UK Visa Fees Rising: Plan Ahead
The upcoming changes will significantly impact travelers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United Kingdom (UK) as visa fees are set to increase by up to 10% from April 9. The new rates will affect not only travelers from the UAE but anyone applying for a British visa worldwide.
How much more expensive will the UK visa be?
The increase applies to various categories, for instance:
6-Month Tourist Visa: Rises from £115 to £127 (+£12, ~10.4%)
2-Year Visa: From £432 to £475 (+£43)
5-Year Visa: From £771 to £848 (+£77)
10-Year Visa: From £963 to £1,059 (+£96)
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), available to UAE citizens, will also become more expensive: increasing from the current £10 to £16. The ETA allows multiple entries for up to a 6-month stay within 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs sooner.
Why does the UK remain popular among UAE travelers?
Despite the rising popularity of Eastern Europe and other new travel destinations, the United Kingdom remains a favored destination for tourists and expats from the UAE. Several reasons contribute to this trend:
Simple Visa Process – Applying for a British visa is faster and less bureaucratic compared to Schengen visas. Appointments are generally available within a week, with no long waiting lists.
Flexible Options – The UK offers multiple-entry long-term visas (up to 10 years), whereas many other European countries often only allow single-entry.
Quick Processing – For an additional fee, a 5-day or even a 24-hour processing time is available.
Good Flight Connections – Multiple airlines (such as Emirates, Etihad) operate several daily flights between the UAE and UK, not just to London but also to Glasgow, Birmingham, and other cities.
What to expect in UK tourism by 2025?
According to VisitBritain's forecast, tourism is expected to continue its growth:
2024: 41.2 million visitors
2025: 43.4 million visitors (+5%)
Spending: £33.7 billion (+7%)
The UK government aims to attract 50 million tourists annually by 2030, with the GCC countries (including the UAE) being particularly significant markets.
Conclusion
The visa fee increase effective from April 9 will certainly impact travelers from the UAE to the UK, but the British destination remains attractive due to swift processing, good flight connections, and long-duration visas. If you plan to travel, it's advisable to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid the new rates.
Be aware: The new rates apply globally, so you will face increased fees regardless of where you apply from.
