Pakistani citizens must arrange a UAE visa before they travel, because the United Arab Emirates does not grant a visa on arrival to Pakistani passport holders. A Pakistani national applies for a short-stay tourist visa through an airline, a licensed visa agent or a UAE-based sponsor, and the visa is approved electronically before departure. This guide sets out the visa types, the document checklist, the numbered application steps, the fees and the rules that apply to Pakistani travellers planning a trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the wider UAE in 2026.
| Visa on arrival? | No — Pakistani citizens must pre-apply |
|---|---|
| Common visa types | 30-day and 60-day tourist visa; sponsored visit visa |
| Where to apply | Airline (e.g. Emirates, flydubai), licensed visa agent, or UAE sponsor |
| Core documents | Passport, photo, return ticket, hotel booking, bank statement |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from entry [VERIFY] |
| Typical visa fee | [VERIFY] — varies by visa length and provider |
| Processing time | [VERIFY] working days |
Why Pakistani citizens cannot get a visa on arrival
The UAE operates a visa-on-arrival facility for a long list of nationalities, but Pakistan is not on that list. A Pakistani citizen therefore needs an approved entry permit in hand before boarding a flight to the UAE. This rule applies equally to leisure travellers, family visitors and business travellers entering through Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport or any other UAE port of entry. If you want to confirm how your nationality is treated against any other, you can read the full UAE visa guide by nationality before you start an application.
Because the visa is issued electronically, you do not need to visit a UAE embassy in Islamabad or Karachi to lodge a tourist application in most cases. The airline or agent submits your file to the UAE immigration authorities and returns the approved e-visa by email, which you then print or save to your phone.
Not sure which Pakistani visa option fits your trip? Send us your travel dates and we will guide you.
Chat with SheikhWays on WhatsAppUAE visa types available to Pakistani citizens
Pakistani travellers most commonly choose a short-stay tourist visa, but several options exist depending on the length and purpose of the visit.
| Visa type | Stay | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day tourist visa | 30 days | Short holidays and city breaks |
| 60-day tourist visa | 60 days | Longer holidays and extended family visits |
| Sponsored visit visa | Varies | Visiting a relative or company resident in the UAE |
Single-entry and multiple-entry variants may be available, and exact fees depend on the visa length and the provider [VERIFY]. If you only need to pass through the UAE between two international flights, a transit visa may be cheaper than a tourist visa; you can compare the UAE visa categories side by side to pick the right one. Pakistani residents already holding a valid UAE residence visa do not need a separate tourist visa.
Documents required for a UAE visa from Pakistan
The UAE asks Pakistani applicants for a standard set of supporting documents. Prepare clear, legible scans before you begin, because missing or low-quality files are the most common reason an application is delayed.
- Passport copy — the bio-data page, with the passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date [VERIFY].
- Passport-size photograph — a recent colour photo, typically against a white background.
- Confirmed return ticket — proof of an onward or return flight out of the UAE.
- Hotel booking — a confirmed reservation, or an address and details for the host if you are staying with family.
- Bank statement — recent statements showing sufficient funds for your stay [VERIFY exact balance requirement].
For a sponsored visit visa, the UAE sponsor usually provides additional documents such as a copy of their Emirates ID or residence visa and, for some cases, a tenancy or salary record. Always check the precise list with your chosen airline or agent, as requirements can differ by provider.
How to apply for a UAE visa from Pakistan: step by step
Follow these numbered steps to lodge a tourist visa application as a Pakistani citizen.
- Choose your visa type. Decide between the 30-day and 60-day tourist visa based on how long you plan to stay in the UAE.
- Pick a channel. Apply through your airline when you book your flight, through a licensed UAE visa agent, or through a UAE-based sponsor if a relative or employer is inviting you.
- Gather your documents. Scan your passport, photo, return ticket, hotel booking and bank statement using the checklist above.
- Complete the application form. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport to avoid rejection.
- Pay the visa fee. Settle the fee online; the amount depends on the visa length and provider [VERIFY].
- Wait for processing. Approval typically takes a few working days [VERIFY]; track the status with your provider.
- Receive and save the e-visa. Print the approved e-visa and also keep a digital copy on your phone.
- Travel and present documents. Carry your passport, e-visa, return ticket and hotel booking, which immigration may check on arrival.
Before you fly, it helps to run your details through an eligibility check so there are no surprises at the airport. You can verify your Dubai visa requirements with our visa checker tool in a couple of minutes. For everything to do once you land, our Dubai travel guide written for Pakistani visitors covers prayer facilities, halal food and getting around. If you want a deeper breakdown of the Pakistani-specific paperwork, see our detailed Dubai visa guide for Pakistani applicants.
Fees, validity and overstay rules
UAE tourist visa fees for Pakistani citizens vary by visa length and by the airline or agent handling the application [VERIFY]. The visa carries a fixed validity window and a permitted length of stay; entering or staying beyond that window triggers a daily overstay fine. Plan your departure date carefully and apply for an extension before the visa expires if you need more time.
- Visa fee: depends on 30-day vs 60-day option and provider [VERIFY].
- Overstay fine: charged per day after the permitted stay ends [VERIFY current rate].
- Extensions: a tourist visa can often be extended without leaving the country [VERIFY].
Keep your e-visa reference number and your entry stamp date noted, so you always know your last legal day in the UAE.
Tips for a smooth UAE visa application
- Apply at least one to two weeks before travel to absorb any processing delays.
- Match every detail to your passport exactly, including name spelling and passport number.
- Use a confirmed, refundable hotel booking and return ticket while your visa is pending.
- Keep your bank statement recent and showing a steady balance.
- Save both a printed and a phone copy of the approved e-visa for the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Do Pakistani citizens get a UAE visa on arrival?
No. Pakistani passport holders do not qualify for a UAE visa on arrival and must pre-apply for a visa through an airline, a licensed agent or a UAE sponsor before they travel.
What documents do Pakistani citizens need for a UAE visa?
Pakistani applicants typically need a passport copy, a passport-size photograph, a confirmed return ticket, a hotel booking and a recent bank statement. A sponsored visa may require extra documents from the UAE sponsor.
How long can a Pakistani citizen stay in the UAE on a tourist visa?
The common options are a 30-day tourist visa and a 60-day tourist visa. The exact permitted stay is printed on your approved e-visa, and a sponsored visit visa may allow a different duration.
Where do Pakistani citizens apply for a UAE tourist visa?
Pakistani citizens apply through their airline when booking a flight, through a licensed UAE visa agent, or through a UAE-based sponsor such as a relative or employer. The approved visa is issued electronically.
How much does a UAE visa cost for Pakistani citizens?
The fee depends on whether you choose the 30-day or 60-day option and on the airline or agent processing the application [VERIFY]. Confirm the current price directly with your chosen provider before paying.
How long does UAE visa processing take from Pakistan?
Approval usually takes a few working days [VERIFY], though this can vary by provider and season. Apply at least one to two weeks before your travel date to be safe.
Can a Pakistani resident of the UAE skip the tourist visa?
Yes. A Pakistani national who already holds a valid UAE residence visa does not need a separate tourist visa to enter the country.
Ready to apply? Send your passport scan and dates and we will help you submit a correct, complete UAE visa application.
Start on WhatsAppVisa rules, fees and processing times change. Figures marked [VERIFY] should be confirmed against an official UAE immigration source or your airline before you apply.