Visa-Free Entry for Emiratis

UAE citizens enjoy visa-free access to the United Kingdom for tourism, business visits, or family visits up to 6 months per visit.1 Since February 2024, Emirati nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling, but this is not a visa.4

The ETA is a digital permission that allows you to travel to the UK. It takes minutes to obtain online, costs £16, and is valid for 2 years with unlimited entries.1 With a 99% approval rate for UAE nationals, entry is straightforward for most travelers.

How to Get an ETA

The ETA application is quick and entirely online. Here is the step-by-step process:2

1. Download the UK ETA App or Visit gov.uk

You can apply through the official UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or online at gov.uk/eta.1 The app is faster as it can scan your passport and take your photo automatically.

2. Prepare Your Information

You will need:2

• Your UAE passport (machine-readable biometric passport)
• A clear digital photo of your face
• A valid email address
• A payment method (credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay)

3. Complete the Application

The form takes about 10 minutes. You will provide personal details, passport information, and answer suitability questions about your travel and background history.2

4. Pay the Fee

The ETA costs £16 per person.1 This fee covers 2 years of unlimited entries or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

5. Receive Your Decision

Most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes.6 Some cases requiring additional review may take up to 3 working days. You will receive confirmation by email.

Entry Process at the UK Border

When you arrive in the UK, you will go through border control where an officer will:3

1. Verify Your ETA and Passport

Your ETA is linked to your passport number and verified electronically. You do not need to print anything, but having confirmation on your phone can help.

2. Ask About Your Visit

Be prepared to explain your purpose, show accommodation bookings, demonstrate sufficient funds, and confirm you have return travel arranged.5 These questions are routine for all visitors.

3. Assess Your Genuine Visitor Status

Border officers must be satisfied you are a genuine visitor who will leave at the end of your stay.5 Having clear travel plans and ties to the UAE helps demonstrate this.

4. Grant Entry

If satisfied, you will be granted entry for up to 6 months. Your entry is recorded electronically.

What You Need at the Border

While UAE citizens with a valid ETA generally have smooth entry, border officers can request:3

Practical tip: Have these documents accessible on your phone. Most questions are brief, but being prepared speeds up the process.

ETA Validity and Multiple Entries

The UK ETA offers significant flexibility for frequent travelers:1

• Validity: 2 years from issue date or until your passport expires
• Entries: Unlimited during the validity period
• Stay duration: Up to 6 months per visit
• No annual limit: Visit as often as you like, but frequent long stays may raise questions

Getting a new passport? Your ETA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to the new passport.

Permitted Activities

With an ETA, you can:1

Tourism and Leisure

• Sightseeing, visiting attractions, attending events
• Visiting friends and family
• Amateur sports and entertainment activities

Business Activities

• Attending meetings, conferences, and seminars
• Negotiating and signing deals
• Site visits and inspections
• Short-term training (not work)

Short-Term Study

• Courses up to 6 months
• Recreational courses at any duration

Medical Treatment

• Private medical treatment (not NHS)

What You Cannot Do

The ETA does NOT permit:1

• Paid or unpaid employment
• Studying courses over 6 months
• Living in the UK through repeated visits
• Accessing public funds or benefits
• Getting married (requires Marriage Visitor visa)

If Your ETA is Refused

ETA refusals are rare for UAE nationals, but can happen due to criminal history, previous immigration violations, or security concerns.56

If refused:

1. No appeal right exists for ETA refusals
2. You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead, which allows you to provide more documentation and explanation
3. Consider immigration advice if your case involves complex history

Common refusal reasons:

• Custodial sentences of 12 months or more5
• Previous overstays in the UK or other countries
• False information in the application
• Outstanding immigration issues

If Entry is Denied at the Border

Even with a valid ETA, entry is not guaranteed. Border officers can deny entry if they are not satisfied you are a genuine visitor.3

If denied entry:

1. You will receive a written notice explaining the reason
2. You have the right to contact the UAE Embassy
3. You can withdraw your application to avoid a formal refusal on record
4. Future ETA applications and visits may be affected

Prevention: Bring clear evidence of your travel plans, accommodation, funds, and ties to the UAE. Be confident and honest when answering questions.

Staying Longer Than 6 Months

If you need to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you must apply for an appropriate visa BEFORE traveling.1 You cannot extend an ETA stay except in genuine emergencies.

Long-stay options include:

• Standard Visitor Visa (for longer planned visits up to 11 months)
• Student visa (for courses over 6 months)
• Work visa (if you have a UK employer sponsor)
• Family visa (if you have British family members)

Travel to Ireland and Crown Dependencies

Your UK ETA also covers travel to:1

• Isle of Man
• Jersey
• Guernsey

Ireland: The Republic of Ireland is a separate country with its own entry requirements. UAE citizens can visit Ireland visa-free but should check current requirements. Note: The UK and Ireland have a Common Travel Area, but immigration rules differ.