UK ETA for United Arab Emirates Citizens
UAE passport holders: how the ETA works for trips to the United Kingdom
UK ETA for UAE Nationals
Nationals of the United Arab Emirates were among the early groups required to hold a UK ETA, for travel on or after 22 February 2024. If you hold a UAE passport, you need the ETA before every visit unless you are travelling on a UK visa.
Our service lets you request it online. Regular Processing is $60 and takes 3 working days; Express Processing is $90 and takes 12-36 hours. Fees are in US dollars and apply to each traveler, including children, who each need their own ETA.
UK ETA Benefits for UAE Citizens
UAE passport holders: what to know before applying
Regular in 3 working days, Express in 12-36 hours
$60 or $90 for each traveler, in USD
Complete it and pay by card
Reusable during the validity period
Eligibility & Requirements
ETA required from 22 February 2024. What you need and what to expect.
• Valid UAE passport
• Photo of your face
• Email address
• Debit or credit card
• 2 years, or until the passport expires
• Up to 6 months per visit
• Not permission to work for UK employers
• Entry is decided at the border
Planning Your Visit
Visiting relatives or friends in the UK is one of the permitted purposes, and an ETA covers repeated visits for as long as it is valid.
Meetings, conferences and similar business trips are permitted. Taking up work for a UK company is not, and some paid engagements fall under separate permitted rules.
Frequently Asked Questions - UAE Travelers
No. One ETA covers repeated visits while it is valid, which is up to 2 years or until your passport expires.
No. Every traveler, including a baby or child, needs their own ETA. One adult can submit the applications.
The ETA is tied to the passport you applied with, so you need a new ETA after getting a new passport.
No. Border officers still decide whether you may enter when you arrive.
If you pass through UK border control on the way to another country you need an ETA. Ask your airline if your route is unclear.
Regular ($60, 3 working days) suits trips planned in advance. Express ($90, 12-36 hours) suits a shorter lead time.