🇦🇪 → 🇬🇧
Do citizens need a visa for UK?
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
From 2025, Emirati citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits.
Last verified: 2026-05-24 · Source:
official government page
At a glance
| Visa type | UK ETA |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | Up to 6 months |
| Processing time | Usually minutes, up to 3 working days |
| Application fee | £20 (raised April 2026) |
| Passport validity required | Valid for stay |
| Where to apply | UK ETA app or gov.uk |
| Apply up to | At least 3 working days before travel; valid 2 years |
How to apply, step by step
- Download UK ETA app or apply via gov.uk.
- Scan passport.
- Take selfie.
- Answer suitability questions.
- Pay £20.
- Receive ETA by email.
Document checklist
- Emirati biometric passport
- Credit/debit card
Frequently asked questions
Is ETA a visa?
No — a pre-travel authorisation, similar to US ESTA.
What happens if I overstay?
Fines, possible re-entry bans, and complications for future applications.
About this page
Compiled by Julia Heldmann. Cross-checked against the official government source linked above and the Wikipedia article on visa policy of UK.