General Information » Entering United Arab Emirates » Visas

Visa requirements for entering the UAE vary greatly for different nationalities and regulations should always be checked before travelling, the details can change with little or no warning.

All visitors, except Arab Gulf Co-operation Council nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) require a visa. However, citizens of the UK (with right of abode in the UK) will be granted a free visit visa on arrival. Although the visa is stamped for 30 days, you can stay for 60 and renew once for an additional period of 30 days for Dhs.500. For renewal, apply at the Immigration Department on Saeed bin Tahnoon Street in Abu Dhabi (446 2244), and Aditaba Road near Dubai Islamic Bank in Al Ain (03 762 5555/751 0000).

The visit visa period has recently been reduced for citizens of 33 countries (listed below). These travellers may now enter the UAE, without a prior visa, for a one month non renewable stay, instead of three months. The Cabinet also decided to impose a charge of Dhs.100 per visa to be collected on entry to the UAE through land, seaport and airport entry points.

Expat residents of the AGCC who meet certain criteria may obtain a non renewable 30 day visa on arrival. Residents of Oman, of certain nationalities, may enter the UAE on a free of charge entry permit.

Tourist nationalities (such as those from Eastern and Western Europe, Thailand, China and South Africa) may obtain a 30 day, non renewable tourist visa sponsored by a local entity, such as a hotel or tour operator, before entry into the UAE. Other visitors may apply for an entry service permit in advance (valid for 14 days exclusive of arrival/departure days), valid for use within 14 days of the date of issue, or for a 60 day visit visa sponsored by a local company. This visit visa costs Dhs.120 plus a visa delivery fee of Dhs.10. Allow two weeks for processing.

For those travelling onwards to a destination other than that of original departure, a special transit visa (up to 96 hours) may be obtained free of charge through any airline carrier operating in the UAE.

Visa Renewals

Your visit visa may be renewed once for a period of thirty days at an additional cost of Dh500.

A multiple entry visa is available for business visitors who have a relationship with a local business. It is valid for six months from the date of issue for visits of a maximum of 30 days, costs Dhs.1,000, and should be applied for after entering the UAE on a visit visa.

Airlines may require confirmation (a photocopy is acceptable) that a UAE visa is held before check in at the airport. If you have sponsorship fro...