How to Get a Visa for Dubai from UK: Complete Guide for 2025

 Planning a trip to Dubai from the UK? Whether you’re dreaming of luxury shopping, desert safaris, or skyscraper adventures, understanding how to get a visa for Dubai from UK is the first and most important step.

In 2025, the process has become simpler than ever, thanks to the UAE’s fully digital visa system. You can apply Dubai visit visa online in just a few minutes from the comfort of your home. This guide explains everything — from types of UAE visa, documents required, UAE visa fees, and step-by-step application instructions.

🌍 Why UK Travellers Love Dubai

Dubai continues to be one of the most visited destinations for UK citizens. Here’s why:

• Year-round sunshine and pristine beaches
• World-class attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Desert Safari
• A perfect mix of luxury, culture, and adventure
• Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow

Whether it’s a short holiday, business trip, or family visit, understanding how to get a visa for Dubai from UK ensures a smooth travel experience.

🛂 Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Dubai?

Good news for British citizens — if you hold a UK passport, you don’t need to apply for a Dubai visit visa before traveling. Upon arrival in Dubai, you’ll receive a free 30-day visa on arrival.

However, if you:

• Plan to stay longer than 30 days, or
• Hold a UK residence permit but are not a British citizen,

then you’ll need to apply Dubai visit visa online before traveling.

This guide covers both cases — for British nationals and UK residents of other nationalities.

🧾 Types of UAE Visa for UK Travellers

When exploring how to get a visa for Dubai from UK, it’s important to know the different types of UAE visa available. Each visa type depends on your travel purpose and duration:

Visa Type Duration Purpose 30-Day Tourist Visa 30 Days Short vacations or business visits 60-Day Tourist Visa 60 Days Longer holidays or visiting family 90-Day Visit Visa 90 Days Extended stays, remote work, or medical visits Multiple-Entry Visa 30–90 Days Frequent travelers for business or leisure Transit Visa 48–96 Hours Stopover in Dubai airport

If you’re unsure, the 30-day UAE tourist visa is the most common and easiest to apply for.

💻 How to Apply for Dubai Visa Online from the UK

The UAE government has made it incredibly easy to apply to Dubai visa online. You can do it through:

• The UAE’s official eVisa portal — https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae
• The GDRFA Dubai website (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
• Airline websites (Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad, Air Arabia)
• Authorized travel agencies that process online Dubai visa applications

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a visa for Dubai from UK using the online process:

Step 1: Choose the Type of Visa

Decide whether you need a tourist visa, business visa, or multiple-entry visa depending on your travel plans.

If you’re going for leisure or family visits, choose apply for UAE tourist visa online.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Before you apply UAE visa online, gather the following:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your travel date
• A clear passport-sized photo (white background)
• Return flight booking (for tourist visas)
• Hotel booking or residence details
• Proof of financial means (bank statement, if requested)

Step 3: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the official UAE online visa website or your airline’s visa section.
For example:

• Emirates Airlines → https://www.emirates.com
• Etihad Airways → https://www.etihad.com

Click “Apply Dubai Visit Visa Online” or “Apply UAE Tourist Visa Online” to begin.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Enter your details carefully:

• Full name (as on passport)
• Nationality and country of residence (United Kingdom)
• Passport number and expiry date
• Travel dates and reason for visit
• Contact email and phone number

Double-check all information to avoid processing delays.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents

Upload your scanned documents (passport and photo) in the required format.
If you’re using an airline portal, your booking information will automatically link to your visa application.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fees

You can pay your UAE visa fees online using a debit or credit card.

Here’s an overview of the typical UAE tourist visa fee and UAE visit visa fee for 2025:

Visa Type Duration Approx. Fee (GBP) 30-Day Tourist Visa 30 Days £75–£90 60-Day Tourist Visa 60 Days £110–£130 90-Day Visit Visa 90 Days £150–£180 Multiple Entry Visa 30–90 Days £180–£220

(Note: Fees may vary depending on your chosen platform or service provider.)

