Who needs a UAE Dubai visa?

Whether you need a visa for Dubai depends on your passport. There are four situations:

1. Visa-free entry. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and many other nations enter without applying in advance and receive an entry stamp for a set period (commonly 30, 90 or 180 days depending on nationality).
2. Visa on arrival. Some nationalities receive a visa at the airport. Others qualify only under specific conditions, such as Indian passport holders with a valid US visa or Green Card, or a UK or EU visa or residence permit.
3. Conditional visa on arrival (new in 2026). From 25 June 2026 the UAE expanded visa on arrival to South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Kenya, for travellers who meet residence-permit conditions, as reported by WAM and UAE MoFA. For Filipinos, the Philippine DFA published broader guidance, reported by Khaleej Times.
4. Visa required. If none of the above applies to you, you must hold an approved UAE visa before travelling. This covers travellers from a large part of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Not sure? Check your nationality on the official UAE government visa page or ask our team on WhatsApp. Applying for an e-visa in advance is the safest option if you do not clearly qualify for visa-free entry, because airlines can refuse boarding without the correct permit.

Travelling from outside the Gulf? Examples of who typically applies

Our team regularly helps travellers from South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Taiwan, Canada, Ecuador, Venezuela and many other countries. Entry rules differ by passport, so always confirm yours.

Types of UAE and Dubai visas

The UAE offers several categories. Most visitors need one of the first five.

Stay lengths, caps and eligibility change and vary by nationality. Details above follow reporting by Gulf News and official announcements; confirm with GDRFA or ICP.

Dubai tourist visa and UAE tourist visa

The core product for holidaymakers: a 30 or 60-day e-visa that lets you stay in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates for the permitted period. A Dubai visit visa or UAE visit visa is the same type of permit under another name.

Dubai transit visa

A 48-hour or 96-hour permit for passengers connecting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi who want to leave the airport. Airlines can arrange these for ticketed passengers, or you can apply through UAEpermit.com.

Multiple-entry visas

Choose multiple entry if you will travel in and out of the UAE during your stay, for example to Oman or Bahrain, or for repeated business trips.

Visas for family and friends

If you are visiting relatives who live in the UAE, you can apply for a Dubai visa for family through a licensed provider without needing them to sponsor you in person, or through your relative's sponsorship if they prefer.

Long-term and work-related visas (for context)

Residence visas, the Golden Visa, the Green Visa, freelance permits and employment visas are long-term categories processed through different channels and are not tourist visas. If you plan to live or work in the UAE, contact the GDRFA or ICP directly.

UAE Dubai visa requirements and documents

• Passport: valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Provide a clear colour scan of the photo page with all four edges visible.
• Photo: recent, white background, face centred, no glare or heavy filters.
• Flight details: confirmed booking or itinerary showing arrival and departure dates.
• Accommodation: hotel reservation, rental confirmation or the address of your UAE host.
• For children: the child's own passport and photo; minors travelling without parents may need extra documents for their home country.
• For the 5-year multiple-entry visa: additional documents such as proof of financial means and health insurance, as required by the authorities.
• For visa on arrival: the original qualifying document (for example a residence permit or visa) if your nationality requires it.

Dubai visa requirements checklist before you apply

1. Confirm your passport has 6+ months' validity and blank pages.
2. Confirm your name is spelled identically on your passport, ticket and application.
3. Take a sharp passport scan in daylight and a white-background photo.
4. Have flight and hotel details ready.
5. Decide on single or multiple entry.

UAE Dubai visa fees and what affects the price

There is no single price for a UAE Dubai visa, because the total depends on several factors:

• Visa duration: transit, 30-day, 60-day or long-term visas are priced differently.
• Entry type: multiple entry costs more than single entry.
• Processing speed: express handling carries a surcharge.
• Mandatory medical cover: typically included in tourist-visa pricing for Dubai.
• Service fee: a licensed agent charges for document review, submission, tracking and support.
• Nationality and sponsorship route: some channels have different fee structures.

UAEpermit.com shows the full total on the application page before you pay, so you can compare it with other options. Always compare the final price, not just the headline fee, and avoid providers that add charges at the last step.

