The United Kingdom is arguably one of Europe’s most marvellous destinations with its captivating mixture of historical legacy, natural beauty, advanced amenities, and charming culture. However, to explore and make your trip smooth as butter, the foremost thing to do is to avail yourself of a UK visa. Be it for leisure, work, or a simple visit, one must obtain a visa permit to enter and stay in the country, and in this blog, we have curated a brief guide on the procedures and requirements of approval of a UK tourist visa. So scroll along to learn more.
Do I need a UK visa as a resident of Dubai?
Since the UAE does not fall under the UK visa-exempt scheme upon arrival in the UK, visitors from Dubai to the United Kingdom must present a valid visa document to enter and stay in the UK. But according to recent updates, travellers from the UAE and Dubai can now travel to the UK without any travel restrictions, including the need to present a standard visa for short-term visits.
However, if you intend to stay in the UK for an extended period of time, you will need a travel permit depending on the purpose of your visit.
UK visit visa
Residents of Dubai can apply for a UK visit visa to visit, a UK tourist visa for tourism, including business, study, and other purposes, if the intended travel is longer than six months in the UK.
Types of UK tourist visas
Standard visitor visas are available in two categories:
- Short-term visa
- Long-term visa
Short-term visa
The short-term visa enables the holder to stay in the UK for up to six months. You might be able to stay longer if:
- You are visiting the United Kingdom for a family visit or for tourism for up to 6 months.
- You are visiting the UK for private medical treatment for up to eleven months.
- You are an academic and meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the authority. You, your spouse or partner, and your children also may be able to stay for up to 12 months.
- You are applying as an organ donor for a family member or someone you have a close personal relationship within the UK.
- You are a traveller under an ADS agreement for up to 30 days.
Long-term visa
You can apply for a UK long-term tourist visa with a validity period of two, five, or ten years if you need to visit the UK often over a longer period. The visa enables you a stay for a maximum of six months on each visit.
How to apply for a UK visa?
Just like applying for any visa, the UK visa also entails several procedures. It can be a hassle, but if you know what to do and learn about the process, the application process becomes
relatively easy as a piece. Below we have listed the steps for applying for a UK tourist visa from Dubai:
- Fill out the visa application form.
When applying for a UK visa, always ensure to complete the visa application form. The provided application must include valid and original details without any mistakes.
- Gather the required documents for the visa application.
The application for a visa requires several documents that demonstrate your eligibility to enter the country. Make sure to obtain all the documents listed for a visa application.
- Make the visa fee payment.
Make your payment for the visa using a valid credit or debit card. Once you are done paying the fee, don’t forget to obtain a payment receipt and schedule the date and time for your interview at the UK Embassy.
- Attend the interview.
Attending the interview is a crucial step in the visa process. Be prepared ahead of time if you have to provide any additional documents or go through the verification process.
- Wait for the response.
Once you are done with all the procedures, wait for your response for the approval of your UK visa.
Documents required for a UK visa
As part of the UK visa application, the following are the necessary documents for a UK visa.
- The duly signed and completed visa application form
- Your original passport, valid for the whole of your stay in the UK, and two recent photographs
- The dates you are planning to travel to the UK
- Proof of accommodation, like a hotel booking, a relative’s house, etc.
- Financial and salary information, including bank statements from the past six months
- Travel itinerary and history, including the travel details of the last ten years
- Proof that you can fund your stay in the UK
UK tourist visa fees and processing time
A standard six-month visitor visa costs £100, with an extension of up to 11-12 months costing £200.
for long-term visas
- 2 years: £376
- 5 years: £670
- 10 years: £837
Your UK visa will take around three weeks once you attend your appointment at the visa application centre.
The United Kingdom’s tourism landscape offers innumerable attractions and things to do. So, with this information, you can now apply for a UK visa without any dilemma. In cases of uncertainty, please consult an expert.
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!