UK entry from United Arab Emirates: ETA, visa, plugs and money

ETA or visa?

ETA list. United Arab Emirates is on GOV.UK's ETA National List, for travel on or after 22 February 2024. For a visit of up to 6 months, citizens usually need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), not a visa.^[1]

Your plans can change the answer: GOV.UK says an ETA is not for marrying, working or staying longer than 6 months, and that you do not need one if you already have a UK visa or permission to live, work or study here.^[3] Check with the official checker.^[5]

What to do next

1. Apply on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app, one application per traveller including children. On 1 November 2026 it cost £20, with no refund.^[3]
2. Allow time: a decision usually comes by email within a day but can take up to 3 working days, and you must have it before you travel.^[3]
3. Travel on the passport you applied with; the ETA is linked to it.^[3]

Then work through our pre-trip checklist.

Healthcare and insurance

The NHS says visitors from outside the European Economic Area are charged for hospital care at 150% of the standard NHS rate unless an exemption applies, and should be covered by personal medical or travel insurance for the whole visit.^[8]

Read travel insurance and the NHS for visitors for what is free, what is charged and what to check in a policy.

Plugs and voltage

United Arab Emirates uses plug type G at about 230 V, 50 Hz. The UK uses Type G at 230 V, 50 Hz. Type G is also used, so many of your plugs may fit; check each charger label for 230 V or “100–240 V”.^[9] These figures come from Wikipedia’s table of mains electricity by country, which we use as background rather than an official source. Our plugs and voltage answer explains adapters and converters.

Money

Prices in the UK are in pounds sterling. Cards and phone wallets are widely accepted; see money in Britain for cash, banknotes and why tax-free shopping ended.

Our approximate currency converter uses European Central Bank reference rates, which do not include every currency.^[11]

Emergency numbers

In the UK, 999 and 112 both reach the emergency services; the call handler asks which service you need.^[10]

Look up your nationality

Choose the nationality on the passport you will travel with. We tell you which GOV.UK list it is on. Only the official checker (opens in new tab) can confirm your answer.

All nationalities and how the lists work

Quick answers

Do citizens of United Arab Emirates need a visa or an ETA to visit the UK?

United Arab Emirates is on GOV.UK's ETA National List, for travel on or after 22 February 2024. For a visit of up to 6 months, citizens usually need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), not a visa. The official GOV.UK checker confirms your own answer.

How much does a UK ETA cost?

When we read GOV.UK on 1 November 2026, an ETA cost £20 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. You usually get a decision within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days.

What plug adapter do I need in the UK if I come from United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates uses plug type G at about 230 V, 50 Hz. The UK uses Type G at 230 V, 50 Hz. Type G is also used, so many of your plugs may fit; check each charger label for 230 V or “100–240 V”.

What is the emergency number in the UK?

Call 999 or 112. Both reach the same emergency service: police, ambulance, fire or coastguard.