UAE (Dubai) to UK Visit Visa Fees Increase by 10% from April 2025

Traveling from the UAE to the UK is about to get more expensive, as visa fees will rise by up to 10% starting April 9, 2025. This increase applies to various visa categories, including tourism, medical treatment, study, and business travel.

New UK Visa Fees for UAE Travelers

According to the UK Government, here’s how the new visa costs will be structured:

6-month visit visa: Now £127, up from £115 (a 10.4% increase)
2-year visit visa: Now £475, an increase of £43
5-year visit visa: Now £848, an increase of £77
10-year visit visa: Now £1,059, an increase of £96

Additionally, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Emiratis, which permits multiple short-term visits, will increase from £10 to £16.

Why the UK Remains a Top Travel Destination for UAE Residents

Despite the visa fee hikes, the United Kingdom remains a top travel destination for UAE citizens and expatriates, especially during summer vacations. Many travelers from the GCC region prefer the UK due to its strong air connectivity, with major airlines such as Emirates and Etihad Airways offering multiple daily flights to cities like London, Glasgow, and Birmingham.

Key Reasons Why UAE Residents Prefer UK Visas Over Schengen Visas

1. Easier Visa Appointments

Compared to Schengen visas, UK visa appointments are more accessible, often available within a week.

2. Multiple-Entry Visas

Unlike many European visas that offer single-entry permits, UK visas allow multiple entries starting from six months.

3. Fast-Track Processing Options

Standard processing: 3-4 weeks
Priority service: 5-day processing with an additional fee
Super-priority service: 24-hour processing at an even higher cost
Applicants can also keep their passports during the visa process if they opt for premium services.

Impact on UAE Students and Families

The UK is a preferred destination for higher education, with many UAE parents frequently visiting their children studying in top UK universities. The visa hike is expected to impact frequent travelers, particularly families making multiple trips a year.

UK’s Tourism and Economic Goals

The UK is focused on attracting more international visitors. VisitBritain, the country’s official tourism body, aims to reach 50 million visitors annually by 2030. The UK is forecasting 43.4 million visits in 2025, a 5% increase from 2024, with international visitors expected to spend £33.7 billion in 2025, a 7% rise.

Other Visa Fee Increases

The fee for visas related to academic and private medical treatment will increase by £20 to £220, while the direct airside transit fee will rise by £4 to £39.

With the increase in UK visa fees for UAE residents, travelers may need to budget accordingly for their trips. While the UK remains a highly sought-after destination, the fee hike could push some travelers to explore alternative destinations in Eastern Europe and the CIS region. However, with strong air connectivity, faster visa processing, and multiple-entry options, the UK is expected to remain a top travel choice for UAE residents.

FAQs

1. How much will UK visa fees increase for UAE travelers?

From April 9, 2025, UK visa fees for UAE travelers will increase by approximately 10%, with a 6-month visit visa rising from £115 to £127.

2. What are the new UK visa costs for longer durations?

2-year visa: £475 (increase of £43)
5-year visa: £848 (increase of £77)
10-year visa: £1,059 (increase of £96)

3. Are Emiratis eligible for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

Yes, Emiratis can apply for an ETA, which allows multiple UK entries for two years. The ETA fee will increase from £10 to £16 starting April 9, 2025.

4. Why do many UAE residents prefer the UK for travel?

The UK is a preferred destination due to multiple-entry visas, easy appointment availability, and strong flight connectivity with UAE airlines.