Dubai visa requirements for British citizens: yes you need a visa but there’s no prior application required and it’s free.
What Visa You Actually Get
British citizens will be issued with a tourist visa on arrival in Dubai and this is usually valid for 30 days for stay. The visitor visa does not need to be applied for in advance by the visitor and there is no online application which can be completed prior to arrival in Dubai. There is also no charge for a visitor visa issued to a British citizen arriving into Dubai.
How Arrival Actually Works
When you arrive in Dubai at the immigration desk they will scan your passport and then stamp it. You will be given your visa at this time and there will be no need to go to a separate desk for this. Whether you are arriving for a long weekend or a longer stay there are usually only a few minutes wait here to have your passport processed, unless there are a lot of other people waiting. You may be asked for your return or onward flight details.
The Passport Validity Rule People Miss
Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry into the UAE. People often confuse this with the return date of their flight and find that their passport looks in order for the duration of their trip but isn’t valid for the date of arrival into the country. The date must be at least 6 months from the arrival date, not the return date. Most airlines will check this at the check-in desk prior to departure from the UK and refuse to allow you to travel if your passport does not meet the above criteria.
Medicines You Might Not Realise Are Controlled
Medicines You Might Not Realise Are Controlled: Lots of common medicines are classed as ‘controlled’ in the UAE. This means that, even if you’ve brought them with you from home, you’ll need to show a doctor’s letter or proof of your diagnosis to bring them into the country. Some codeine-based painkillers, strong prescription painkillers and medicines to treat ADHD and to help with sleep are all examples of this. Check the UAE’s health guidance for visitors before you travel and allow plenty of time to apply for approval for any medicines you need to bring with you. It’s not something that can be sorted at the airport.
Dress Codes and Ramadan Conduct Are Laws, Not Etiquette
I also need to mention a few more serious points. While some of the dress code expectations are merely polite for visitors to adhere to, others are strictly enforced as part of local law. Most notable of these is the public display of affection (even holding hands) and behaviour during Ramadan. Also be sure to remember that while you may drink at licensed venues, you will not be able to take the open containers of alcohol outside of them. You will be fined for doing so.
Check the FCDO Advice Before You Book and Again Before You Fly
As with all foreign travel the entry requirements will change from time to time and are updated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. You should check this out when you first book your flights and then again about 2 days before you travel as the information does change from time to time.
Do I need a visa for Dubai from UK, https://travelsnews.co.uk/clothing/the-one-place-you-re-actually-told-to-wear-white/ is a good place to start.
Before You Fly: Quick Checklist
Visa: visa issued on arrival for British citizens and needs no prior application.
Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of your entry into the UAE. This does not have to be from your date of return but from the date of your arrival into the UAE.
Also be aware of any controlled medicines you may be taking, you will need to apply for approval to take these into the UAE before you travel.
Local laws: How dress codes for women and men and behaviour during Ramadan are strictly enforced and the potential consequences for visitors who fail to comply.
FCDO check: look at the Warnings and insurance page before you book, and again shortly before you travel.
