The UK Home Office launched a 10-year multiple-entry Standard Visitor visa exclusively for GCC passport holders effective 1 July 2026. Applicants from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE can apply online with processing in five working days. The fee is set at Β£1,200, double the current long-term visa price.
The policy responds to record post-pandemic demand from Gulf leisure travellers who previously renewed two-year visas repeatedly. UK tourism officials project an additional 180,000 visits annually from the region.
Biometric enrolment remains mandatory at visa application centres in Dubai, Riyadh and Doha. Applicants must demonstrate strong ties abroad and sufficient funds for each visit.
Similar long-term visas already exist for Chinese and Indian nationals under separate pilot programmes.
What this means for you
Apply online via the official UK Visas and Immigration portal if you hold a qualifying GCC passport and travel frequently to Britain. Prepare six months of bank statements and employment letters to strengthen approval chances.
Book accommodation and onward travel only after visa approval to avoid financial loss. Note that the visa does not permit work or study during visits.
Consider the cost-benefit compared with repeated shorter visas if your travel frequency exceeds two trips per year.