Step 7: Receive Your Visa via Email

Once your application is approved, your UAE online visa will be emailed to you. Print a copy and keep a digital version on your phone.

✅ Processing Time:

• Standard processing: 3–5 working days
• Express processing: 24–48 hours

💰 Understanding UAE Visa Fees in Detail

The UAE visa fees cover government processing and service charges. If you apply through travel agencies or airlines, they may charge an additional handling fee.

Keep in mind:

• Visa fees are non-refundable once submitted.
• You can pay in GBP or AED (converted automatically).
• Always use official and secure websites for payment.

🧳 Extending or Renewing Your UAE Visa

If you fall in love with Dubai (and you likely will!), you can easily extend your Dubai visit visa online.

The UAE now allows visa holders to extend their stay twice, each time for 30 days, without leaving the country.

To extend:

• Go to the GDRFA or ICP portal
• Select “Extend Visa”
• Pay the renewal fee (around £70–£90)
• Receive your updated visa via email

This makes the UAE one of the most visitor-friendly destinations for tourists from the UK.

✈️ Arrival in Dubai: What to Expect

Once you land in Dubai:

1. Proceed to the immigration counter.
2. Show your passport and visa (if pre-approved).
3. Immigration officers may ask about your stay duration or hotel booking.
4. After verification, you’ll receive your entry stamp.

That’s it — welcome to Dubai!

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Dubai

Now that you know how to get a visa for Dubai from UK, it’s time to plan your trip. Here are must-visit attractions:

• Burj Khalifa — the tallest building in the world
• Dubai Mall — endless shopping and entertainment
• Palm Jumeirah — iconic man-made island
• Desert Safari — dune bashing and camel rides
• Dubai Creek — explore the old charm of the city
• Dubai Marina & JBR Walk — perfect for evening strolls

💡 Useful Tips for a Smooth Visa Process

• Apply at least 10 days before your flight.
• Use a valid passport (6+ months).
• Double-check your email ID for visa delivery.
• Keep both digital and printed copies of your visa.
• Avoid unreliable third-party agents — always use official UAE portals.

📋 Summary: How to Get a Visa for Dubai from UK

Here’s a quick recap of what you need to do:

1. Choose the right UAE visa type
2. Gather required documents
3. Visit the official portal to apply UAE visa online
4. Upload your documents and pay the UAE visa fees
5. Receive your UAE online visa by email
6. Fly to Dubai and enjoy your trip!

Whether you’re applying for a UAE tourist visa or a visit visa, the process is entirely digital, fast, and simple.

❓ FAQs About Getting a Dubai Visa from UK

1. How long can UK citizens stay in Dubai without a visa?

British passport holders can stay in Dubai for up to 30 days visa-free. For longer stays, you must apply Dubai visit visa online before traveling.

2. What are the documents required for a Dubai visa from the UK?

You’ll need a valid passport, photo, flight tickets, and hotel booking. Some visa types may also require a bank statement.

3. Can I extend my UAE tourist visa without leaving the country?

Yes, you can extend your UAE tourist visa online twice for an additional 30 days each, without exiting the UAE.

4. How much does a UAE tourist visa fee cost for UK travellers?

The UAE tourist visa fee typically ranges from £75 to £180, depending on the visa type and duration.

5. Is it safe to apply for a Dubai visa online?

Absolutely. Always apply through the official UAE visa portals or authorized airline websites to ensure your data and payments are secure.

✨ Final Thoughts

Knowing how to get a visa for Dubai from UK helps you plan your trip with confidence. In 2025, the UAE has made the process simple, secure, and fully digital — so you can apply to Dubai visa online in minutes and get approved within days.

Whether you’re heading for business, adventure, or relaxation, Dubai awaits you with open arms. So start your UAE online visa application today and get ready to experience one of the most dynamic cities in the world!