General Information » Entering United Arab Emirates » Visas

Entry Visa

Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary greatly between different nationalities, and regulations should always be checked before travelling, since details can change with little or no warning. GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) do not need a visa to enter Dubai. Citizens from many other countries (including UK, USA, Australia, Canada and many EU countries) get an automatic visa upon arrival at the airport (see the full list of 33 countries below). The entry visa is valid for 60 days, although you can renew for a further 30 days (see Visa Renewals below).

Holders of British overseas passports issued in Hong Kong or China are also entitled to a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport.

Expats with residency in other GCC countries, who do not belong to one of the 33 nationalities but who do meet certain criteria (managers, doctors, engineers, etc) can get a non-renewable 30 day visa on arrival – check with your airline before flying.

People of certain nationalities who are visiting the Sultanate of Oman may also enter Dubai on a free-of-charge entry permit. The same criteria and facilities apply to Dubai visitors entering Oman (although if you have Dubai residency you will face a small charge).

Tourist nationalities (such as Eastern European, Chinese, South African and members of the former Soviet Union) can get a 30 day, non-renewable tourist visa sponsored by a local entity, such as a hotel or tour operator, before entry into the UAE. The fee is Dhs.100 for the visa and an additional Dhs.20 for delivery.

Other visitors can apply for an entry service permit (for 14 days exclusive of arrival/departure days), valid for use within 14 days of the date of issue and non renewable. Once this visa expires the visitor must remain out of the country for 30 days before re-entering on a new visit visa. The application fee for this visa is Dhs.120, plus an additional Dhs.20 delivery charge.

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 certain airlines operating in the UAE.

A multiple-entry visa is available to visitors who have a relationship with a local business, meaning they have to visit that business regularly. It is valid for visits of a maximum of 30 days each time, for two years from date of issue. It costs Dhs.1,000 and should be applied for after entering the UAE on a visit visa. A fee of Dhs.200 per visit applies to the multiple entry visa. For an additional Dhs.150, a multiple entry visa holder is el...