As Spring break approaches, the demand for travel from the UAE to the UK is expected to soar. With schools closing for the break, many are eager to explore the UK’s rich history and culture. Recent visa processing delays have caused some frustration for those seeking entry into the UK, with wait times reaching as long as six to seven weeks. However, now the visa processing times have returned to their typical 15 working days, making it easier for UAE residents and travellers worldwide to plan their UK trips.
A spokesperson for VFS Global, the official partner for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), told Gulf News: “The processing time for UK visas has reverted to 15 working days, and the turnaround time for Priority and Super Priority visas have likewise normalised.” Decision times for Priority visas are currently five working days, and Super Priority Visas will be prepared for collection the following day.
The UKVI has also indicated that the pricing schedule for applying for visas won’t alter. A regular short-term visit visa (single or multiple entries), according to the immigration board, costs AED 473.80, while a longer-term visa (multiple two-year admissions) costs AED 1,778. For AED 947.60, a student visa valid for six months may be obtained, according to Gulf News. “We have witnessed a good mix in demand for leisure, family visits and business travellers. Visitor visas remain the most in-demand category of visa granted for UAE nationals, with over 2,200 granted to UAE nationals in the last year.”
UAE nationals no longer need a visa to travel to the UK. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, one can get an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) instead of a visa if one is a national of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or the UAE for 30 pounds. “An EVW lets you visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, business, study or medical treatment. If you’re visiting for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.” According to Gulf News: “Travel demand on the whole continues to show positive growth. Compared to the same timings in 2022, we have seen a 60% increase in travel bookings across the Spring break period, while summer holidays are starting to gain traction.”
UAE flag carriers Etihad and Emirates operate multiple daily flights to various destinations in the UK. Emirates operates 129 weekly flights, including 14 weekly services to Birmingham, 42 to London Heathrow, seven to Glasgow, 21 to Gatwick and Manchester, seven to Newcastle, and seven to Stansted.
Travelers won’t be deterred by the chaos at LHR
According to travel brokers, the continuing Border Force and ground handler strikes at London Heathrow (LHR) airport are not deterring travellers between the UAE and the UK. Since there are no obvious signs or planned strikes, according to Ahmed Soliman, Managing Director of Travel Connections Arabia (TCA), demand in the UK is stable.
He added: “The UK continues to be a highly sought-after travel destination for people in the UAE throughout the year. Flight traffic from the UAE to the UK has seen a steady increase year on year over the past five years, including during the pandemic. Additionally, based on observations, a surge in bookings is usually observed when 5-star London hotels fill up.”
In response to a question on the state of advance reservations, Soliman said, “According to our data, we normally receive a high volume of travel-related enquiries before school holidays, such as Spring break.”
Soliman added that despite the availability of numerous airline alternatives, flight costs remain consistent at an average of Dh3,500 for a direct roundtrip. Round-trip tickets from the UAE to the UK are reasonably reasonable, costing Dh2,680 on a British Airways flight and Dh3,066 on an Emirates aircraft, according to travel search engine SkyScanner (for travel between February 3 and 17). In comparison to December 2022’s busiest travel periods, fares to this sector have likewise stayed the same. For travel between December 23, 2022, and January 3, 2023, round-trip tickets to the UK from the UAE were about Dh3,300, taxes included.
