues two types of transit visas: one for 48 hours, and another for 96 hours. Transit visas are sponsored by the UAE-based airlines and must be processed and approved before entering the UAE

Related eServices

Who needs a transit visa, who can apply for your transit visa, duration of transit visa, important note.

• Transit visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Transit visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline

If you are not one of the nationalities that are eligible for visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE, then you need a transit visa.

Only the UAE based-airlines you are travelling through can arrange your transit visa prior to your journey. If your trip is through a travel agency, the agency can also help you get the visa, but all visas are routed through the airline. Airline agents can apply online for transit visas through one of the following means:

• the  eChannels  portal
• the UAEICP app for  Apple  and  Android
• online channels offered by the relevant General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate.

Transit visa is issued either for 48 hours or for 96 hours. Please note that once a 48 hours visa is issued, it cannot be extended to 96 hours.

Transit visas for 48 hours

Transit visas for 48 hours are issued free of charge to passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports. You need to apply for the visa in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa is not extendable, nor renewable. The validity of the visa is 48 hours from entry into the UAE, and you must leave the UAE within 48 hours from arrival.

To get a transit visa, you must have:

• a passport or travel document with a minimum validity of three months
• a photo of self against a white background
• an onward ticket booking to a 3rd destination, other than the one you are coming from.

Transit visas for 96 hours

Transit visas for 96 hours are issued against a fee of AED 50 to passengers transiting through the UAE’s airports. You need to apply for the visa in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa is not extendable, nor renewable. The validity of the visa is 96 hours from entry into the UAE, and you must leave the UAE within 96 hours from arrival.

• a passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months

No fees or additional amounts can be imposed by any federal, local or private entity. A departure fee of AED 30 is levied on each passenger passing through the UAE’s airports.

Useful links:

• Travel guide - Zayed International Airport
• Check the requirements for your UAE visa  - Etihad Airways
• How to apply for your UAE visa  - Emirates Airline

Learn more about  visas in the UAE .

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Untethered kiosks and confusion: How post-Brexit rules may change Eurostar trips

Eurostar has revealed how the ees process will be carried out at st pancras from october.

Britons must visit an Entry/Exit kiosk every time they take the Eurostar from London, starting from 6 October, when the new EU IT system for travel is due to come into effect.

Passengers’ data, including fingerprints, facial photographs and answers to four questions, will be collected at one of three kiosk areas in St Pancras International station before they proceed to the Eurostar area.

UK passport holders on short-stay visits are among those subject to these checks, which were planned before Brexit, as the country is no longer a member of the EU.

Post-Brexit border checks to cost nearly £5bn

“We will be ready for the launch of EES on 6 October,” said Simon Lejeune, chief stations and security officer at Eurostar, at a press briefing on Tuesday.

During the press session held by Eurostar and HS1, which owns and operates the lines and stations between St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel, it was revealed how and where third-country passengers (people who do not hold a passport from an EU or a Schengen Area country) will complete the EES process at the Eurostar station.

The preparation for the new border checks at St Pancras – where, unlike at airports, EU border checks are carried out in the UK by French Border Control (police aux frontières) – has involved a €10m investment.

Following concerns raised by HS1 earlier this year that planning for the post-Brexit checks at the station was “severely inadequate” and that 24 EES kiosks would be insufficient for Eurostar to process passengers, the number of kiosks due to be installed was increased from 24 to 49. There will also be 24 French border control officers at St Pancras by October, compared with 12 in May 2023.

The new EES kiosks will be installed in three dedicated areas of the London railway station, with the first machines arriving in June.

Third-country passport holders will be required to use these kiosks to register their data and answer four questions regarding their travel plans. The kiosks, which, in mock-ups, look similar to e-gates, will also be used to scan passports.

EES will replace the passport stamps that are used to check that third-country travellers do not remain within the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in 180 days. It is also planned that it will enhance border control, prevent irregular immigration and ensure a more efficient management of travel flows.

