Please note that this website is a tourism guide. We only provide visa and immigration information for tourists visiting Dubai for a short vacation.
We do not offer any information about visas for residence, work, business, or family visits. Please do not request ask information about these types of visas in the comments section. They will not be approved or answered.
We update this page as frequently as possible and believe it to be correct at the time of writing January 2020). We advise you to double check with reliable websites before making travel plans.
If any information on this page is incorrect, please leave a comment so that we can correct it.
Visas for Dubai and UAE
All tourists, with the exception of GCC nationals (see note below*), require a visa to visit Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the nationals of many countries can obtain a free visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE.
Visas are issued for entry to the UAE as a whole. This means they are valid for all 7 emirates; Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.
*GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) is an association of Arab countries. It’s members are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Nationals of GCC countries do not need a visa to enter Dubai. However, at the time of writing (January 2020) the UAE has suspended diplomatic relations with Qatar. Holders of Qatari passports are not allowed to enter Dubai or the United Arab Emirates. This does not apply to nationals of Qatar who are father, mother, children or spouse of a UAE national.
Dubai/UAE Tourist Visa on Arrival
Nationals of many countries receive a tourist visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE. The visa is simply a stamp in a passport. There is no need to apply for the visa before arriving and there is no cost.
These visas on arrival are valid for either 30, 90, or 180 days, depending on the nationality of the applicant.
30-Day Visa on Arrival
Citizens of countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, the UK, and US receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE.
Nationals of the following countries receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- USA
- Vatican City
The 30-day UAE visa country list was last updated on .
90-Day Visa on Arrival
Nationals of countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia and Spain receive a free 90-day visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE. The visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. They are multiple entry visas, allowing a total stay of any 90 days from the date of issue.
Passport holders from the following countries receive an automatic 90-day tourist visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Maldives
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russian Federation
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Uruguay
The 90-day UAE visa country list was last updated on December 1, 2020.
180-Day Visa on Arrival
Mexican citizens receive a UAE visa on arrival that’s valid for 180 days.
UAE Visas for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens with a US Green Card can obtain a visa on arrival. It is valid for 14 days.
Pre-entry Visa Required
Tourists not falling into one of the categories (30-day, 90-day, 180-day) need apply for their visa before travelling to Dubai or the UAE. This holders of passports from India (except US Green Card holders), Pakistan, Philippines, Iran, Egypt, Nigeria, and Jordan.
Israeli nationals are not permitted to enter Dubai or the United Arab Emirates.
Companies offering visa services include UAE-based airlines such as Emirates, Air Arabia, Etihad, and flydubai. Passengers can apply for a visa after booking a flight.
Many hotels also offer visa services. Hotel guests can apply for a visa via their hotel.
Links to apply for visas online with airlines, travel companies, and hotels
- Cleartrip – Online service offering Dubai/UAE visas for nationals of countries such as India, the Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and Indonesia. Visas for 14 days, 30 days, and 90 days are available. Claims to offer the cheapest visa prices for Dubai/UAE. The online application form is very simple and processing times short.
- Emirates – Passengers who have booked a ticket to fly to Dubai/UAE with Emirates can apply for a visa after booking a flight (via Manage Booking feature).
- Etihad – Passengers with a air ticket flying to Abu Dhabi International Airport can apply for a visa with Etihad.
- Jumeirah – The hotel group offers their guests assistance with UAE visas. Hotels in their portfolio include the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
- Air Arabia – Information about how Air Arabia can help passengers wishing to apply for a UAE visa.
- Flydubai – Information about how flydubai passengers can apply for a UAE visa.
Reliable Websites and Official Immigration Websites
Official Dubai websites are notoriously unreliable. Many official government sites contain out of date visa information.
Although we try to keep the information on this page as accurate as possible, we strongly advise you check UAE visa requirements using a reliable website. Good sources of accurate and reliable visa information include Emirates and IATA.
