UAE Visa Requirements

Everything you need to know — answered in 30 seconds

Do You Need a Visa?

FREE visa on arrival (30-90 days) USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and 60+ more countries. Just show up with valid passport.
E-Visa required (apply before travel) India, Pakistan, Philippines, Egypt, and 100+ others. Cost: AED 350-1,200 depending on duration.
Requirements for everyone Passport valid 6+ months, return ticket, hotel booking.
Tip: Have proof of accommodation and a return ticket ready — immigration may ask for these.

Citizens from 68+ countries can get a free visa stamp upon arrival. No pre-application needed — just show up with your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking.

90-Day Visa on Arrival (Free)

  • Europe: All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
  • Americas: USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay
  • Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia

30-Day Visa on Arrival (Free)

  • Others: Andorra, Monaco, Hong Kong, China (with biometric passport)
  • Some nationalities may require sponsor or pre-approval
Visa Run Tip: If you're from a visa-on-arrival country, you can leave for 1 day to Oman, then return for another stamp. This is commonly practiced.

If your country doesn't qualify for visa on arrival, apply for an e-visa before traveling through UAE airlines, hotels, or travel agencies.

How to Apply

  • Through airlines: Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai offer visa services when booking flights
  • Through hotels: Many 4-5 star hotels can sponsor tourist visas
  • Processing time: Usually 3-5 business days

Visa Costs

  • 30-day single entry: AED 350-450 (~$95-120)
  • 30-day multiple entry: AED 650-750 (~$175-200)
  • 90-day single entry: AED 1,000-1,200 (~$270-325)
  • 90-day multiple entry: AED 1,800-2,000 (~$490-545)
Save Money: Book visa through Emirates or Etihad during flight booking — it's usually cheaper than third-party agencies.

Essential Documents (Everyone)

  • Passport: Valid for minimum 6 months, at least 2 blank pages
  • Return/onward ticket: Proof you're leaving UAE
  • Hotel reservation: Confirmed booking for your stay

For E-Visa Applications

  • Recent passport-size color photo
  • Employment letter (some nationalities)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
Pro Tip: Keep digital copies on your phone. Immigration increasingly accepts digital proof for hotel bookings.

Need more time? Most tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days.

Extension Details

  • Cost: AED 600-850 (includes processing)
  • Apply: At least 10 days before visa expires
  • Processing: 2-5 business days
  • Where: GDRFA offices or typing centers
Important: You can only extend once. After extension expires, you must leave UAE and cannot return on tourist visa for 30 days.

Mistakes That Cause Problems

  • Passport under 6 months validity: Airlines won't let you board
  • No hotel booking: Immigration may deny entry
  • No return ticket: Mandatory for visa on arrival
  • Wrong sponsor hotel: If hotel sponsored your visa, you must stay there (at least first night)

Overstay Penalties

  • First 30 days: AED 125/day + AED 100 service fee
  • Beyond 30 days: Higher fines, possible travel ban
  • 6+ months: Deportation and 1-year entry ban
Critical: Set phone reminders for your exit date. Fines accumulate daily. If you've overstayed, go to immigration immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Citizens from USA, UK, all EU countries, Canada, Australia, and 60+ other countries get FREE visa on arrival for 30-90 days. No pre-application needed — just show up with a valid passport (6+ months validity), return ticket, and hotel booking.

No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation, fines up to AED 50,000, and permanent entry ban. Even remote work for foreign companies is technically illegal, though rarely enforced if you're not visibly working in UAE.

Overstay fines are AED 125 per day plus AED 100 service fee for the first 30 days. Beyond that, fines increase and you risk travel bans. Overstaying 6+ months can result in deportation and a 1-year entry ban. Set phone reminders and leave on time.

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