Residents in the UAE planning to travel to the United Kingdom for tourism, medical treatment, study, or other purposes will face higher visa costs starting April 9, 2025, as the UK government introduces a fee hike across various visa categories. The increase averages around 10% and will apply globally, not just to UAE applicants.
Breakdown of Visa Fee Increases
According to the UK government, the updated fees are as follows:
- 6-month visit visa: £127 (up from £115) – a £12 increase
- 2-year visit visa: £475 (up from £432) – a £43 increase
- 5-year visit visa: £848 (up from £771) – a £77 increase
- 10-year visit visa: £1,059 (up from £963) – a £96 increase
Fees for academic and private medical treatment visas will also increase by £20, bringing the new total to £220. Additionally, the direct airside transit visa fee will rise by £4 to £39.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Emiratis
UAE nationals can still benefit from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which allows multiple visits to the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period or until the passport expires. While the ETA currently costs £10, the fee will increase to £16 from April 9, 2025.
UAE-UK Travel Demand Remains High
Despite rising costs, the UK continues to be a top travel destination for UAE citizens and residents, especially during summer and school holidays. Other destinations in Eastern Europe and the CIS have grown in popularity, but the UK maintains a strong appeal.
Travel experts point out that visa processing for the UK is faster and more accessible compared to Schengen countries. According to Sudheesh TP, General Manager at Deira Travel:
“UK visa appointments are usually available within a week, unlike Schengen visas that have longer wait times.”
Sudheesh also highlighted the robust flight connectivity between the UAE and the UK, with Emirates, Etihad, and other airlines offering multiple daily flights to cities like London, Glasgow, and Birmingham.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Tourism, added:
“The UK is preferred because of its multiple-entry visa options starting from six months, unlike most European countries which issue single-entry visas.”
He noted that the UK offers three visa processing options:
- Standard (3–4 weeks)
- Priority (within 5 working days at an additional cost)
- Super Priority (within 24 hours for a higher fee)
Travellers can also retain their passports during processing by paying extra.
Subair emphasized that the UK is also a frequent destination for UAE-based parents visiting children studying in the UK, making it a year-round travel hotspot.
VisitBritain’s Tourism Push
The UK’s national tourism agency, VisitBritain, is actively working to drive tourism despite rising fees. CEO Patricia Yates stated:
“We face fierce competition, especially from our European neighbours. Our campaigns are focused on high-growth markets such as Australia, the US, and the valuable GCC region.”
VisitBritain projects 43.4 million international visits in 2025, a 5% increase from 2024, with spending expected to hit £33.7 billion, up 7%.
News Source: Khaleej Times