How to apply for a Dubai visa online (step by step)

1. Create your account. Sign up on UAEpermit.com to manage your applications, documents and reminders in one place.
2. Select your visa. Choose transit, 30-day, 60-day or multiple-entry, and add express processing if you need it.
3. Add travellers. Apply for yourself or add family and friends, each with their own passport details.
4. Upload documents. Passport scan, photo and travel details.
5. Pay securely. Use Visa, Mastercard or other available payment options. Review the terms and privacy policy.
6. We submit your application. Our visa specialists check the documents and lodge them through the official UAE immigration system.
7. Track in real time. Follow progress on the visa tracker and receive email notifications.
8. Download and print your e-visa. Verify it on ICP or GDRFA and carry a printed copy.

Start my UAE visa application

Platform features that make the UAE visa application easier

• 24/7 application tracking and email notifications
• Multiple applications for family, friends and teams from one login
• Secure document storage in your personal area
• Visa-expiry reminders
• Fast-track options for urgent travel
• Support from experienced visa specialists

Dubai visa processing time and when to apply

• Standard: typically 24 to 48 hours, up to 72 working hours in busy periods or when documents need correction.
• Express / fast-track: available for urgent trips at an additional fee.
• Official channels: commonly reported at 2 to 5 working days.
• Best time to apply: 5 to 7 days before departure, and 10 days or more for December-January, Eid and school holidays.
• Entry window: an approved visa must be used within a set period after issue (commonly 60 days), so avoid applying months ahead.

How to track and verify your UAE Dubai visa

You can follow your application in three ways:

• The UAEpermit.com visa tracker for live status and notifications.
• GDRFA Dubai for visas issued in Dubai.
• ICP smart services for visas issued by other emirates and federal channels.

Once your e-visa arrives, enter the permit or passport details on one of the portals above to confirm it is valid before you fly. If the permit does not appear, contact support immediately.

Agent, airline, sponsor or direct: which route should you use?

Extension, overstay and visa rules

Can you extend a Dubai visa?

Many tourist visas can be extended from inside the UAE, subject to approval, the visa type and a fee, through ICP, GDRFA or an Amer service centre. Some visas, such as the 60-day visa on arrival for certain nationalities, cannot be extended. Apply before expiry. See our stay and overstay rules.

Overstay fines

Overstaying leads to daily fines (reported as a standard AED 50 per day), possible detention and a possible entry ban. Check the ICP site for current figures.

Rules every visitor should know

• No work on a tourist visa. It is illegal.
• Carry ID. Keep your passport or a certified copy with you.
• Respect local laws. Drugs (including some prescription medicines), public intoxication and offensive behaviour online carry severe penalties.
• Dress respectfully in malls, mosques and public places.
• Ramadan etiquette. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours.

Arriving in Dubai: airport checklist

Most visitors land at Dubai International Airport (DXB) (map) or Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. Carry:

• Printed e-visa and a digital copy
• Passport valid for 6+ months with blank pages
• Return or onward ticket
• Hotel booking or host address and phone number
• Travel insurance and proof of funds
• Medication in original packaging with prescriptions

Immigration officers may ask your purpose of visit and where you will stay. For sightseeing ideas see Visit Dubai, and for more planning articles browse the UAEpermit blog.

Why UAE visa applications get rejected (and how to avoid it)

• Poor passport scans: blur, glare or cropped edges.
• Passport with less than 6 months' validity.
• Photo problems: shadows, filters or a non-white background.
• Name or date mismatches across documents.
• Previous overstay or unresolved fines.
• Missing travel or accommodation details.
• Wrong visa type for the planned itinerary.

Our team reviews documents before submission and tells you what to fix.

Why apply for your UAE Dubai visa with UAEpermit.com

• Licensed: operated by Budget Travel & Tourism LLC under DTCM licence no. 1202281. Verify via the Dubai Economy and Tourism lookup or the Dubai Unified License page.
• Not a government site, and honest about it: we prepare and submit your application through the official UAE immigration system, and you can verify your permit on ICP or GDRFA.
• Transparent pricing: the full total is shown before you pay.
• Modern tools: account dashboard, multiple applicants, tracking, reminders and secure document storage.
• Real support: a Dubai-based team reachable by phone, email and WhatsApp.
• Independent reviews: read customer feedback on Trustpilot.

