UAE residents · Country guide
UK visa for UAE residents
In brief
No, UAE residence does not change the rule for the UK: your passport decides.
Indian passportVisa requiredStandard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption.
Pakistani passportVisa requiredStandard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption.
Filipino passportVisa requiredStandard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption.
Checked 1 Nov 2026Source: UK Visas and ImmigrationReport a change
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ContentsIn brief
UK rules for UAE residents, by passport
| Passport | With UAE residence | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | Visa required | Standard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption. | UK Visas and Immigration |
| Pakistani | Visa required | Standard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption. | UK Visas and Immigration |
| Filipino | Visa required | Standard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption. | UK Visas and Immigration |
Who qualifies through UAE residence
UAE residence alone doesn't open a route into the UK: the rules below depend on your passport.
Indian, Pakistani and Filipino nationals are on the UK visa national list and need a visa before travel.
VN 1.1. A person who meets one or more of the criteria below needs entry clearance (a visa) in advance of travel to the UK for any purpose, unless they meet one of the exceptions set out in VN2.1 and VN2.2. (subject to VN 2.3.). … India … Pakistan … Philippines
UK Visas and Immigration · checked
How to apply from the UAE
Apply online before travel and attend an appointment at a visa application centre; the earliest you can apply is 3 months before travel.
UK Visas and Immigration · checkedGOV.UK's visa application centre finder links the United Arab Emirates entry to VFS Global (visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/gbr/attend-centre).
UK Visas and Immigration · checked
Fees
A Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for up to 6 months; long-term visas cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) and £1,128 (10 years), up to 6 months per visit.
UK Visas and Immigration · checkedIf eligible, the priority service costs £500 extra and usually gives a decision within 5 working days.
UK Visas and Immigration · checked
These are government fees as the official sources state them. Agencies add their own service fees; those are not visa fees.
Processing time
A decision usually comes within 3 weeks of the biometrics appointment.
UK Visas and Immigration · checkedUKVI's current processing time for Standard Visitor applications made outside the UK is 3 weeks.
UK Visas and Immigration · checkedIf eligible, the priority service costs £500 extra and usually gives a decision within 5 working days.
UK Visas and Immigration · checked
Documents for UAE residents
Not stated by the official sources we read, beyond a valid passport and your UAE residence visa.
Indian, Pakistani and Filipino passports
Indian passport
Visa required Standard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption.
Without UAE residence: Indian passport → UK.
Pakistani passport
Visa required Standard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption.
Every destination for this passport: Pakistan passport.
Filipino passport
Visa required Standard Visitor visa applied for online, then biometrics at the visa application centre in the UAE (GOV.UK links VFS Global); UAE residence gives no exemption.
Every destination for this passport: Philippines passport.
FAQ
Can I go to the UK with an UAE residence visa?
Not on residence alone: UAE residence does not change the rule. Indian, Pakistani and Filipino passports: visa required; the table above gives the conditions.
Can UAE residents get a visa on arrival?
Not on the official pages we read. Indian, Pakistani and Filipino passports: visa required.
How much is the UK visa fee for UAE residents?
A Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for up to 6 months; long-term visas cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) and £1,128 (10 years), up to 6 months per visit. If eligible, the priority service costs £500 extra and usually gives a decision within 5 working days.
Can I apply online?
Apply online before travel and attend an appointment at a visa application centre; the earliest you can apply is 3 months before travel.
How long is the waiting time from Dubai?
A decision usually comes within 3 weeks of the biometrics appointment. UKVI's current processing time for Standard Visitor applications made outside the UK is 3 weeks.
Sources
Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.
- UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK): rules for UAE residents
- UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK): applying from the UAE, fees and processing time
- UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK): applying from the UAE
- UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK): processing time
- UK Visas and Immigration (GOV.UK): fees
More destinations: visa-free countries for UAE residents · United Kingdom entry rules by nationality · all guides for UAE residents.