Eurostar expects that an EU-led app for EES, which will make it possible for passengers to complete some of the EES process before they travel, will be delivered in 2025. The app is being piloted in Sweden. It is understood that the specification will be passed onto EU member states, which will then each determine whether they want to develop and implement the app.

On their first visit after the launch of EES, third-country passport holders travelling to Europe on Eurostar from St Pancras will need to go through all steps of the kiosk process. The data will then be stored on the system for three years.

They will still need to register at the kiosks on each subsequent Eurostar trip from the UK, but their fingerprints will only be taken on the first visit after the EES launch – then again after three years, when the data will be erased and will need to be taken again. The checks will only apply to short-stay visitors and not to those in possession of a visa or residency permit for an EU or Schengen Area country.

Eurostar’s modelling suggests it will take an average of 90 seconds per person to go through the process.

Lejeune said: “We haven’t just plucked these figures out of the air, we have modelling and we have been working quite intensely to gauge what impact EES will have. We have run a number of mathematical models.”

The kiosks will be outside of the Eurostar check-in area, with 25 kiosks in part of an area that is occupied by coffee shop chain Benugo, on the ground floor of the station. Another area opposite the Eurostar entrance will have seven kiosks and there will be a third “overflow” area, on the first floor, with 14 kiosks.

Accessible kiosks will be available in the two ground floor areas and passengers who have requested extra assistance will be informed where they should go ahead of travel to the station.

Mr Lejeune said there would be “zero extra time [added] on departure” as a result of the EES checks.

“We’re not going to ask our customers to arrive earlier, we’re going to maintain our current check-in times”.

Both Eurostar and HS1 have been working closely with the EU and the UK Government to prepare for the changes.

Petition launched demanding passport 'renew by' date to end post-Brexit confusion

Richard Thorp, engineering director at HS1 Ltd, said: “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into thinking what this will mean for the passenger journey.

“The flow control devices – the kiosks – are there to do the process upfront.

“We’ve [St Pancras] been chosen for the kiosks because of the volume of passengers, and it will speed up the border process if people use the kiosks”.

The different kiosk areas will help St Pancras to plan around passenger peaks, according to HS1 and Eurostar.

On a typical weekday morning, for example, up to 85 per cent of passengers travelling from St Pancras are non-EU passport holders. But, in the afternoon, up to 65 per cent are EU passengers, according to Lejeune.

“The border crossing itself will be faster than today”, added Lejeune.

It is thought that the end of so-called wet stamping of passports will reduce the time taken for border checks.

Eurostar and HS1 have plans in place to inform the public of the changes ahead of, and after, 6 October.

Passengers will be sent information about the new process after booking a ticket, there will be signs in the station directing passengers to the correct area and dedicated staff will be on hand to help passengers use the EES kiosks.

The next step will be to install the kiosks, with the first arriving in June. During their press briefing, Eurostar and HS1 did not predict additional queues or overcrowding at St Pancras due to the EES kiosks.

However, in written evidence to the European Scrutiny Select Committee in January this year, HS1 said: “The EES process is highly likely to add in additional delay and confusion to the third country national’s experience of rail travel from St Pancras International.”

It added: “St Pancras International is an extremely busy station/thoroughfare (around 47M passengers per annum) with international and domestic train/tube passengers (as well as non-travelling visitors) all intermingling on the station concourses.

“The EES kiosks will need to be positioned within the station building away from the international zone (due to lack of space and operational matters) and will therefore add in a new distant process for passengers (upon first entry and for subsequent travel) in addition to their current journey through the station.

“This and the additional passenger queues that will result from this new process will impact on the passenger flows within the station and is likely to impact both customer experience and satisfaction levels.

“Due to a bias of “third country” passengers in the am peak and a hard start time at 4.45am, areas of the station are likely to be exceptionally busy and potentially congested in this early morning period. “

Asked by i if HS1 had an update on its comments from January, Thorp said: “We have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the implementation of EES is as seamless as possible for passengers while meeting the challenge of providing additional border control infrastructure at our unique Grade 1 Listed building St. Pancras International.