Contact and location

UAEpermit.com, operated by Budget Travel & Tourism LLC
M21 Abdul Rahman Hassan Building, Al Khabeesi, Deira, Dubai
Phone/WhatsApp: +971 56 261 7646
Sales: sales@uaepermit.com · Support: support@uaepermit.com

Open our Dubai office in Google Maps. More help: FAQ centre and About us.

Official sources and how we keep this guide accurate

• ICP Smart Services: federal portal to check and manage UAE entry permits.
• GDRFA Dubai: Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
• UAE Government Portal (u.ae): official visa and Emirates ID information.
• WAM (Emirates News Agency): the 25 June 2026 visa-on-arrival announcement.
• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: the same announcement on the MoFA site.
• Khaleej Times: reporting on updated guidelines for Filipino travellers.
• Gulf News: overview of unsponsored visit visas.
• Visit Dubai: the official tourism portal.

Our visa team reviews this page whenever the UAE authorities publish a change and re-checks timelines regularly. This guide is general information, not legal advice or an official government document, and rules can change without notice.

UAE Dubai visa FAQs

What is a UAE Dubai visa?

  A UAE Dubai visa is an entry permit that lets a foreign national enter the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates, for a defined purpose and period. For tourists it is usually an e-visa valid for a 30 or 60-day stay, single or multiple entry. Some nationalities enter visa-free or receive a visa on arrival instead.  

Is a UAE visa the same as a Dubai visa?

  Yes in practice. The entry permit is valid across all seven emirates. The only difference is the issuing authority: visas issued in Dubai are processed through GDRFA Dubai, while other emirates use the federal ICP system. A visa for Dubai also lets you visit Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the rest of the UAE.  

Who needs a UAE Dubai visa?

  Any traveller whose nationality is not visa-exempt and who does not qualify for visa on arrival. GCC citizens enter without a visa and citizens of many countries receive visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for 30, 90 or 180 days. Travellers from other countries, including many in Africa, Asia and Latin America, must arrange an e-visa before they fly. Check the UAE government portal or ICP for your nationality.  

How do I apply for a Dubai visa online?

  Create an account on UAEpermit.com, choose your visa type, upload a clear passport scan and a white-background photo, add your travel details, pay securely and wait for the approved e-visa by email. You can follow progress on the visa tracker. Start on the Dubai visa online application page.  

What are the UAE visa requirements for tourists?

  You usually need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-style photo with a white background, a clear colour passport scan, flight details (arrival and departure) and proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking or host address. Some visas, such as the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, require extra financial documents.  

How long does it take to get a Dubai visa?

  Through UAEpermit.com, standard processing is typically 24 to 48 hours, with up to 72 working hours in busy periods, and express options are available for urgent trips. Direct applications through official channels are commonly reported at 2 to 5 working days, so apply at least a week before travel.  

How much does a UAE Dubai visa cost?

  The price depends on the visa duration, entry type, processing speed and whether a service fee applies. It generally includes the government entry-permit fee, mandatory medical cover and, when you use an agent, a service fee. UAEpermit.com shows the total before you pay on the application page.  

What types of UAE tourist visa are available?

  Common options are 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas, 30-day and 60-day tourist visas (single or multiple entry) and the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for frequent visitors. Special categories include job exploration entry permits and a GCC-resident e-visa. Availability can depend on nationality.  

What is the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa?

  It is a long-validity tourist visa that lets you enter the UAE repeatedly over five years. Reports describe stays of up to 90 days per visit, extendable by another 90 days, with a cap of 180 days per year. It requires additional documents such as proof of financial means and health insurance, so check the current rules with GDRFA or ICP before applying.  

Can I get a UAE visa on arrival?

  Only if your nationality or situation qualifies. Many nationalities receive visa-free entry or visa on arrival. A conditional scheme also exists for travellers such as Indians holding qualifying US, UK or EU visas or permits, and from 25 June 2026 for South African, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Philippine and Kenyan nationals who meet residence-permit conditions, as announced by WAM. If you do not clearly qualify, apply for an e-visa first.  

Do I need a sponsor for a Dubai tourist visa?

  Not if you apply through a licensed provider such as UAEpermit.com, which handles the sponsorship and submission for you. Traditionally visas were sponsored by a UAE resident, hotel, airline or company. You do not need a relative in the UAE to get a tourist e-visa.  

