Dubai Travellers Face New Strict UK Entry Rules And Regulations: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to travel from Dubai to the United Kingdom later this year, there’s an important update you shouldn’t ignore. The UK is introducing new entry regulations that will change the way many travellers enter the country.
Starting Wednesday, February 26, travellers will not be allowed to board flights or legally enter the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), if they are eligible for visa-free travel.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has already issued a travel update to inform passengers flying from Dubai to the UK about these upcoming changes.
What Is Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permit that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to enter a country for short stays. Unlike traditional visas, ETAs are:
- Fully online
- Faster to apply for
- Linked digitally to your passport
The UK’s new ETA system is part of a wider move towards paperless immigration, as the country also transitions from physical documents to eVisas.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
You will need an ETA if:
- You do not require a visa for short stays in the UK (up to six months)
- You are travelling for tourism or family visits
- You are flying from Dubai or elsewhere to the UK
Each traveller must have their own ETA, including:
- Adults
- Children
- Babies
However, applications for families or groups can be completed together in one go.
Who Does NOT Need an ETA?
You do not need a UK ETA if you:
- Hold a British passport
- Hold an Irish passport
- Already have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
British nationals living in Dubai are not affected by these new rules.
How Much Does the UK ETA Cost?
- The application fee is around Dhs80 (£16)
- The ETA allows travel to the UK for up to six months
- Applications will ask:
- Your nationality
- The reason for travel
Important Update for UK Visa and Residence Permit Holders
Travellers who currently use physical immigration documents to prove their UK travel rights must take action.
This applies to:
- UK visa holders using physical documents
- People with expired biometric residence permits or cards
They must:
- Create an immigration account
- Replace physical documents with a digital eVisa on the UK government website
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Holders
If you have ILR and use a passport stamp as proof, you can now make a free No Time Limit (NTL) application to access an eVisa.
eVisa Travel Reminder
If you hold an eVisa:
- You must ensure the passport you travel with is linked to your UK Visas and Immigration account
- If you change passports, the new details must be updated before travel
UK Remains a Top Destination for Dubai Travellers
Despite these new requirements, the UK continues to be one of the most popular destinations for travellers from Dubai.
- Emirates operates 140+ weekly flights across the UK
- The airline now flies to Edinburgh and eight other UK destinations
- Around 240,000 British nationals currently live in the UAE