Many reasons point to the frequent visits of UAE residents to the UK. One being the fact that Dubai, the country's commercial center, houses over 5000 British companies. If you are thinking of traveling to the United Kingdom from Dubai, there are two Visa options for you: tourist visitor visa UK and Electronic Visa Waiver.
Electronic Visa Waiver for UAE Residents
An Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) might be another option instead of a visitor visa for individuals who qualify from the UAE. The worldwide traveler can now actually come for a visit from UAE to the United Kingdom and stay for six months for tourism, business, medical treatment, and study as well.
Individuals can apply for EVW for visiting the UK up to 3 months before they wish to go to the UK. The latest time to apply for EVW is 48 hours before traveling to the place.
Applying for EVW is easy. Just submit the application form online on the gov.UK website with the following attachments:
. Current passport
. Address in the UK where you will stay
. Details of your UK journey including arrival and departure dates and times.
Within 24 hours of standard application submission, you will receive an email with your EVW. So print it out, or keep it on any electronic device, like a mobile phone, when you travel. The EVW is not allowed to get married or work in the UK; participants may enter the country only once. If changes are made in the travel plan, the same should be as well updated in the EVW.
UK Standard Visitor Visa
The UK Standard Visitor Visa is issued to non-EEA citizens as a tourist visa to visit the country for various purposes.
This visa is issued in order to allow the applicant to visit family and friends in the United Kingdom, take a trip to the UK, or seek treatment. Also, it is permitted in case the applicant intends to use it for attending to certain business-related matters. The UK standard visitor visa has a validity of six months starting from the date of travel. Several requirements need to be fulfilled to qualify for the visa. This includes:
. proof of ability to support oneself financially while staying in the UK
. proof that the visitor will leave the UK and cease to live in the UK for an extended period through numerous visits
. Present evidence of any business or other undertakings held within the UK.
Tourist Visa Documents Mandatory For UAE Residents:
. Complete and sign the application form.
. Any two of the most recent passport-size photographs with white background not exceeding 6 months.
. The passport has to be valid for a minimum of 90 days from the day the visa is requested for expiry.
Copy of the original Passport.
. Residence visas in the UAE should be valid for an extra three months after the claimed arrival date.
. Updated bank statement of your functional account for the last 6 months should be provided.
. No Objection Certificate must be original, signed, and stamped.
. Employer NOCs have to be signed, and stamped and should include the full name and position of the signatory.
. For Business Owners (Partners) or self-employed individuals, the Commercial Trade License must have the NOC affixed and stamped.
. Every individual who wishes to travel must have a travel insurance policy.
. Concerning the coming and going reserves concerning stopover visas, booking for the return ticket is mandatory.
. Proof of accommodation should be submitted after the reservation for the hotel in place is done.
. It is necessary to submit a travel itinerary for the whole trip.
How to Fill in the Online Application
Accuracy and truth should be assured when filling in an application form, as well as all other personal details and addresses including contact information. Anything that is not correct can lead to negative results like denial of visa applications. Often there are special terms in the application form that can be challenging to understand or comprehend. To avoid confusion, get an understanding of why the questions are posed.
Securing an Appointment
When you have all the necessary documents along with you, the next stage is to schedule your tourist visa appointment at the visa application center in the UAE. Make it a routine to go through the visa appointment website without fail, especially during offline hours such as early mornings and late evenings, to increase the chances of getting a slot.
Attend the Visa Interview
There are cases where the candidates will have to attend an interview at any recognized UK Visa Application Centre. Help yourself by learning the types of questions that may be asked and the manner to advocate your cause without having any fears. Ace the interview by proving that you love traveling, know how to plan, and have a valid reason to visit the UK.
The Visa Decision
The UK visit visa processing times are usually a 3-week duration. You can expect a reply from the Home Office within this timeframe.
When is the Right Time to Apply for a UK Visa from the UAE?
All efforts should be made to secure a UK visa at the very first opportunity. Generally speaking, it is recommended that one applies three months before the proposed travel to any part of the UK. The processing of an application for a visa in the UK may take three weeks or over: the duration will be dictated by the complexity of the application.
Conclusion
Securing a UK tourist visa will be seamless if you hire immigration lawyers in London. They will ensure that you comply with all the requirements and save you from compliance issues and denial of applications. Make sure to provide only genuine information. All necessary documents should be attached to the application form for a successful application.
