The United Kingdom will offer a super-priority visa service at its application centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from March 23.
The new service, which costs Dh3,295 ($900) in addition to the regular visa fees, will allow applicants to receive their decision and documents within 24 hours. Regular visa fees vary according to the duration of stay, with visas for visits up to six months costing Dh474 ($129), two years costing Dh1,719 ($468) and five years costing Dh3,118 ($850).
The service allows applicants to apply for long-term, multi-entry visas, valid for up to ten years, and also long-term study and work visas.
“I am delighted that we are launching the UK super-priority visa service in the UAE — one of only a handful of countries where we provide this service. This underlines our strong commitment to making our already excellent visa service even more flexible,” Philip Parham, UK’s Ambassador to the UAE, said.
However, Emiratis will still be able to use the electronic visa waiver, which offers them visa-free travel if they register online at least 48 hours before their departure to the UK, for a visit up to six months.
Those eligible for the new service should book the super-priority visa service appointment when making a visa application online. Appointments for the service will be available between 8am and 10am Sunday to Thursday at the visa application centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
“The super-priority visa service offers another option for tourists, business people and students who need to travel to the UK at the last minute,” said Parham.
Along with the new service will come other adjustments starting from April in line with new immigration rules.
The Schengen visa, which is responsible for 26 European countries, only offers regular visa applications, according Ajit Alexander, Chief Operating Officer: Middle East & Africa at VFS Global.
“It is entirely at the discretion of the Schengen mission and European Union who have to take a common decision so it’s not something we have a say on,” said Alexander. “Currently, there is nothing called a fast track or priority service for the Schengen visa.”
