The United Kingdom (UK) has seen a significant increase in travel demand from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Carol Maddison, Deputy Director of Middle East and Asia at VisitBritain, attributed this to the new UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme.
She told Gulf News that the ETA makes “travel more affordable, accessible, and seamless” for UAE nationals.
More stable airfares also influenced travel demand for flights from the UAE to the UK.
“Combined with our strong airline connections, the scheme is boosting our competitive tourism offer and our welcome to visitors,” Maddison added.
These changes have led to a surge in bookings and interest in the UK by UAE nationals.
Easier travel with the UK ETA scheme for UAE nationals
The ETA scheme allows the UK to pre-screen non-visa travelers and improve border security.
It is also more affordable and accessible as travelers can apply for travel authorization online.
The ETA scheme was launched on 1 February 2024 for Emiratis and other Gulf nationals.
It is part of the UK’s efforts to boost tourism and strengthen ties with Gulf countries.
Before the ETA, travelers from the UAE needed to obtain an electronic visa waiver (EVW) for each visit, costing £30 per trip.
Now, an ETA application costs only £10 and is valid for two years. It allows multiple visits for short stays of up to six months each.
ETA applications are processed within hours, allowing travelers to plan their trips with little advance notice.
This significant cost reduction and the ease of obtaining an ETA have made the UK a more attractive destination.
Stable airfares contribute to UK travel demand
Another factor contributing to the increased travel demand is the stability of airfares.
Despite global economic uncertainties, the cost of flights from the UAE to the UK has remained relatively stable.
This consistency makes it easier for travelers to budget and plan their trips.
Airlines have also increased their flight frequencies, providing more options and flexibility for travelers.
According to recent data, there are 202 weekly flights from the UK to the UAE, offering 87,247 seats.
Regional airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudia, and the UK’s British Airways have increased capacity for flights between the UAE and the UK.
The same applies to flights between the UK and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this year, British Airways resumed its London to Abu Dhabi flights after a four-year break and expanded its operations in the UAE.
The availability of competitive airfares and frequent flights has also encouraged more spontaneous travel.
Easier visa processing for UAE nationals
The UK visa processing for UAE nationals is also relatively easier than obtaining a Schengen visa.
Monaz Billimoria, Deputy Regional Head, UAE at VFS Global, the agency managing the visa application process, said the UK remains a travel hotspot for Emiratis.
“We have observed a significant rise in applications,” Billimoria said.
UAE nationals who plan to stay in the UK for more than six months for leisure, work, or study require a visa instead of an ETA.
The surge in demand for UK visas has led the company to set up temporary visa offices across the UAE where people can apply.
These special pop-up visa processing offices are located in Dubai, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain.
Once all UK visa requirements and biometric data have been submitted, UAE nationals can get their visa in about 15 days.
Boost to UK tourism and economy
The rise in travel from the UAE is expected to positively impact the UK tourism economy.
More visitors coming from Gulf countries are likely to boost spending in many sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.
The UAE is among the top ten countries in terms of annual visitor spending in the UK, with an average spend of £1,918 per visit.
Emiratis are also among the top 20 citizens of countries for yearly inbound visits to the UK.
VisitBritain forecasts 543,000 visits from the UAE in 2024, with spending expected to be 28 percent higher than before COVID-19.
Most UAE visitors are between 25 and 54 years old, and 76 percent of holiday visitors return within ten years.
According to VisitBritain, 81 percent of UAE visitors would highly recommend visiting the UK.
The future of UK-bound travel for UAE nationals
Looking ahead, the UK is poised to see continued growth in tourism from the UAE and other Gulf countries.
The government’s efforts to make travel more accessible and affordable are likely to attract even more visitors in the coming years.
The introduction of the ETA scheme, stable airfares, and faster visa processing have significantly boosted travel demand from the UAE to the UK.
“We expect more visitors from the GCC to take advantage of the ease and affordability of the ETA scheme and travel to the UK,” said Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain.
“We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience our vibrant and dynamic tourism offerings.”
The UK Government plans to continue working closely with airlines, travel agencies, and tourism boards.
The goal is to ensure that the travel experience for UAE nationals remains smooth and enjoyable.