A United Kingdom (UK) electronic travel authorization (ETA) for citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an advance travel permission that allows the holder to travel to the UK. The United Kingdom ETA for Emirati citizens allows for stays of up to six (6) months and remains valid for two (2) years or until the holder’s passport expires.
The UK ETA was launched on February 1, 2024, for UAE nationals planning to travel to the UK on or after February 22, 2024. It is a digital travel permit that is part of the UK’s efforts to transform its border security experience through greater automation and digitization. It is currently available to nationals from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The UK ETA scheme will be rolled out to other nationalities during 2024.
In an effort to streamline the visa application process for nationals from specific countries, the UK ETA process was designed to replace the outdated UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme. It is also more cost-effective than the UK EVW and can be completed entirely online. Applicants only need a few minutes and some basic documentation in order to complete the visa application process.
As of February 2024, UAE citizens can apply for a UK ETA. This UK electronic visa allows for short stays of up to six (6) months for certain specific purposes including tourism, visiting family and friends, short business plans, or short-term study courses. UAE citizens can also apply for a UK ETA if they are coming to the UK for up to three (3) months on the Creative Worker visa concession or coming to the UK for a short-term paid engagement. A UK ETA is also available for UAE citizens transiting through the UK, even if they don’t pass by border control.
The UK ETA was specifically designed to make it easier for UAE citizens, and other specified nationalities, to travel to the UK for stays of up to three (3) or six (6) months. The following are some of the top benefits of the UK electronic travel authorization for UAE citizens:
All applicants must possess a valid Emirati passport that can be used for international travel. Failure to upload a valid passport could result in a dismissal of the application.
Applicants should have a clean criminal record and prove they have not engaged in any criminality, war crimes, terrorism, or extremist activity. It is possible to self-declare any such activity to the UK authorities who will then decide on the success of the application accordingly.
The UK ETA only allows holders short-stays in the UK of up to three (3) or six (6) months. Applicants should intend to stay in the UK for just a short time, otherwise they can apply for another type of UK visa.
UAE nationals will need to fulfill some basic requirements when completing the UK ETA visa application process. The following are the required documents that will be necessary for completing the UK ETA application online:
Applicants must have a clear, recent copy of their passport. This copy will be uploaded during the UK ETA application process and will allow the UK authorities to verify the applicant’s identity and right to travel.
All photographs uploaded during the ETA application process must meet the GOV.UK compliance regulations. This includes measuring 600 x 750 pixels with a file size between 50KB and 10MB. Photos must also be clear, in color, and show the applicant’s head and shoulders.
To complete the ETA application process, applicants will need to pay the UK ETA fee. This can be done using a valid credit or debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. The payment method must be valid and have sufficient funds to cover the fee.
All applicants will receive the UK ETA application decision to their valid email address. It is very important that this email address be valid and current so the email does not bounce back or get sent to the wrong person. The email should be accessible to the applicant during the processing period.
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If approved, the ETA will be sent to the applicant by email and they can proceed with their travel plans for a short stay of up to three (3) or six (6) months in the UK. If the application is rejected, applicants will also be sent an email.
UK ETA applications are typically processed quickly within around three (3) working days. Due to the increased level of automation, some applications are processed in just a few hours, providing the new holder plenty of time to finalize their travel plans before leaving for the UK.
Each UK ETA is linked to the holder’s passport during the two (2)-year validity period. All holders of a UK ETA must travel with the same passport they used in their application as this is the document that is linked to their electronic travel authorization. It’s a good idea to keep this passport accessible for the duration of one’s stay in the UK as well. For extra security, new holders can print their UK ETA, or keep the approval email accessible while traveling.
It’s important to note that the UK ETA does not give the holder permission to enter the UK. It is a document that allows the holder to travel to the UK border. The final decision on the holder’s ability to enter the UK will be decided by the UK border officials.
Emirati citizens will present a valid passport that is linked to the UK ETA at the UK border upon arrival. Holders will present the passport, along with any other requested documents, and receive a stamp that allows them to enter the UK. UAE nationals are not authorized to use the ePassport Gates and should proceed to the border control booths. It is still possible to be denied entry into the UK despite having a UK ETA. Holders are therefore advised to answer all the border officer’s questions honestly to the best of their ability and present any requested documents.
After passing border control, UAE nationals with a valid UK ETA can travel freely around the United Kingdom including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There are many ways to get around the UK, including the vast network of trains and buses, and plenty of rental car agencies. Intercity transportation including subway and buses are also available. Once they have entered, UAE nationals with a valid UK ETA are free to enjoy their short stay in the UK and experience all the area has to offer!
Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today.
Simply fill out the online form to get started.
This website is designed to provide travelers with information and assistance in completing the necessary steps for the online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application, at additional professional fees. YOYO Travels L.L.C is a travel and tourism agency based in Dubai, UAE, licensed by the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. We are not affiliated with the United Kingdom government in any way. Applicants still have the option to apply for the UK ETA on their own via the official government portal at gov.uk without paying any additional professional fees.
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