UK ETA for Emirati Passport Holders — Do UAE Nationals Need a Visa? (2026)
Do Emirati passport holders need a UK visa or an ETA?
Emirati passport holders do not need a UK visa, but they do need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Since 22 February 2024, UAE nationals have required an ETA — it costs GBP 20, is applied for online (through the UK ETA app or gov.uk) with no biometric appointment, and is usually decided quickly, often within minutes and up to 3 working days. An ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner, and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each. It is a pre-clearance, not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry — the final decision rests with UK Border Force. Apply before you book non-refundable travel.
Key Takeaway
- Emirati passport holders do not need a UK visa, but they do need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before trave...
- What you need: UK ETA (not a visa)
- ETA Fee: GBP 20 (about AED 95)
- Validity: 2 years or passport expiry, whichever is sooner
- Biometrics: None — online application
- Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
Emirati passport holders do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom — but that is no longer the whole story. Since 22 February 2024, UAE nationals, along with other GCC nationals, have needed a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. The ETA is not a visa; it is a quick online pre-clearance linked to your passport. This is the point that catches Emirati travellers out, because for years no advance step was required at all.
The requirement is set by your nationality, which for an Emirati passport is the same wherever you live — so your UAE residence is not a separate factor here. This guide explains what the UK ETA is, how much it costs, how long it lasts, and how to apply, so that Emirati travellers are not turned away at check-in for not having one.
Emirati Nationals and the UK ETA — What Changed
The UK operates two systems for short visits. Visa-required nationalities must obtain a full Standard Visitor Visa with biometrics. Visa-exempt nationalities — including Emirati and other GCC nationals, and passport holders from the US, EU, Canada and Australia — instead need a GBP 20 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), applied for online with no biometrics. Emirati passport holders are in the second group: no visa, but an ETA is required. UAE nationals have needed the ETA since 22 February 2024, so if your last UK trip was before then, this is a new step for you.
Emirati Passport Holders — The Essentials
- No UK visa needed — but a UK ETA is required before you travel (since 22 February 2024)
- The ETA costs GBP 20 (about AED 95) and is applied for online with no biometric appointment
- It is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner, for multiple visits of up to 6 months each
- The ETA is a pre-clearance, not a visa, and does not guarantee entry
- Apply before booking non-refundable travel — airlines check for a valid ETA at boarding
How to Apply for the UK ETA
Applying for a UK ETA is a straightforward online process — there is no visa application centre visit and no biometric appointment.
Applying for a UK ETA as an Emirati national
Use the official UK ETA app or gov.uk
Apply through the official UK ETA app or at gov.uk/eta. Avoid third-party sites that charge more than the government fee.
Scan your passport and provide a photo
Scan your Emirati passport and provide a photograph as prompted in the application.
Answer the eligibility questions and pay GBP 20
Complete the short set of questions and pay the GBP 20 government fee.
Receive your decision
Most ETAs are decided quickly — often within minutes and up to 3 working days. The ETA is linked electronically to the passport you applied with.
Travel with the same passport
Travel using the passport linked to your ETA. Your ETA covers multiple visits of up to 6 months each, for 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever is sooner.
Sources
UK ETA at a Glance — Emirati Passport Holders
UK ETA Summary for Emirati Nationals
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What you need | UK ETA (not a visa) — required since 22 February 2024 |
| Government Fee | GBP 20 (about AED 95) |
| How to apply | Online — UK ETA app or gov.uk/eta; no biometrics |
| Validity | 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner |
| Entries | Multiple; up to 6 months per visit |
| Decision time | Usually minutes, up to 3 working days |
| Important | An ETA does not guarantee entry — UK Border Force makes the final decision |
What you need
- Information
- UK ETA (not a visa) — required since 22 February 2024
Government Fee
- Information
- GBP 20 (about AED 95)
How to apply
- Information
- Online — UK ETA app or gov.uk/eta; no biometrics
Validity
- Information
- 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner
Entries
- Information
- Multiple; up to 6 months per visit
Decision time
- Information
- Usually minutes, up to 3 working days
Important
- Information
- An ETA does not guarantee entry — UK Border Force makes the final decision
How OraVisa Helps
The UK ETA is quick to apply for yourself, and OraVisa is happy to point Emirati travellers to the official process. Where OraVisa adds value is for families travelling together: if you are an Emirati national but a family member holds a visa-required passport (for example a spouse or dependant on another nationality), they will need a full UK Standard Visitor Visa rather than an ETA. OraVisa can confirm each traveller’s correct route and prepare any visa applications needed.
Travelling as a family? Confirm everyone’s UK route — Free Consultation
OraVisa confirms whether each member of your party needs a UK ETA or a Standard Visitor Visa and prepares any visa applications required. Start with a free assessment.
Get Your Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Do Emirati passport holders need a visa for the UK?
No — Emirati passport holders do not need a UK visa. However, since 22 February 2024, UAE nationals need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs GBP 20, is applied for online with no biometrics, and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires if sooner, for multiple visits of up to 6 months each. It is a pre-clearance rather than a visa, so make sure you have a valid ETA before you fly — airlines check for it at boarding.
How much does the UK ETA cost and how long does it last?
The UK ETA costs GBP 20 (about AED 95). It is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner, and it allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each within that period. You apply online through the UK ETA app or gov.uk, with no biometric appointment, and most applications are decided quickly — often within minutes and up to 3 working days.
Does my UAE residence affect my UK ETA?
Your ETA requirement comes from your Emirati nationality, which is the same wherever you live, so your UAE residence is not a separate factor. As an Emirati national you need a UK ETA (not a visa) whether you are resident in the UAE or elsewhere. Note that other GCC nationals resident in the UAE are also ETA-eligible, while most other nationalities need a full Standard Visitor Visa.
Does an ETA guarantee entry to the UK?
No. An ETA is a pre-clearance that permits you to travel to the UK, but the final decision on entry is made by UK Border Force on arrival. Having a valid ETA linked to your passport is required to board, but you should still be able to explain the purpose and length of your visit and satisfy the standard conditions of a visitor.
Need Expert Visa Assistance?
OraVisa handles everything from document preparation to embassy submission. Get a free consultation today.
Get Free ConsultationTools to Help You Prepare
Get a personalised list of every document you need for this visa.
See a full cost breakdown — government fees, VFS charges & more in AED.
Check standard, express & peak processing times and when to apply.
All tools are free — no login required. View all tools →
Related Visa Guides
Latest Visa Updates
Written by
Sarah Khan
Content Manager & Visa Research Specialist
Content Manager creating accurate visa guides based on daily research across 100+ country policies. Former travel editor with a journalism background.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
Last updated: