Applicants from Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be able to receive their visas to the United Kingdom within 24 hours. The “super-priority” visa service starts today and will require an extra fee of £600, or around AED 3,200, but it is valid for “multi-entry” visas and for up to 10 years, which will come in handy for many business travelers.
The UAE is one of the few countries in the where the UK super-priority visa service is available. It launches Monday, March 23, at UK visa application centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Instead of waiting for days and weeks, people will now receive a response to their application within 24 hours. It means that if you apply in the morning, you are more likely to be ready by the end of the day, or in the next morning, in the worst case. The speedy service is extremely attractive to those who are I a real hurry, but its cost will turn some people off.
In addition to other documents and fees, you will be required to pay £600. This is approximately AED 3,200, which is basically the price for a return Economy Class ticket to most European cities. Compared to the regular visa fee – AED 474 for six month-stay, AED 1,719 when staying two years, and AED 3,118 for stays of up to five years, this is quite expensive. However, it would be an alternative to those who travel in the last minute, whether it would be students, business travelers or holiday-makers.
But there’s another option for Emiratis who plan on staying in the UK up to six months. They can apply for an electronic visa waiver (EVW) for free, but the online application should be registered at least 48 hours prior to departure. In April, the UK introduces more changes to its services, promising to streamline and simplify the visit visa routes. In addition, travelers who pay a special health surcharge will be able to use the British National Health service in the same way as British nationals and permanent residents.
