UAE visa support for UK residents
British passport holders receive a free visa stamp on arrival in the UAE, permitting stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No advance application is required. Our UAE visa services are for UK residents who hold other nationalities.
For non-British passport holders, the entry route you need depends on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and how long you plan to stay. We help you work out which route applies and prepare a clear, complete application.
Requirements and procedures are set by the UAE authorities and can change. For the current official position, check the UAE Government portal at u.ae (opens in new tab) and the UK government’s UAE travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates (opens in new tab).
Common routes
- Tourist / visit entry permit — for holidays and family visits. Often sponsored by an airline, hotel, tour operator, or a UAE-based host.
- Business visa — for meetings, conferences and short commercial trips, usually supported by a UAE company or sponsor.
- Transit visa — for travellers connecting through a UAE airport who need to leave the transit area.
- Long-term residency (Golden Visa) — multi-year residency for those who meet specific eligibility categories. Criteria are set by the UAE authorities and should be confirmed officially.
Eligibility, conditions and validity vary by route and nationality, so we always check the current rules against your situation.
What we help with
- Identifying the correct route for your purpose and length of stay
- Completing application forms accurately and consistently
- Checking your documents and flagging gaps before you submit
- Preparing supporting letters, such as a cover or invitation letter
- Explaining sponsorship requirements and the steps for your route
- Guiding you on timing so you apply in good time
What to prepare
- A passport valid well beyond your intended stay, with blank pages
- Passport-style photographs to the required specification
- Proof of accommodation or your sponsor’s details
- Travel itinerary and return or onward booking
- Evidence relevant to your route, such as a business invitation or financial documents
We support your application; we do not make the decision, which rests with the UAE authorities. When you are ready, visit /contact/ to start your application and we will match you to the right route.

