Since 25 June 2026 there is a UAE visa on arrival for South Africans, but it is conditional, and most South African travellers still need to arrange a visa before they fly. This guide explains exactly who qualifies, what the 14-day and 60-day options cost, what you must carry, and what to do if you do not meet the conditions. Updated 10 October 2026.
By the UAEpermit.com visa team (operated by Budget Travel & Tourism LLC, DTCM licence 1202281). Checked against the UAE's official announcement.
Quick answer
Can South Africans get visa on arrival in Dubai? Yes, but only if you are a South African national who also holds a valid residence permit from the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. A South African passport on its own does not qualify. If you live in South Africa, or do not hold one of those permits, you still need to apply for a UAE visa in advance.
The visa-on-arrival exception for South Africans (since 25 June 2026)
On 25 June 2026 the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) added South Africa, together with Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Kenya, to the UAE's conditional visa-on-arrival list. You can read the official WAM announcement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs release and a report of the ICP statement for the wording. In short, the visa on arrival for South Africans in Dubai is available to ordinary-passport holders who meet the residence-permit condition below.
Who qualifies for visa on arrival in Dubai?
To use the visa on arrival in Dubai for South Africans, you must meet all of these conditions:
- You are a South African national travelling on an ordinary passport.
- You hold a valid residence permit issued by one of nine places: the United States, any EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
- Accompanying family members must meet the same conditions.
- Your documents are valid. Reports of the rules say your passport and your residence permit should each be valid for at least six months from your arrival date, so check both before you travel.
Admission is still decided by UAE immigration officers at the border. Meeting the conditions does not guarantee entry.
Visa on arrival options and fees
If you qualify, the Dubai visa on arrival for South Africans comes in two versions:
- 14-day visa on arrival: AED 100 total issuance fee. It can be extended once while you are in the UAE.
- 60-day visa on arrival: AED 250 total issuance fee. It is a single stay and cannot be extended.
You must leave the UAE before either visa expires. An overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies. Fees are normally paid at the entry point, so carry a card or cash, and check the current amount on the official portals before you fly.
Who does not qualify?
Can South Africans get visa on arrival in UAE if they live in South Africa? No. If you live in South Africa, or you do not hold a residence permit from one of the nine places above, you still need to apply for a UAE visa before you travel. The same applies to South Africans who hold only a tourist visa for another country, because the rule asks for a residence permit. If you are unsure, ask your airline or check the ICP smart services and the UAE government portal before you book.
What to carry on the day
For a visa on arrival for South Africans in UAE, bring the following and keep them together in your hand luggage:
- Your South African passport, valid for at least six months.
- The original residence permit you are relying on, also valid for at least six months (reported requirement).
- A return or onward ticket.
- Your hotel booking or the address of your host in the UAE.
- A card or cash to pay the visa fee.
- Passports and permits for any accompanying family members.
Airlines can refuse boarding if they are unsure of the rule, so print the official announcement and show it at check-in if asked.
Visa on arrival or a pre-approved e-visa?
Both routes are legitimate, and the right one depends on how much uncertainty you can accept.
- Visa on arrival: low government fee (AED 100 or AED 250) and no application beforehand, but approval happens at the airport and you must hold a qualifying permit. The 14-day option extends only once and the 60-day option cannot be extended.
- Pre-approved e-visa: you receive approval before you leave, which makes airline check-in smoother and removes the risk of being refused at the border. It also suits travellers who do not qualify for visa on arrival, want a 30-day stay, or need multiple entry.
If you would rather have your approval in hand before leaving home, we can arrange your visa in 24 to 48 hours through our Dubai visa from South Africa service, with express handling available for urgent trips.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a South African passport alone qualifies.
- Relying on a tourist visa or a work visa for another country instead of a residence permit.
- Travelling with a residence permit or passport that has less than six months' validity.
- Forgetting that accompanying family members must meet the same conditions.
- Expecting to extend the 60-day visa, which is not extendable.
- Overstaying: the fine is AED 50 per day.
FAQs: visa on arrival for South Africans
Can South Africans get a visa on arrival in Dubai?
Only some can. South African nationals who hold a valid residence permit from the US, an EU member state, the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada can get a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival. A South African passport alone does not qualify.
Do South Africans living in South Africa get a visa on arrival?
No. If you live in South Africa, or do not hold one of the qualifying residence permits, you must apply for a visa in advance.
How much is the UAE visa on arrival for South Africans?
The total issuance fee is AED 100 for the 14-day visa and AED 250 for the 60-day visa.
Can the visa on arrival be extended?
The 14-day visa can be extended once while you are in the UAE. The 60-day visa is a single stay and cannot be extended.
What happens if I overstay?
An overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies, and you may face other penalties. Leave before the visa expires.
Do my family members need a residence permit too?
Yes. Accompanying family members must meet the same conditions to use the visa on arrival.
Does a UK, US or Schengen tourist visa qualify?
The rule refers to a valid residence permit from the listed places, not a tourist visa. If you hold only a visit visa, arrange your UAE visa in advance.
How long must my passport and permit be valid?
Reports of the rules say at least six months from your arrival date for both. Confirm with your airline or the ICP before you fly.
Is it safer to get an e-visa before I travel?
It removes uncertainty because your approval is in hand before you leave. Many travellers choose it when they do not clearly qualify, need a longer stay or have a tight schedule.
How can I confirm the latest rules?
Check the ICP smart services, the UAE government portal or ask your airline. Conditions can change, so always confirm before you fly.
Need help?
Not sure whether you qualify, or want your visa approved before you fly? Start with our visa service for South Africans or message our team on +971 56 2617646.
Disclaimer: UAEpermit.com is operated by Budget Travel & Tourism LLC and is not a UAE government entity. Entry decisions rest with UAE immigration authorities, and conditions can change. Confirm current rules with the ICP smart services or your airline before you travel. Reviewed 10 October 2026.