Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- VFS Global processes UAE visa applications for UK residents on behalf of the UAE government.
- UK passport holders do not need a visa for short tourism stays of up to 90 days and receive a visa on arrival stamp.
- VFS is required for residency, employment, long-stay and specific category visas.
- Many UAE visa categories are now available online through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) and GDRFA Dubai portals.
- VFS does not decide visas. The UAE authority makes the decision; VFS handles document submission and biometrics where required.
Address and Contact Details
VFS Global runs the UAE visa application network in the UK from regional centres, with the main hub in London. Historically the centre has been within the London VFS visa application building. Premises change, so locations should always be verified.
To find the current UAE visa centre address, open vfsglobal.com/UAE/UnitedKingdom and choose your UK city. The portal will list the exact address, postcode, opening hours and contact details.
Verify the current UAE visa centre address at vfsglobal.com/UAE/UnitedKingdom before travelling. Country-specific contact numbers and emails are published on the same portal.
Countries and Visa Types Handled
VFS Global processes a range of UAE visa categories for UK residents, including:
- Tourist visa (where the visa-on-arrival policy does not apply, such as for nationals of certain countries living in the UK).
- Visit visa (single and multi-entry).
- Employment entry permit.
- Residency visa for spouses and dependants.
- Golden Visa and Green Visa endorsement steps where required.
- Mission visa.
- Student visa.
UK passport holders are generally granted a free visa on arrival at any UAE international airport for tourism stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means most UK nationals visiting for a short holiday will not need to contact VFS at all.
If you hold a non-UK passport but live in the UK, your eligibility for visa on arrival depends on the rules for your nationality. Many such applicants apply through VFS in advance.
How to Book an Appointment
- Open vfsglobal.com/UAE/UnitedKingdom and create an account.
- Select the visa category you need.
- Complete the application form and upload supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee and VFS service fee online.
- Book a date and time at the UK centre if biometrics or document submission in person is required.
- Print the appointment letter with barcode.
Some UAE visa categories can be applied for entirely online without visiting a centre. Use the VFS portal to confirm which categories require an in-person appointment.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Printed appointment letter with barcode.
- Current passport with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay.
- Signed application form with photograph in the correct UAE specification.
- Proof of UK residency (BRP, vignette, settled status share code, or utility bill).
- Documents for your visa category: hotel and flight bookings for visit visas, employment contract for work visas, sponsor letter for residency, school or university documentation for student visas.
- Marriage and birth certificates (attested if required) for family residency.
- Receipts for the consular visa fee and VFS service fee.
Processing Times and Fees
UAE visa fees vary by visa category, duration and number of entries. VFS service fees in the UK are typically £20 to £30 per applicant. Express and same-day services are sometimes available at extra cost.
Standard processing time for a UAE visit visa is normally 3 to 5 working days from submission, although decisions can be issued faster. Residency and employment visas can take longer due to additional checks at the UAE end.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders need a UAE visa to visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
No. UK passport holders receive a free visa on arrival for up to 90 days in a 180-day period when visiting any UAE international airport.
I am not a UK passport holder but live in the UK. Can I still apply?
Yes. UK residents holding non-UK passports can apply through VFS Global in the UK, provided they hold valid UK residency proof. Visa rules and fees depend on your nationality.
What is the difference between a tourist visa and a visit visa for the UAE?
Tourist visas are usually for holiday travel and shorter durations, while visit visas may be sponsored by a UAE resident or company and can run for longer single or multi-entry periods.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes. Each traveller, including infants, needs their own visa or visa-on-arrival stamp depending on nationality.
Can I apply for a UAE residence visa from the UK?
The first step (entry permit) can usually be processed online or through VFS in the UK. The full residency stamping must be completed inside the UAE within the entry permit's validity period.
How We Verified This
We cross-referenced VFS Global UAE UK portal, the ICP and GDRFA Dubai information pages, and gov.uk foreign travel advice for the United Arab Emirates. Because UAE visa categories and fees change quickly, we have pointed readers to the official sources rather than reproduce current prices.
