UK Visa Made Easy for UAE Residents: Get Your Visa in Just 24 Hours

Many UAE residents who planned to travel to Europe are facing long delays in getting their Schengen visas. Because of this, the United Kingdom is becoming a more popular travel destination. The UK is offering faster visa services, and in some cases, people can get their visa decision in just 24 hours.

As summer approaches and more people plan vacations, the wait times for Schengen visas are getting worse. Applicants are struggling with long backlogs, very few available appointments, and slow processing times at European embassies and consulates in the UAE. Meanwhile, the UK has made things easier with their Priority and Super Priority visa options, giving travelers a quicker and more convenient way to get their visas.

According to the official UK government website (GOV.UK), “You may be able to pay for a faster decision on a visa or settlement (‘indefinite leave to remain’) application.”

Super Priority Visa: Fastest Way to Get a UK Visa

The Super Priority Visa is currently the fastest option for UAE residents applying for a UK visa. If you choose this service, you can usually get your visa decision the next working day after your appointment. If your appointment falls on a weekend or UK public holiday, it may take up to two working days.

Key Details:

• Processing Time: Usually within 1 working day
• Extra Cost: £1,000 (around AED 5,000), in addition to the regular visa fee
• Who Can Use It: Most people applying for short-term visitor visas, work visas, student visas, or settlement visas
• How to Use: When filling out your application online, you can choose the Super Priority option if you are eligible

This service is perfect for people who need their visa very quickly, especially during busy travel seasons.

Priority Visa: Faster Option with a 5-Day Decision

If you don’t need your visa the next day but still want it quickly, the Priority Visa service is a good choice. With this service, the decision is usually made within five working days after your biometric appointment.

Priority Service Details:

• Processing Time: Usually within 5 working days
• Extra Cost: £500 (around AED 2,500), in addition to the normal visa fee
• When It Starts: The countdown starts from the day of your biometric appointment or once your documents are submitted through the UK Immigration app

This option is ideal for people who have some time before their trip but still want to avoid long delays.

Important Notes on Delays

While both Super Priority and Priority services are fast, the UK Home Office warns that in some rare cases, delays can still happen. These delays usually occur if the Home Office needs more information, needs to double-check your documents, or wants to confirm certain details.

Standard and Long-Term Visitor Visas

If you’re not in a hurry and want a regular visitor visa, the UK still offers a range of options. You can choose from short-term and long-term Standard Visitor visas. These visas allow multiple visits, but each stay cannot be longer than six months.

Here are the fees and types of UK visitor visas:

• Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months): £127
• Medical Treatment Visa (up to 11 months): £220
• Academic Visit Visa (up to 12 months): £220
• 2-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £475 (can stay up to 6 months per visit)
• 5-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £848 (can stay up to 6 months per visit)
• 10-Year Long-Term Visitor Visa: £1,059 (can stay up to 6 months per visit)

These options are great for people who travel often to the UK or have long-term plans.

How to Apply for a UK Visa from the UAE

To apply for any UK visa, you must first complete your application online on the UK government’s website. After submitting the form and paying the visa fee, you will be sent to the VFS Global website to book an appointment.

At your appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in the UAE, your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) will be collected. This is a required part of the application process.

VFS Global also offers premium services for extra comfort and convenience. These services include:

• Access to a VIP lounge while you wait
• Courier delivery of your passport and documents
• Scanning and uploading of supporting documents

Check Your Visa Type Carefully

Each visa type has different rules and requires different documents. Before applying, make sure you know exactly which type of visa you need. Visit the GOV.UK website to check the details.

Once you finish your online application and pay the fee, remember to book your biometric appointment at VFS Global to complete your application.

READ MORE: China Announces Visa-Free Entry for GCC Citizens – Full Details Inside