How do I track my UAE visa application?

  Use the UAEpermit.com visa tracker for live status, or check your permit on GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai-issued visas) or ICP smart services (for visas issued by other emirates and federal channels).  

How can I verify that my Dubai e-visa is genuine?

  Enter your permit or passport details on the official ICP smart services portal or on GDRFA. If the system cannot find your permit, contact your provider straight away and do not travel until it is confirmed.  

Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?

  Often yes. Many tourist visas can be extended from inside the UAE through ICP or GDRFA channels or an Amer service centre, subject to approval, the visa type and a fee. Some visas, including the 60-day visa on arrival for certain nationalities, cannot be extended. Apply before the visa expires and read our stay and overstay rules.  

What happens if I overstay my UAE visa?

  Overstaying brings daily fines (reported as a standard AED 50 per day), possible detention and, in some cases, an entry ban. Fine amounts and grace periods can change, so check the ICP portal for current figures and leave or extend on time.  

What is the difference between single entry and multiple entry?

  A single-entry visa lets you enter the UAE once and ends when you leave. A multiple-entry visa lets you leave and re-enter within its validity, which suits trips to Oman, Bahrain or Qatar and frequent business travel.  

Do I need a visa for a layover in Dubai?

  If you stay airside and continue on the same ticket, most airlines do not require a UAE visa, though rules vary by airline. If you want to leave the airport, you need a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa or another entry permit.  

Do children and infants need their own UAE visa?

  Yes. Every traveller, including babies, needs a visa linked to their own passport. UAEpermit.com lets you add family members to one account and apply for everyone together.  

Can I work in Dubai on a tourist visa?

  No. Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal in the UAE. If you want to work, you need an employment visa, a freelance permit or another work-authorised category. A job exploration entry permit allows you to look for work but not to work.  

Does the visa cover Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah?

  Yes. A UAE tourist visa is valid in all seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.  

Why are UAE visa applications rejected?

  Typical reasons are blurry or cropped passport scans, photos with shadows or the wrong background, a passport with less than 6 months' validity, name mismatches across documents, a previous overstay or immigration issue, and incomplete travel or accommodation details. Correct the problem and reapply.  

Is UAEpermit.com an official government website?

  No. UAEpermit.com is operated by Budget Travel & Tourism LLC, a licensed Dubai tourism and visa services company (DTCM licence no. 1202281). It is not a government entity. It prepares and submits your application through the official UAE immigration system and you can verify your permit on ICP or GDRFA.  

How can I check that UAEpermit.com is licensed?

  Verify the licence through the Dubai Economy and Tourism licence lookup or the Invest in Dubai Dubai Unified License page, and read independent reviews on Trustpilot.  

Is applying directly through official channels cheaper?

  Sometimes the bare government fee is lower, but individual tourists usually cannot file a tourist visa themselves and need a sponsor such as an airline, hotel, relative or licensed agent. A provider's service fee pays for document checks, submission, tracking and support. Compare the total price, not only the headline fee.  

Can I apply for several people at once?

  Yes. Your UAEpermit.com account lets you add family, friends or colleagues, upload each person's documents and manage all applications from one dashboard.  

Do I need travel or health insurance?

  Medical cover is typically part of the visa cost for tourist visas issued for Dubai, but you should also consider travel insurance for cancellations, baggage and emergencies. Check the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention for health-entry guidance.  

How early should I apply for a UAE Dubai visa?

  Apply 5 to 7 days before departure, and 10 days or more in peak periods such as December-January, Eid and school holidays. Do not apply too early, because an approved visa has an entry window (commonly 60 days from issue, but check your approval).  

What documents do I need at Dubai airport?

  Carry a printed copy of your e-visa, your passport, a return or onward ticket and your accommodation details. Immigration officers may ask about your purpose of visit and where you are staying.  

Which UAE airports can I use with an e-visa?

  You can use any UAE airport, including Dubai International (DXB), Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi Zayed International, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, as well as land and sea borders, unless your visa states otherwise.  

What if UAE visa rules change?

  Rules can change quickly, as the June 2026 visa-on-arrival announcements showed. We review this page whenever the authorities publish a change. Confirm anything with ICP, UAE MoFA or our support team on +971 56 2617646.  

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