UAE to UK Travel Just Got Pricier: Visa Fees Rise by 10%
Expect a price hike from April as fees for short-term, long-term, and transit visas increase.
If you're planning a UK trip anytime soon, you might want to apply before April 9, 2025, as visa fees are set to increase by up to 10%. UAE residents visiting the UK for tourism, study, medical treatment, or business will face higher costs across various visa categories.
According to the UK Government, here’s a breakdown of the new fees:
-
6-month visit visa: £127 (up from £115)
-
2-year visit visa: £475 (up by £43)
-
5-year visit visa: £848 (up by £77)
-
10-year visit visa: £1,059 (up by £96)
Even short-stay travellers aren’t exempt. Direct airside transit visas will also increase by £4 to £39.
Emiratis Have an ETA Advantage
Emirati passport holders can skip traditional visas by applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which allows multiple visits for up to six months per trip over two years. The current fee of £10 will rise to £16 starting April 9, making it a more cost-effective option for frequent travellers.
Why the UK Is Still a Top Destination
Despite the rising costs, the UK remains one of the most sought-after destinations for UAE residents and citizens, particularly during summer vacations. While Eastern Europe and CIS countries are growing in popularity, Britain’s historic landmarks, shopping districts, and cultural attractions continue to draw large numbers of Gulf travellers.
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, highlighted the UK’s commitment to attracting international tourists. “Tourism is an extremely competitive global industry. To support the UK Government’s ambition of reaching 50 million annual visitors by 2030, we’re focusing on key growth markets, including the GCC,” Yates said.
UK Tourism on the Rise
Projections by VisitBritain suggest that 2025 will see a record 43.4 million international visits, with visitors expected to spend £33.7 billion—a 7% increase from 2024.
Plan Ahead
With visa fees rising and demand for UK travel expected to surge, it might be wise to book your trip—and sort out your visas—sooner rather than later.
Authorities also remind travellers to check the latest guidelines and apply through authorized channels to avoid fraud.
Ready for your next UK adventure? Better act fast before prices climb! 🌍✈
Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement!