UAE Visa for UK Nationals: Everything You Need to Know

Overview: UAE Entry for British Citizens

The United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates share strong economic and diplomatic ties, reflected in the streamlined visa arrangements for British nationals. UK passport holders enjoy one of the most privileged visa statuses for entry to the UAE, receiving a free visa on arrival for stays of up to 90 days.

Approximately 240,000 British expats currently reside in Dubai, making them the largest Western expatriate community in the UAE. Over 5,000 British companies operate across the Emirates, contributing to sectors including finance, technology, healthcare, education, and media. The UK-UAE relationship continues to deepen, with bilateral trade exceeding £25 billion annually.

For short visits, including tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit, British citizens can be assured that no prior visa application is required, making travel straightforward. For employment, study, residence, or stays exceeding 90 days, various visa options are available to support your plans.

British passport holders benefit from a free visitor visa upon arrival at any UAE port of entry, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and land borders, simplifying entry for short Visits.

British passport holders can feel confident in the smooth entry process, as a free visitor visa is issued upon arrival at any UAE port of entry, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), and land borders.

Key Details

Passport Requirements

• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
• The passport must not be reported lost or stolen
• For transit without passing through immigration: 3 months’ validity required
• If holding a UAE residence permit: 3 months’ validity from arrival

Permitted Activities on a Visa on Arrival

• Tourism and sightseeing
• Business meetings and conferences
• Visiting family and friends
• Transit to another destination
• Property viewing and real estate transactions

Not Permitted on the Visa on Arrival

• Employment of any kind (paid or unpaid)
• Establishing a business without proper licensing
• Enrolling in full-time education
• Stays exceeding 90 days without extension

UAE Visa Types for UK Nationals

While British citizens enjoy visa-free entry for short visits, various visa categories are available for those seeking more extended stays, employment, or residency.

Employment Visa for UK Nationals

British citizens seeking employment in the UAE must obtain a work visa sponsored by a UAE-registered employer. The UAE offers attractive opportunities for UK professionals, with tax-free salaries and a high standard of living.

Employment Visa Process

1. Secure a job offer from a UAE-licensed employer
2. Employer applies for Entry Permit through MOHRE
3. Entry Permit issued (valid 60 days)
4. Travel to the UAE on an Entry Permit
5. Medical fitness test at an approved health center
6. Emirates ID biometric enrollment
7. Residence visa issued (2-year validity)

Employment Visa Requirements

Employment Visa Costs

Note: Employers typically cover all costs associated with employment visas. Exchange rate: approximately GBP 1 = AED 4.4.

Green Visa: Self-Sponsored Residency

The UAE Green Visa provides UK professionals with a 5-year self-sponsored residency, offering flexibility by eliminating the need for employer sponsorship and allowing family sponsorship.

Eligible Categories

Green Visa Benefits

• 5-year renewable residency without employer sponsorship
• Sponsor spouse, children, and first-degree relatives
• 180-day grace period after visa cancellation
• Freedom to change employers without visa cancellation

Green Visa Costs

Application fee: AED 2,000-2,500 (approximately GBP 450-570). Additional costs for Emirates ID (AED 575) and medical services (AED 320). Entry permit fee if applying from outside the UAE: AED 1,250.

Golden Visa: Long-Term Residency

The UAE Golden Visa provides 5- to 10-year renewable residence permits for investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent. This visa has become increasingly popular among UK expats and investors seeking long-term stability in the UAE.

Eligible Categories

Golden Visa Benefits for UK Citizens

• 10-year renewable residency (5 years for some categories)
• No sponsor requirement (fully self-sponsored)
• Sponsor spouse, children (any age if unmarried), and parents
• Extended overseas stay (beyond 6 months) without losing residency
• 100% business ownership in the mainland UAE
• Access to UAE banking, healthcare, and education
• Tax-free income environment

Golden Visa Application

Apply through: ICP Smart Services (icp.gov.ae) or GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae). Processing time: 2-6 weeks. Cost: Approximately AED 2,800-4,800 (GBP 640-1,100) depending on application location.

Remote Work Visa

The UAE Virtual Working Programme allows professionals to live in the UAE while working remotely for employers outside the country. This is particularly attractive for UK-based remote workers seeking the UAE lifestyle.

Requirements

• Valid passport with 6+ months validity
• Proof of employment with a foreign company
• Minimum monthly income: USD 3,500 (approximately GBP 2,800)
• Health insurance valid in the UAE
• Bank statements for the last 3 months

Duration: 1 year (renewable)

Cost: AED 200 application fee + processing fees

Benefits: Live in the UAE, access local services, sponsor family members

Retirement Visa (55+)

UK citizens aged 55 and above can obtain a 5-year retirement visa to live in the UAE, provided they meet financial requirements.

Requirements

Duration: 5 years (renewable)

Sponsor: Self-sponsored (no employer required)

Family: Can sponsor spouse and dependents

Complete Visa Fee Summary

Note: Exchange rate approximately GBP 1 = AED 4.4. Rates fluctuate. Additional service fees may apply.

UK Residents with Non-British Passports

If you reside in the UK but hold a non-British passport (BRP cardholders), your visa requirements depend on your nationality, not on your UK residence status.

Nationalities Requiring Pre-Arranged Visas

UK residents with passports from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Philippines, Egypt, and most other countries must apply for a UAE visa in advance.

How to Apply

• Through UAE-based airlines (Emirates, Etihad), after booking a flight
• Authorized travel agencies in the UK or the UAE
• UAE Embassy in London (diplomatic/official visas only)

Essential Considerations for UK Nationals

Dual Nationality

British-Israeli dual nationals may face additional checks if planning to work in the UAE. Contact the UAE Embassy in London for guidance. Entry for tourism is generally permitted with a valid or expired Israeli visa stamp in the passport.

Previous UAE Visa Issues

You may face arrest or be denied entry if you have previously:

• Overstayed a UAE visa
• Failed to cancel a previous work visa
• Unpaid debts in the UAE
• Legal proceedings or court judgments pending

Seek legal advice before returning if you have any doubts about your status.

Medication

Certain medications require advance approval from the UAE Ministry of Health before bringing them into the country. Apply online at moh.gov.ae at least five working days before travel. You may bring up to 3 months’ supply (1 month for controlled medications).

Travel Bans

You may be prevented from leaving the UAE if you are subject to a travel ban, involved in legal proceedings, have unpaid debts, or are involved in a child custody dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources and Contact Information

UAE Government Portals

UK Government Resources

British Embassy Abu Dhabi

Address: Khalid bin Al Walid Street, Al Karamah, Abu Dhabi

Phone: +971 2 610 1100

Email: AbuDhabiPublicEnquiries@fcdo.gov.uk

British Consulate General Dubai

Address: Al Seef Road, Bur Dubai

Phone: +971 4 309 4444

Emergency Contacts in the UAE