USD ($)
AUD (AU$)
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JPY (¥)The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most exciting destinations in the Middle East. It is best known for the towering downtown areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, the UAE also boasts impressive canyon-riddled mountains, beaches, coral islands, and a plethora of desert adventures. With all that in mind, you’re probably wondering, ‘Do I need a visa to visit the UAE?’. Discover the relevant answers for you right here.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit the UAE?
The laws of the UAE state that all visitors to the nation need a visa. That said, various circumstances mean you can enter the country for tourist purposes without one.
Citizens of approximately 75 countries can undertake tours in the UAE without applying for a visa before traveling for visits up to one month. Some are granted visa-free travel, while others receive a free visa on arrival, which amounts to the same thing. These include nationals from the majority of countries in North and South America and Europe. The exact time permitted to spend in the country differs significantly between passports. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter the UAE.
Most nationals of African and South Asian countries are required to obtain a visa in advance from the nearest UAE embassy or through an authorized sponsor. However, some Asian countries are eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. More details on the visa process are provided below.
Nationals with Visa-free Travel to the UAE
Mexican passport holders can spend up to 180 days visiting the UAE without needing a visa. Similarly, nationals from many countries can spend up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the country.
These are European Union nations (except the Republic of Ireland), Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Israel, Honduras, Iceland, Kiribati, Lichtenstein, Maldives, Montenegro, Nauru, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, South Korea, Serbia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Switzerland, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.
The following citizens are granted visa-free or complimentary visas on arrival for up to 30 days: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Ukraine, the United States, and the Vatican City/Holy See.
Indian citizens are granted 14 days of visa-free entry to the UAE if they hold a valid visa or residency permit for the United States, European Union, or the UK.
Gulf Cooperation Council Nations
In addition, if you travel on a passport from a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, you can travel freely into the UAE without a visa. In fact, you don’t even need a passport. Instead, it’s possible to travel on your government-issued identity card.
The Gulf Cooperation Council members are the UAE’s neighboring states. From north to south these are Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.
Do I Need a Visa for Transiting Through the UAE
Passengers connecting through the UAE’s major hub airports do not need a visa as long as they remain within the airport’s transit area and are traveling on a confirmed onward ticket. This applies regardless of the airline you fly with, provided your ticket has been purchased in advance and your baggage is checked through.
If you have a layover of up to 48 hours and wish to leave the airport, you may be eligible for a free 48-hour transit visa. This visa must be arranged in advance through a UAE-based airline and requires proof of onward travel, as well as a confirmed hotel booking within the UAE.
Want to make the most of your short stay? Explore our guide to the best places to stay in Dubai for a memorable stopover.
Applying for a Visa to Visit the UAE
If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you must apply for a UAE visa before traveling. Requirements vary depending on your nationality, and in some cases, age and gender may also affect eligibility. Be sure to check the latest visa rules specific to your country before making travel arrangements.
Often, visas will require a sponsor. If you are visiting the UAE on vacation, your airline may be able to act as your sponsor. They can be arranged as part of the ticket buying process when flying with Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air Astana, flydubai, Turkish Airlines, and Indigo Airlines.
Thirty-day single-entry tourist visas cost around US$90, according to your service provider and nationality. The average processing time is 3-4 working days.
Alternative UAE Visa Options
The UAE’s Golden Visa program grants long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. Offering 5 or 10-year renewable stays, this visa comes with a range of advantages tailored for those looking to live, work, or invest in the country. Unlike standard tourist visas, the Golden Visa is not intended for short-term visits or tourism. To understand if you are eligible, reviewing the UAE Golden Visa requirements is essential. This option is worth considering if you plan to stay longer or explore business opportunities in the UAE.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit the UAE?
The good news is that many visitors to the UAE do not require a visa or can obtain a free visa on arrival. Those that do require a visa can also complete the process without too much complication, often through your airline. Then you’ll be free to plan your vacation or skip the booking hassle together and book a all-inclusive UAE tour package.
