UK travel alert: Visa fees set to rise for UAE residents from April

Planning a trip to the UK this summer? Get ready to pay more. The UK government is increasing visa fees across multiple categories, starting April 9, 2025. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, medical treatment, study, or business, your visa will now cost extra.
How Much More Will You Pay?
From April 9, visa fees will rise by 10%, with key changes including:
- 6-month Visit Visa – £127 (up from £115)
- 2-year Visit Visa – £475 (up by £43)
- 5-year Visit Visa – £848 (up by £77)
- 10-year Visit Visa – £1,059 (up by £96)
What About Emirati Travellers?
Good news for Emiratis! They can still apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of a standard visa. However, the ETA fee is also increasing from £10 to £16. This allows multiple visits of up to six months at a time over two years.
Why Is the UK a Hot Destination for UAE Travellers?
Despite the fee hike, the UK remains a top choice for UAE residents, thanks to easy visa appointments, multiple-entry visas, and strong air connectivity with major cities like London, Glasgow, and Birmingham.