Do UAE passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

UAE ordinary passport holders do NOT need a traditional visa for short tourist visits to the UK, but since 25 February 2026 they MUST hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding. The ETA costs £20, is valid for 2 years (or until passport expiry), and allows multiple stays of up to 6 months each. Emirati (UAE) nationals are visa-exempt for short visits to the United Kingdom and travel under the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. The ETA became mandatory and fully enforced for visa-waiver nationals, including Emiratis, from 25 February 2026 — carriers will deny boarding to anyone without a valid ETA, e-visa, or British/Irish passport. You apply online or via the official UK ETA app before travel. The fee is £20 (raised from £16 on 8 April 2026). Most decisions arrive within minutes, but the Home Office advises applying at least 3 working days before travel to allow for cases sent to manual review. The ETA is linked to your passport, is valid for up to 2 years (or until the passport expires, whichever is first), permits multiple entries, and allows tourism, business, short study, and transit stays of up to 6 months per visit. An ETA does not guarantee entry — a UK Border Force officer makes the final decision. Note: a new passport number invalidates an existing ETA, so renew an expiring passport before applying.