Do you need a visa to visit Dubai from the UK: UAE travel requirements

Dubai is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, known for its luxury resorts, modern architecture and desert safaris. Many British visitors go to Dubai for holidays, business or family visits, but it’s worth remembering that the UAE has its own entry rules that aren’t the same as those in Europe.

You might be wondering: Do I need a visa to visit Dubai from the UK? This guide provides information on entry requirements, visa types, documents and how to apply.

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Do I need a visa to visit Dubai from the UK?

No, UK citizens don’t need to apply for a visa for short visits to Dubai. British passport holders will receive a free visitor visa on arrival, usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.¹

For longer stays, or if you plan to work, study or live in Dubai, you’ll need the appropriate UAE visa.¹

Entry requirements for Dubai

Even though you won't need to apply for a visa for a short visit, UK nationals are still expected to meet a few entry requirements. It's worth checking that everything is in order before you travel.

Start by checking your passport, which needs at least six months of validity beyond the date you plan to arrive. If you’re just transiting through the UAE without passing through immigration, your passport should be valid for at least three months after your arrival.¹

It’s also important to not to bring prohibited items into Dubai, as customs rules are strict. For instance, certain types of medication can’t be brought into the UAE without permission from their Ministry of Health. You should apply for approval in advance, because you could face prosecution if you don’t get permission.¹

If you’ve already visited the UAE in the past six months, make sure you don't overstay the 90-day authorised period, since this can lead to fines. If you’d like to extend your stay, contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.¹

Once you meet these requirements, you shouldn’t have any trouble entering the UAE and Dubai. The visa you get on arrival is free, so you won’t need to pay any fees in advance.¹

Types of visas available for Dubai

UK passport holders don’t need a visa for visiting Dubai, since they’ll receive a visa on arrival. However, if you plan to stay longer or if you have UK residence but not citizenship, several visa types are available.

If you live in the UK, but are not a British citizen, you might need to apply for a tourist visa. You can arrange it through a UAE-based airline if you’re flying with them, through reliable travel agencies or at the UAE Embassy.²

Certain requirements must be met, such as having a return ticket, proof of accommodation and a travel insurance policy. For the 5-year tourist visa, you’ll also be asked to show that you’ve had $4,000 (or the equivalent in another currency) in your account during the last six months.²

If you’re a UK citizen planning to work in Dubai, you must apply for a work visa. Various categories are available, including the Standard work visa sponsored by an employer and the Green visa for freelancers, skilled employees and self-employed individuals. Work visas require approval from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources.³

A Golden visa is another option for long-term residence. It’s available to various applicants, including investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students and humanitarian pioneers. The exact requirements depend on the reason for obtaining the visa.⁴

For example, investors must invest in certain accredited funds, doctors need a letter of recommendation from the Emirates Council of Scientists and inventors need a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Economy.⁴

How to apply for a visa

Each visa type has different documents and requirements, but most require a valid passport and passport-size photos. Make sure you look up the most up-to-date criteria for the specific visa category you need.

For example, a skilled worker applying for a Green visa will need a permit from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, as well as an employment contract if the employer is connected to the government. You can apply through official government portals such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).⁵

When applying for a Golden visa, you’ll need more documents than for most other visa types. If you’re applying as an investor, the list includes certified financial reports, tax receipts and bank statements. The application can also be submitted online.⁶

How much does a Dubai visa cost?

UK citizens travelling to Dubai for short stays receive a free visa on arrival.¹ Other visa categories have fees which differ between categories.

A Virtual work visa costs 200 AED, with other possible fees if you’re already in the country when applying.⁸ If you want a Golden visa, the fee is 1,100 AED.⁶

Fees can change at any time, so check the latest information before applying.

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Most UK tourists can visit Dubai for up to 90 days with a free visa on arrival. If you plan on staying longer and working, studying or living in Dubai, you’ll need the appropriate visa.

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Sources used:

1. Gov.uk - Dubai entry requirements
2. UAE Government - tourist visa
3. UAE Government - work visas
4. UAE Government - Golden visa
5. GDRFAD - Green visa (high skilled worker)
6. GDRFAD - Golden residence permit (investors)
7. GDRFAD - Virtual work visa

Sources last checked on date: 10-Dec-2025