“Working with Eurostar and in collaboration with authorities in the UK, France and EU means that we now have more detail about the specifics of the process.

“We have undertaken detailed modelling work on passenger flows to detect potential capacity and space pinch points, which we have been able to address, and we have identified space at St. Pancras station to accommodate the kiosks needed to process customers and avoid unnecessary queues.

“As a result of new investment and resources at the border, processing capacity will increase which will help with overall passenger flow. HS1 and St. Pancras International will be ready for the introduction of the EES in October.”

The steps for taking the Eurostar after EES

Passengers will be sent information about EES and the changes to the travel process after booking a ticket with Eurostar.

They will not be asked to arrive any earlier for check-in for their scheduled departure. The earliest they will be asked to arrive, during peak travel times, is 90 minutes before their departure.

Non-EU passengers who do not possess a visa or residency permit will need to go to an EES kiosk before heading to the Eurostar area.

They should have been directed before their arrival, or by station staff, about which kiosk area to use.

Eurostar staff will be at the kiosk areas helping passengers to use the machines.

Passengers aged 12 or over who are making their first journey after EES has launched will need to register their passport, facial image and fingerprints and answer four questions about their trip.

The questions will be standardised across EES entry points, such as at UK ferry ports and at EU airports.

These questions will cover the intended length of the passengers’ stay, how they intend to pay for expenses on the trip and where they will be staying.

Under-12s can use the kiosks, but their fingerprints will not be taken.

Checking in

Once they have completed the process at the EES kiosk, passengers can proceed to the Eurostar area.

After passing through the ticket gates, they will go through security checks. Next, they will go through an exit check, which is required by the UK Home Office.

Finally, they will go to French border control. On the first journey after they have used the EES kiosks, they will need to go to a border control officer, rather than using the e-gates, to complete the registration process.

The EES registration will be completed at passport control. Passengers under 12 are not eligible to use the next generation e-gates at St Pancras.

Following their first visit after EES comes into force, non-EU passport holders will be able to use the e-gates at the station, rather than being required to go to a border control officer.

What is EES?

The European Union is introducing an Entry/Exit system to register the data of non-EU citizens travelling to the Schengen area. It will apply to non-EU passport holders travelling to the EU, with some exceptions, such as those who have a visa.

At St Pancras, and Le Shuttle and ferry points, EES registration will be carried out in the UK. Otherwise, the process will take place on arrival at international airports.

EES will be followed in 2025 by Etias (Travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries). While EES does not come with a charge, the Etias, which is effectively a visa waiver, will cost € 7 for people aged 18–70. Travellers outside of that age bracket will not have to pay.

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Passport power: Why having visa friends is vital for business

A passport is a symbol of national identity. It is also an international travel document. As the summer holiday season begins, the limitations of an Indian passport in the latter role are painfully evident. Out of a possible 227 destinations listed in the Henley Passport Index, Indians do not need a visa for 31 countries and can get a visa-on-arrival to 30 countries, so they enjoy relaxed visa norms in merely 61 countries. For the rest, visas have to be obtained the cumbersome, old-fashioned way.

India lags significantly behind its peers in ease of international mobility. As many as 145 countries out of 199 were ahead of India in the latest Henley Passport Index. Compare that with Brazil, which has visa-free access to 173 countries, including those in Europe. Even Russia—international sanctions notwithstanding—gets access to 120 countries. Given India’s pride at being one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the Henley rankings caused much angst when they were released.

But the fact is that visa decisions depend on various non-growth factors. Geography is important: the Asean bloc allows visa-free travel among members, as does the European Union. Reciprocity is critical: since Brazilians need a visa to visit the US, Brazil imposes the same rule on US citizens.

Also read: Unlocking India's soft power potential

Bilateral relations make a difference: The United Arab Emirates has raised its passport strength significantly through systematic diplomacy, global investment, and by positioning itself as a key business hub. Unfortunately for India, passport strength does not depend on recent economic growth. In fact, slow-growing advanced countries tend to have higher international mobility as compared to fast-growing emerging economies.

