Your Guide to the UK ETA for UAE Business Travelers

In the world of travel, things are always changing and updating, so it is imperative to stay informed if you are planning a journey abroad. From changes to requirements to new visa options, there are many things to think about while getting your paperwork prepared to cross a border. 

In this article, we will delve into the UK ETA and the important updates that relate to citizens of the UAE.

What is the UK ETA? 

Firstly, let us explain what the UK ETA is. Rules have changed for entry to the UK, and since January 2025 every non-EU national needs to apply for a UK ETA in advance. As of March 2025, this has been extended to all EU nationals too, which means that if you could previously enter the UK visa-free, then you will now need to apply for a UK ETA, for more information about the requirements and how to apply you can visit this website uketa.com

Despite what you may think, this is not a visa, so a visit to an embassy is not necessary, however, certain requirements need to be met, for you to be eligible for this travel permit. 

What are the benefits of the UK ETA

The UK ETA comes with a host of benefits and if you are a UAE citizen planning to visit the UK any time soon, then this travel permit has some great advantages. 

The UK ETA is right for you:

• If you plan to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, for business purposes, or short-term study
• If you are visiting the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• If you are visiting the UK for a permitted paid engagement
• Or if you may be transiting through the UK (including if you’re not going through UK border control)

Who is entitled to the UK ETA?

Nationalities from a variety of countries worldwide including the UAE can apply for the UK ETA, and most recently, as of 2 April 2025, nationals of the following countries must obtain an ETA before travel:

• EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
• EEA Countries & Switzerland: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.
• Microstates: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City.

What are the requirements for UAE citizens?

To travel to the UK, UAE citizens will need to apply for their UK ETA. To do this they will need to have 

• Holding a UAE Passport with six months validity
• Intending to visit the UK for a specific purpose outlined in the UK ETA rules such as travel, visiting family and friends, or for short-term study, etc.
• UAE Citizens who have been banned from entering the UK previously or who were subject to restrictions in the past, may not be eligible for the UK ETA permit.
• For dual citizens, you will need to use the passport, you will travel with. 
• Access to your emails to receive their digital travel permit.
• A payment method for the application fee – you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

How to apply for a UK ETA as a UAE citizen

Unlike visa applications, the application for the UK ETA is a simple process, requiring a few documents and little time for processing. 

Step 1: Application Form

Filling out the application form is simple and easy, and you will need to upload or take photos of the passport you intend to travel with as well as a digital photo of yourself. 

Step 2: Process the Payment

Next, you will need to process the payment which can easily be done online using debit or credit cards as well as Apple and Google Pay. The fee is £78 which covers government fees, and service fees for facilitating the application to ensure a streamlined process.  

Step 3: Receive Your UK ETA

Finally, you will receive your UK ETA within a few hours – and up to three working days, making it a much quicker alternative to an in-embassy visa application. 

Validity & Multiple Entries for UAE citizens

In terms of validity, the UK ETA for UAE citizens is valid for two years or as long as your passport is valid and allows multiple stays of up to six months each. If your passport expires during the two years, your UK ETA will also expire and you will need to apply again and pay a fee. It is also worth noting that this travel permit cannot be renewed or extended. 

What can UAE citizens do if their UK ETA is refused or rejected?

While it is rare that a UK ETA is refused or rejected, it can happen if paperwork is not filled out correctly or if you are deemed a security threat. It is important to know the difference between refusal and rejection. 

Refusal

This does not mean you are ineligible to visit the UK but rather that your paperwork had some errors, there are criminal record concerns, or previous violations in the UK. 

Solution

In this case, it is best to reapply, seek legal advice, or opt to apply for a visa through an embassy instead. 

Rejection

Rejection generally refers to minor issues that deem your application invalid. 

Solution

In this case, you can correct the errors, reapply, and await further confirmation.