Passport guide
Dubai visa for UK citizens: British passport guide
GOV.UK says people travelling from the UK on a full British citizen passport can receive a free visitor or tourist visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period from first entry. The stay may be continuous or split across visits.
This page does not cover: British Overseas or other British passport types, UK residents travelling on another country’s passport, work, residence or people with unresolved UAE status.
Current common-visit position
Under the scoped GOV.UK guidance checked on 3 September 2026, the visa is stamped at immigration and does not require an advance application for the covered common visitor/tourist trip. UAE authorities set and enforce the rules, so re-check before travel.
Living in the UK or holding UK immigration permission does not make a traveller a British citizen. Use the passport that will be presented at the UAE border.
Passport validity
| Situation | GOV.UK guidance checked |
|---|---|
| Entering as a visitor | Passport expiry at least six months after arrival |
| Entering with a UAE residence permit | Passport expiry at least three months after arrival |
| Airside transit without immigration | Passport expiry at least three months after the transit date |
Before travel
- Confirm the passport says British citizen and will meet the applicable validity period.
- Count previous UAE stays within the relevant 180-day period and ask GDRFA/ICP if uncertain.
- Check the airline’s document requirements and the live GOV.UK/UAE pages.
- Review medication rules separately; controlled medicines can require advance UAE approval.
- Do not work on visitor permission. Obtain the correct work permission before employment.
When to get individual advice
- The passport is not a full British citizen passport.
- You previously overstayed or had UAE residence/work permission that was not correctly cancelled.
- You have outstanding UAE debt, legal proceedings or a travel ban concern.
- You need more than the permitted visitor stay or plan to work.
Related guidance
Official sources checked
Open the source that applies to your situation before booking or applying. Links can change without notice.
Review and corrections
Published and independently compiled by Dubai Visa Process. Last evidence review: 3 September 2026. Rules can change between reviews.
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