Why it matters

Being able to travel without queuing up for a visa is a huge advantage. Tourists can take impulsive vacations. Business trips can be scheduled easily. Access to overseas medical treatment or conferences becomes fuss-free. None of these are trivial benefits: their absence has significant costs. A back-of-the-envelope calculation shows that an estimated ₹ 1,959 crore was paid as visa fees for the 1.4 million US visitor and work visas processed across consulates in India in 2023. Additionally, the average waiting time for visitor visa appointments was 250 days.

Passport strength is closely connected to the business environment, especially for the high-ranked countries. Countries with the strongest passports tend to be established business centres and trading hubs, with stable growth and sound enabling institutions. Not surprisingly, there is a heavy overlap between the best places for doing business and the top passport ranks. In other words, reforms that improve the business climate could help to build passport strength.

Also read: Spurned by Schengen, Indians are being swayed by the lure of liberal visas

Passport power.

Passport power measures the share of global GDP to which a passport gives visa-free access. The Henley index ranks the Indian passport at 125 out of 183 in terms of passport power, with access to 7.6% of world GDP. The usefulness of this measure is rather limited. First of all, access to some countries is more important than others. For example, Indians would definitely value visa-free travel to the US (a key destination for exports, students and job seekers) over, say, all the countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Second, following the UAE example, India could attempt to enhance its passport strength and power through strategic diplomacy. That may win some brownie points for the government. But visa-free access to key trading partners (US, China)—which would be far more useful—is unlikely to happen. Thus, rather than obsess over passport power, it is in India’s interests to increase its share of global trade via other means such as trade treaties and import agreements.

Also read: Scant slots, lengthy waits: Where have all the Schengen visas gone?

Reality check.

Getting a visa with an Indian passport is definitely a hassle. Reports suggest that the next available appointment date for a Schengen summer visa for Indians is more than a month away; processing could take another 7-20 days. But for a country beset with problems, this is practically a non-issue. Only 92 million Indians, or less than 7% of the population, have valid passports. In 2022, 21.6 million Indians travelled abroad, a fraction of the 1.7 billion domestic tourist visits that year.

At a macroeconomic level, the good news is that a weak passport is not detrimental to investment flows, critical for a capital-starved economy like India. Emerging economies made up seven of the top 20 host countries for foreign direct investment in 2022. India is also one of the top 10 with the strongest FDI prospects for 2024 (FDI Annual Standouts List). The takeaway? Visa troubles are inconvenient, but hardly critical to growth.

The author is an independent writer in economics and finance.

• #plain-facts

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Home Office confirms changes to the EU Settlement Scheme

The changes will ensure that citizens can continue to prove their rights easily, and bring greater clarity for those required to check immigration status.

Photo: Getty Images

Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme announced today will ensure that all those granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can continue to prove their rights easily, and bring greater clarity for those who are required to check immigration status, such as employers and landlords.  

The changes support the Home Office’s practical implementation of the High Court judgment in the judicial review proceedings brought by the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements ( IMA ).

In response to that judgment, we announced changes to the EU Settlement Scheme in July 2023 to ensure that nobody loses their immigration status if they do not apply to switch from pre-settled to settled status. 

The Home Office has continued to work closely with the IMA on the implementation of the judgment. Having listened to concerns raised by the IMA and others about the potential implications for those affected by the judgment, the changes announced today will ensure it remains easy for status holders to demonstrate their rights in the UK.  

The Home Office will change the duration of pre-settled status extensions from 2 to 5 years. The Home Office will also remove the pre-settled status expiry date from the digital profiles shown to third parties in the online checking services for Right to Work, Right to Rent and View and Prove.

Alongside this change, employers, landlords and letting agents will not be required to conduct a further right to work or rent check where the individual remains in their employment or as part of that tenancy agreement.  

The EU Settlement Scheme has been a great success. As of 31 December 2023, 5.7 million people had secured their rights in the UK through the scheme, with 2 million holding pre-settled status and 3.7 million holding settled status.

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