UK ETA Now Mandatory for UAE Nationals Travelling to the United Kingdom

From 26 February 2026, the United Kingdom requires all UAE nationals to hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Previously, Emirati passport holders could visit the UK for up to 6 months without any prior authorisation. That visa-free access has now been replaced by the ETA requirement — you can still visit without a traditional visa, but you must apply for and receive an ETA before departure.

The UK ETA application is straightforward and fully digital. You do not need to visit any embassy, VFS centre, or submit physical documents. The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

1. 1Download the "UK ETA" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or visit the official gov.uk ETA page.
2. 2Create an account and enter your personal details as they appear on your UAE (Emirati) passport.
3. 3Upload a clear photo of your passport bio page using your phone camera.
4. 4Take a selfie for facial verification — the app uses biometric matching.
5. 5Pay the GBP 10 fee using a debit or credit card.
6. 6You will receive a decision via email, usually within 3 working days. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport — no printout is needed.

If you are a UAE national planning to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, or business meetings, make sure you apply for your ETA well before your departure date. While the process is usually quick, delays can occur during peak travel periods. We also recommend checking that your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining from your planned UK arrival date.

For UAE residents who are not Emirati nationals (e.g., Indian, Pakistani, Filipino passport holders), the ETA does not apply to you — you still need a standard UK visa. OraVisa can help with the full UK visa application process including document preparation, appointment booking at VFS Global, and application review.