2026 Updated Guide
UAE Visa Guides: Every Nationality Covered
Complete, up-to-date information on UAE visa requirements, costs, and application processes — whether you're visa-free, eligible for visa on arrival, or need to apply in advance.
Complete, up-to-date information on UAE visa requirements, costs, and application processes — whether you're visa-free, eligible for visa on arrival, or need to apply in advance.
Citizens of over 120 countries can enter the UAE without any advance visa. Your passport is your ticket — you receive a free entry stamp at immigration valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your nationality.
| Country / Region | Free Stay Duration | Entry Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All EU Member States | 90 days | Multiple entry | Valid for tourism and transit |
| United Kingdom | 180 days | Multiple entry | Up to 6 months per entry |
| United States | 30 days | Single/multiple | Extendable on arrival |
| Canada | 30 days | Single entry | Extendable once |
| Australia | 30 days | Single entry | Extendable online |
| New Zealand | 30 days | Single entry | - |
| Japan | 30 days | Single entry | - |
| South Korea | 30 days | Single entry | - |
| Singapore | 30 days | Single entry | - |
| Malaysia | 30 days | Single entry | - |
| GCC Nationals (KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar) | Unlimited | Open border | National ID accepted |
| Israel | 30 days | Single entry | Since 2020 normalisation |
| Switzerland | 90 days | Multiple entry | - |
| Norway | 90 days | Multiple entry | - |
| Brazil | 30 days | Single entry | Extendable once |
| Argentina | 30 days | Single entry | - |
Several nationalities can obtain a visa directly at UAE international airports — Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Sharjah (SHJ). No pre-application needed; you pay the fee at the immigration counter.
| Nationality | VOA Duration | Fee (AED) | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 14 days | AED 100 | ~USD 27 |
| China | 30 days | AED 200 | ~USD 54 |
| Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan | 30 days | AED 150 | ~USD 41 |
| Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan | 30 days | AED 150 | ~USD 41 |
| Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia | 30 days | AED 150 | ~USD 41 |
| Maldives | 30 days | Free on arrival | Free |
Indian nationals holding a valid US visa, UK visa, EU Schengen visa, or a residence permit from these countries may be eligible for a 14-day visa on arrival. Without these qualifying visas, Indians must apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance.
Nationals of countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and many others must obtain a UAE tourist visa before travelling. Applications can be made online through ICP, via a registered sponsor, or through a licensed travel agent.
Applying for a UAE tourist visa is straightforward once you know the steps. The entire process typically takes 3 to 5 working days, though urgent processing (24–48 hours) is available for an additional fee.
Passport scan (valid 6+ months), passport-size photo on white background, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and bank statement showing AED 3,000+ per month.
Apply via a UAE resident family member, a licensed travel agent, an airline portal (Emirates, Etihad), or directly through the ICP website at icp.gov.ae.
Upload your documents online or hand them to your travel agent. Pay the visa fee via card. Keep your reference number for tracking.
Standard processing: 3–5 working days. Urgent processing: 24–48 hours (AED 100–150 extra). You receive the visa by email as a PDF.
Print your visa or have it ready on your phone. Present it at UAE immigration alongside your passport. Your entry stamp activates your visa.
Your visa duration starts from the day you enter, not the issue date. Do not overstay — fines are AED 50 per day after the initial AED 100 penalty.
Visa costs depend on the visa type, duration, and whether you apply urgently. All fees are approximate — your travel agent or the ICP portal will show the exact current fee for your nationality.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Stay Tourist | 30 days | AED 350–500 | USD 95–136 | Short holidays, stopovers |
| Standard Tourist | 60 days | AED 550–700 | USD 150–190 | Extended visits, slow travel |
| Long Stay Tourist | 90 days | AED 700–900 | USD 190–245 | Multi-emirate exploration |
| 5-Year Multi-Entry | 5 years (90 days/visit) | AED 1,500+ | USD 408+ | Frequent travellers (select nationalities) |
| Transit Visa | 48–96 hours | AED 50–100 | USD 14–27 | Layovers, airport transit |
| Urgent Processing Add-on | 24–48 hour approval | AED 100–150 | USD 27–41 | Last-minute travellers |
| Visa Extension (30 days) | +30 days from expiry | AED 600–800 | USD 163–218 | Extending existing visa |
UAE tourist visas can generally be extended once for 30 days. The extension must be applied for before your current visa expires — not after.
Most tourist visas issued for 30 or 60 days can be extended once. Some nationalities and visa types may not be eligible. Check the ICP portal or with your agent.
Visit icp.gov.ae, log in, select "Visa Services", then "Extend Tourist Visa". Alternatively, visit a typing centre (cost: AED 30–50 service fee on top of the visa fee).
Total cost is typically AED 600–800 including government fee, insurance (mandatory), and service charges. Pay by card through the portal.
Extension is usually approved within 24–48 hours. Your new visa is emailed to you as a PDF. The 30-day extension starts from your original visa's expiry date.
Every country has slightly different rules, fees, and document requirements. Read the guide for your nationality for exact steps and current costs.
Indian passport holders need a tourist visa unless holding a valid US, UK, or EU visa. Complete guide to the application process, required documents, and fees.
Read Guide
Pakistani nationals must apply in advance through a UAE resident, licensed agent, or the ICP portal. Fees, documents, and processing times explained.
Read Guide
UK passport holders enjoy 180 days visa-free entry to the UAE. Everything you need to know about entry requirements, what to carry, and how to extend.
Read Guide
American citizens get a free 30-day stamp on arrival in the UAE. Guide to entry requirements, what to expect at Dubai International Airport, and extension options.
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Filipino citizens need a UAE tourist visa before travelling. Detailed guide covering all categories, documents needed, and tips for a successful application.
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Bangladeshi nationals must obtain a visa before arrival. Step-by-step application process, sponsorship requirements, and current fee structure for 2026.
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Nigerian passport holders require a UAE tourist visa in advance. Requirements, common rejection reasons, and how to maximise your approval chances.
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Full list of countries eligible for UAE visa on arrival in 2026, including fees, validity, and what documents to have ready at the immigration counter.
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Stopping in Dubai for 48 to 96 hours? Many nationalities can get a transit visa to explore the city between flights. Here is how to get one and what you can do.
Read GuideAnswers to the most common questions about UAE visa requirements, costs, and processes.
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