The dream of a London getaway or a quick business trip to Manchester just became more digital. If you are a UAE citizen, the way you enter the UK has fundamentally changed. The old paperwork is gone, replaced by a digital “handshake” known as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Missing this small detail can lead to a major headache: being denied boarding at Dubai International (DXB) or Zayed International Airport (AUH).
Apply for your UK ETA: https://application.etauk.ae/
Current UK ETA Fee for UAE Citizens: What You’ll Pay in 2026
While the base government fee remains the foundation of the application, most travelers utilize structured service tiers for guaranteed processing times. As of February 2026, a Regular UK ETA application is priced at £26 (approximately 130 AED).
This price ensures your authorization is processed within 3 working days. For those on a tighter schedule, an Urgent UK ETA is available for £49 (approximately 245 AED), delivering your visa within just 12 working hours.
Checking verified resources like https://etauk.ae/ is essential to ensure you are selecting the correct tier for your travel timeline.
Service Fee Breakdown
According to current standards for UAE applicants, here is what you can expect:
| Service Level | Service Price (GBP) | Processing Time | Transaction Charge |
| Regular UK ETA | £26 | Within 3 Working Days | 4.40% |
| Urgent UK ETA | £49 | Within 12 Working Hours | 4.40% |
Comparing the ETA System vs. the Old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)
For years, UAE nationals used the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). While it served its purpose, it was a “one-and-done” cost. The new ETA is a significantly better investment for frequent flyers.
| Feature | Old EVW System | New UK ETA System |
| Usage | Single Entry | Multiple Entries |
| Validity | One specific trip | 2 Years |
| Efficiency | Manual check-in | Digital Automation |
The value is clear: a single Regular ETA at £26 covers all your UK travel for the next 24 months, whereas the old system required a new payment for every single flight.
How to Pay for Your UK ETA from the UAE
The payment gateway is streamlined for UAE residents. You no longer need complex bank transfers.
- Payment Methods: Use any UAE-issued credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX).
- Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay are fully supported for mobile applications.
- Currency Conversion: The fee is typically processed in GBP, and your bank will automatically convert it to AED at the current rate (roughly 130 AED for the Regular tier).
- Transaction Fees: Note that a standard 4.40% transaction charge applies to these digital payments.
FAQ Section
How much does a Regular UK ETA cost in 2026?
A Regular UK ETA costs £26, which is approximately 130 AED.
This service level guarantees your travel authorization is processed within 3 working days, provided the application is submitted during standard Monday–Friday working hours.
Is there a faster option for urgent travel?
Yes, the Urgent UK ETA costs £49 (approx. 245 AED).
This tier is designed for last-minute travelers, offering a rapid turnaround time of within 12 working hours.
When are the processing working hours?
Applications are processed Monday–Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
To ensure your 3-day or 12-hour window is met, it is best to submit your details via https://etauk.ae/ during these standard business hours.
Do I need to pay a transaction charge?
Yes, a 4.40% transaction charge is applied to the fee.
This is a standard processing fee for the secure digital handling of your application and payment from the UAE to the UK systems.