A reliable website for Dubai visa information is that of Emirates. This is almost certainly because they are a UAE-based airline and visa sponsor. Consequently they are processing a large number of visas for their passengers and need the correct information on their website.
Emirates have the following information on their site:
- Overview of the UAE visa rules
- Visa requirements tool – enter nationality and check if a UAE visa is required
IATA (International Air Transport Association) is a trade association of the world’s airlines. Members include UAE airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and flydubai.
These airlines use the IATA database when verifying visa information.
- IATA database – enter nationality and check if you need a visa to enter the UAE
Hamzat Wasiu says
I am Nigeria, with Nigeria passport holder, can I have a 3 months visit visa please?
Arun says
I am a resident in UAE, my brother is a Indian citizen studying in Australia in students visa, he’s traveling from Australia to India and his flying through Dubai in Emirates flight his transit time was 9hrs in dubai, can he get transit visa on arrival in dubai airport to visit me
Waqas Sial says
Thank you for this valuable info.
Issak says
I am Eritrea passport holder I got visa from dubai migration tourism visa but my passport is extended validity until 2020 August. The airlines told me you can’t travel to Dubai extended passport
Glen says
Hi there,
I have an Australian passport which is valid for 5 months. If I want to stop in Dubai for a couple of days, will that be an issue?
Please advise.
Thank you
Glen
Violetta says
Hello, my name is Violetta. My friend and I are going to go to UAE and are afraid that they may refuse at the entrance. My friend has dual citizenship: Russia and Israel. She is going to enter to UAE using a Russian passport, but she has a note in it that she has a passport of an Israeli citizen. In this case, will the entry be difficult or not?
Thank you in advance.
Marian says
I am a British citizen planning to visit Jerusalem via Israel. Can I still visit UAE if my passport had a stamp from Israel?
juan carlos rattia says
Venezuelan passport is not being renewed due to the political situation. Thousands of Venezuelans have expired passport or a 2 years extension passport. The United States have published and admits expired passport for up to 5 years and many other countries are accepting Venezuelan expired or extended passport. I am a resident of UAE for the past 13 years and this is happening to me. My passport have expired and I have an extension for 2 years. If I leave UAE I won’t be able to come back as extended passports are not being accepted in the UAE. That means I have to stay in the country without being able to leave and come back. Please update your rules and make exceptions to Venezuelan expired or extended passports to visit the country. Thanks you!
J. A. Sharif says
HI! I just would like for you to update your info regarding the visit/turist visa requirements for the citizens of Mexico and UAE traveling to the respected countries. A memorandum was signed by representative of both the countries, through which, the citizens of both countries can enter the respected countries with just a valid passport.
please be advised, and confirm it with UAE Immigrations Department.
MEI says
I am a Chinese citizen and I’ve been to Israel last June, basically less than 7months from now on. Please advice, is there any problem if I want to get the free visa upon arrival?
Vipul Haria says
22/07/2018
I am a Kenya passport holder, with a long term 10 years UK business visas.
They are expiring in 2022.
I am going to UK for business in August 2018, and wish to visit Dubai on my return to Kenya from UK.
Do I get a free tourist visa on arrival to visit Dubai for a week ?
Nsubuga k says
I am Ugandan. My brother is working in Abu Dhabi. I want to visit him but they asking 1300 aed. Is it true I have to pay that amount for a 90 day visa?
NAIN RAJ DAHAL says
I am from Nepal, currently working in UN in South Sudan. I am a Nepal government employee. Can I get on arrival visa to visit Dubai?
Beenish says
I hold a valid residence permit card of Norway but I have Pakistani passport and am planning to visit Dubai with my family. But both my husband and daughter hold Norwegian passport. Do I get visa on arrival or I have to apply before travel?
Dr. Faisal Afzal says
My son is 17 years and he has a visa for Dubai. He wants to visit Dubai from 5th July to 11th July. Are there any age restrictions for entry in Dubai? If yes then is it possible that he can enter with the authority letter from parents.
