UK Announces ‘Priority’ & ‘Super Priority’ Visa Services Amid Schengen Visa Delays In UAE

Europe might be calling, but its visa line is always busy, as we know. Schengen visa delays are the hot topic of pulling patience across the UAE. Residents are tired of dealing with long queues, inaccessible appointments, and weeks-long processing times. While the EU services are getting elusive, the UK is quietly rolling out the red carpet for priority visas for UAE residents. And it’s doing it fast, like, next-working-day fast.

UK Priority Visas For UAE Travellers As Schengen Delay Chaos Continues

With summer nearly here and holiday plans hanging in the balance, travellers are scrambling for a plan B. Enter the UK’s ‘Priority’ and ‘Super Priority’ visa services. It is carefully designed to rescue your holiday from the clutches of visa limbo.

1. Super Priority Service

If you’ve got no time for visa queues, the Super Priority Visa is your knight in shining armour (or paperwork). The UK Home Office promises a decision by the next working day after your biometric appointment. If your slot falls on a weekend or UK bank holiday, it’s two working days, max. We say the speedy service is still impressive.

• Processing time: Usually within 1 working day
• Cost: £1,000 (around AED5,000), plus the visa fee
• Eligibility: Short-term visitor visas, work, student, and even settlement applications

It’s not cheap, but if you’ve got a wedding in London or a last-minute business trip, it’s a small price for avoiding the delays and long queues. Easy, fast, and no mysterious delays.

2. Priority Service

Not in a massive rush, but still not keen on waiting three weeks? The Priority Visa Service strikes a balance between speed and cost. It delivers a decision within five working days.

• Processing time: Usually within 5 working days
• Cost: £500 (around AED2,500), in addition to the visa fee
• Start time: From your biometric appointment or app submission

This one’s perfect for travellers who like a fast turnaround but don’t want to blow half their travel budget on the application itself.

3. Standard Visitor Visas

Prefer the regular route? The Standard Visitor Visa is still reliable, just allow for about three weeks of processing after your biometric appointment. You can choose between short visits or long-term visas for multiple entries.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the fees:

• 6-month visitor visa: £127 (AED527)
• Medical reasons (11 months): £220 ( AED913)
• Academics (12 months): £220 ( AED913)
• 2-year visa: £475 (AED1,972)
• 5-year visa: £848 (AED3,521)
• 10-year visa: £1,059 (AED4,397)

All these options allow stays up to six months per visit. Handy for frequent flyers or those with family in the UK.

Apply Online, Then Show Up For Your Biometrics For Priority Visa Serivce

Every applicant must submit an online application via Gov.UK, then book a biometric appointment through VFS Global in the UAE. Optional extras like lounge access and courier returns are available if you’re in the mood for a little VIP treatment.

The earliest you can apply? Three months before your planned travel date. The key is to double-check the visa type and documents needed before hitting submit.

Also Read: UAE: UK Visas To Cost 10% More From April Onwards; Details Inside

To Sum It Up!

While Europe hits snooze on Schengen processing, the UK is wide awake and welcoming you in with priority visa services. Fast-track options, reliable processing, and multiple visa types? Now that’s how you do summer this year, UAE Residents!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Vladislav Zolotov