Applying for a UK visa from Dubai can seem overwhelming. There is a maze of paperwork, the right way of filling the application form, submitting the documents, and then waiting for the embassy’s decision. Then there is the issue of changes in the visa process and rules, which can hinder your entire plans, even if you are a seasoned traveler to the UK. This is the reason why we have come up with 20 frequently asked questions about applying for a UK visa from Dubai. These UK visa FAQs and their answers would help anyone applying for a UK visa from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE.
1. Which visa do I need to visit the UK as a tourist?
A person who is applying for a UK visa will have to choose between different types of visas. As a tourist, you need to apply for a standard visitor visa. This visa can be used for business meetings and social visits with family and friends living in the UK as well.
2. Can UAE residents apply for a UK visa from Dubai?
Yes, residents of the UAE can apply for a UK visa from Dubai. You do not need to visit your home country to apply for the same.
3. Do all UAE residents need a UK visa to visit the country?
This will depend on your nationality. If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to enter the UK or if you are from a nation that is eligible for visa on arrival in the UK, you do not need to apply for a UK visa from Dubai. This includes EU countries, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Even citizens of the UAE can get a visa on arrival in the UK. All other residents will have to apply for a UK visa before flying to the country.
4. What is the validity of a UK visitor visa?
The validity of the UK visitor visa can be 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 months, depending on the visa you have applied for. However, a person with any of these visitor visas cannot stay in the country for more than 6 months at a time. The person has to wait for 6 months before returning to the country.
5. What is the processing time for a UK visa?
It takes around 14 business days for the completion of the UK visa process. It also depends on how quickly and correctly you have submitted your application and the supporting documents. People who meet the eligibility criteria will get their visa right on time. You can choose to speed up the process by opting for an express service.
6. What are the documents required for a UK visa from Dubai?
Here is the list of documents you need to submit while applying for a UK visa from Dubai:
- Â Valid passport
- Â UAE residence visa
- Â Proof of finance (bank statements)
-  Proof of accommodation (hotel/stay at a friend or relative’s place)
- Â Employment status or validation
- Â Proof of travel history
7. Do I need to attend an interview to get a UK visitor visa?
No, in general cases, interviews are not a part of the UK visitor visa process. But the embassy may demand an interview in certain situations. These may include previous visa refusals, inconsistency in documents, unclear financial situations, previous deportations, and such other things.
8. Is it required to provide biometrics to get a UK visitor visa?
Yes, biometrics is mandatory for UK visitor visa. You need to take a biometric appointment online. During the appointment, an official will take your digital photograph and scan your fingerprints. You will also submit your application form and supporting documents on the same day.
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9. What is the right time to apply for a UK visitor visa?
Ideally, you can apply for a UK visitor visa at least three months before the planned date of travel. Six weeks before traveling time is the latest you can apply for a UK visitor visa.
10. What are the common reasons for UK visa rejection?
There are several reasons why your UK visa can get rejected. Some of the most common UK visa rejection reasons are as follows:
- Â Incorrect or incomplete application form
- Â Failure to provide solid proof of finances
- Â Invalid or expired passport
- Â Insufficient or fake supporting documents
- Â Poor travel history
- Â Previous visa refusals
- Â Criminal history
- Â Unclear purpose of visit
11. What to do if the UK visa application gets rejected?
If your visa application gets rejection, there are a couple of options you can try.
 Reapply: The best option is to reapply. The visa rejection letter also includes the reason for the rejection. Once you rectify this mistake, you can reapply for the visa. Make sure to follow the steps to apply for UK visa carefully, so that you do not repeat your mistakes.
Review: If you feel that your visa application has been wrongly assessed, you can submit a review application for the same visa application.
12. Can I work while visiting the country on a UK standard visa?
No, you cannot work while visiting the country on a UK standard visa. You need to apply for a UK work visa if you have found a job in the country.
13. Can a friend or relative in the UK sponsor my UK visitor visa?
Yes, a family member, relative, or friend can sponsor your UK visitor visa. He/she should be a British citizen and should submit proof of accommodation and proof of finances. A letter of sponsorship should be a part of the documents you submit along with your UK visa application form.
14. Can I get a UK visa without submitting my bank statements?
You can refrain from submitting your bank statements only if your trip is being sponsored by someone in the UK. In this case, a sponsorship letter, proof of their financials and accommodation details, etc., should be submitted. In case you are sponsoring your own trip, it is mandatory to submit your bank statements of the last six months.
15. How will I know whether my UK visa application is successful or not?
You will receive a letter from the UK consulate or embassy stating whether your visa application has been accepted or rejected. If it is a yes, your passport will have a UK visa stamp as well.
16. Is it possible to extend my UK visitor visa?
UK visitor visa can be extended for certain situations like medical treatment, emergencies, flight cancellations, etc. However, you cannot extend the visa to switch to another visa like spouse visa, work visa, or study visa. If the visa officer does not find the reason for the extension of your visa genuine, your visa extension application will be rejected.
17. Can I study in the UK with a visitor visa?
You can join a short course (less than 6 months) on a UK visitor visa. If the course duration is more than 6 months, you need to apply for a study visa.
18. Can I apply for a UK visa from Dubai without a UAE residence visa?
No, this is not possible. Only a UAE resident can apply for a UK visa from Dubai or UAE. If you are in Dubai on a short-term visa like a tourist or visitor visa, you are not eligible to apply for a UK visa from Dubai.
19. Do I need to submit original documents while applying for a UK visa?
If you are applying for a UK visa directly through the embassy, you need to submit your original documents like passport, UAE residence visa, photograph, etc. Along with this, you must also submit scanned copies of all your documents.
20. What is the UK visa fee from Dubai?
The UK visa fee from Dubai starts at AED 1150. The price may increase depending on the visa validity. You can apply for 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years’ UK visa. In each case, you cannot stay in the country for more than 6 months.
Hope we have covered all the frequently asked questions about UK visas. If you still have any questions, you can drop them in the comment section, and we will try our best to answer them.