KR says
I understand that Indian passport holders with a Schengen residence (permanent residence) should be able to have visa on arrival as of September 2017. Is this correct?
FEDErica says
Can a friend from Cuba come to visit me in Dubai?! I am an expat resident in Dubai. If so, what is the procedure for the visa? And how many days can he stay?
Dara says
I am a Nigerian citizen and apparently an age limit was imposed on Nigerian citizens restricting single females under the age of 40 from travelling to Dubai if they’re unaccompanied by a person over the age of 40 with the same last name. Is this true?
John says
I am German national. my wife is Thai national with German residency. Does she needs a visa for a short, 2-night trip to Dubai?
Asja says
I am an Afghan citizen with green card and married to a US citizen. My husband and I both are traveling and we have a 16 hour layover at the airport. Can I have an arrival visa to Dubai so we can get out of the airport?
Kuat says
For Kazakhstan citizens from March 10 2018 no need a visa to enter to UAE with ordinary passports
Ana says
I heared that from 1st January 2018, europeans doesn’t need anymore tourist visa (90 days on arrival free visa) and they can stay as long as they want. This is true? Kindly advise ASAP, because my employment visa will be cancelled.
Ali Ahmad says
UAE has a new ban on issuance of visa for Afghan citizens effective June 2017? Is there any update when this will be lifted?
Dr.Thomas Mathew says
I am an Indian national professional doctor working in Bahrain with a valid residence permit for 2 years. I also hold a valid American visa for 10 years. Do I need a visa to come to Dubai for 3 days. Only I was told that if I have a valid American visa automatically Dubai visa will be granted on arrival. Can you clarify this as I need to travel on Saturday?
Editor says
Sorry, for the late reply. But for anybody else reading this, Indians with a US visa or green card now get a 14-day visa on arrival in Dubai.
Pinto says
My mother was working in Israel, now she is in India. The Israel visa on the passport is cancelled. she can visit Dubai without any problems?
ALI says
IF HER NATIONALITY IS INDIAN. THEN SHE CAN TRAVEL NO PROBLEM
Travel Often says
Unfortunately, she will need to get a passport without the Israel visa. Israel understands the situation. So, next time, tell the staff at the Israeli airport not to stamp your passport because you will be going to the UAE. They will not stamp it with an Israeli Visa or stamp.
neil wong says
Please advise regarding today’s news in Australia that Chinese citizens get a 30 day visa on arrival.
Editor says
Yes. Chinese passport holders now get a 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai. We’ve updated the text.
Abdul Husein Sophie says
I heard a few months ago that EU citizens will now get 3 months visa upon arrival instead of one month. Is this true?
Editor says
Yes. Schengen country citizens now get 90 days.
Murtaza says
Is there any cost for Portugal passport holder for visa on arrival for 30 days?
Paul says
The tourist visa on arrival for French nationals is 90 days, to be used within 180 days.
Jesus Alejo says
I am mexican citizen I live in USA. I will like to visit Dubai and work. What do I need to do??
ASHIF CK says
Mexican citizen should take visa before arrival.
Nilima Kawser says
I just wanted to know if there is any visa restriction on Dubai for Palestine passport holder ?
ALI says
YES. PALESTINE PASSPORT HOLDER CANNOT APPLY FOR UAE VISIT VISA.
Tariq Nazeer says
Hi,
Pre-entry visa required for Palestine passport holder to visit Dubai. Palestine citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival to some country. The visa on arrival for Palestine, countries are mention: Bangladesh, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Laos, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Palau, Rwanda, Saint lucia, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The Palestine citizens have no visa requirements for this country: Venezuela, Swaziland, Singapore, Nicaragua, Micronesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Iran, Indonesia, Haiti, Ecuador, Dominica and Bolivia.
S.K. Alam says
It is written above that tourist visa is provided ‘free’ on arrival for all eligible passengers or tourists . Actually a fee of UAE Dirhams 180 or 200 is charged from the expatriates having Saudi Iqama form many years. Please correct this info. Thanks.