United Arab Emirates Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
To enter the United Arab Emirates, a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Nationals referred to in the chart above are issued visas free of charge on arrival. EU nationals are usually given a multiple-entry stamp valid for 90 days within a six-month period. Nationals of Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and the USA are able to stay visa-free for 30 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli citizens are not permitted to travel to the UAE.
Types and Cost
Visit visa on arrival (for eligible nationals only): free.
Short visit visa (for those not eligible for the visa on arrival). A sponsor (eg travel agency, hotel, company or individual) must apply for this on your behalf and you must collect it on arrival at the airport.
Multiple-entry visa: AED100 (application fee), AED500 (issuance fee) for 90 days.
Validity
Visit visa on arrival: 30 or 90 days.
Short visit visa: valid for two months before entering the UAE and for a stay of up to 30 days.
Long visit visa: valid for two months before entering the UAE and for a stay of up to 90 days.
Multiple-entry visa: valid for multiple stays of up to 14 days in a six-month period.
Transit
You don't need a transit visa if you're connecting to another flight within 12 hours.
Application to
On arrival (if eligible), through a sponsor in the UAE, or at the embassy in your country.
If you require a pre-arranged visa and are flying to or via Dubai with Emirates, you can also apply for a visa online when booking your flight; more information is available from VFS Global (http://dubaivisa.net). Visas are available for 96 hours, 14 days, 30 days or 90 days and you must apply at least 10 working days before you travel to Dubai. You can also obtain 30- or 90-day multiple-entry visas. This option is only available to Emirates passengers.
Temporary residence
Unless you are a UAE national, residency is temporary and usually valid for three years.
Working days
Allow between three and five days for visa processing when arranged through a sponsor. However, allowances should be made for possible delays in approval procedure. It is strongly advised to apply well in advance of your departure date.
Sufficient Funds
Some nationals may require proof that they have sufficient funds in their bank account to travel to the UAE. Check with the UAE Embassy in your home country for details.
Entry Documents
A passport valid for six months, and a visa if you require one. Though it is often not enforced, it is recommended you have a valid return air ticket, a confirmed hotel booking, and at least US$1,000 in your bank account.
Extension of stay
Certain nationalities can extend their 30-day visa for an additional period of 30 days. Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs website for further details (http://dnrd.ae/en). Alternatively extend a 30-day tourist visa on arrival by driving across the land borders to Oman. Overstaying your visa may result in a fine.
Entry with pets
If bringing a pet, you should arrange a microchip and a rabies vaccination certificate 30 days prior to travel. You should also obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Environment and Water.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
British Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Telephone: +971 (2) 610 1100.
Website: http://ukinuae.fco.gov.uk
Address: , Khalid bin Al Waleed St(Street 22), PO Box 248, Abu Dhabi, ,
Opening times:
Sun-Thurs 0730-1430, (0800-1100 for consular services).
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7581 1281
Website: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/EN/DiplomaticMissions/Embassies/London/Pages/home.aspx
Address: Belgravia, 1-2 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1X 7EE,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1600
British Embassy in Dubai
Telephone: +971 4 309 4444.
Website: http://ukinuae.fco.gov.uk
Address: , Al Seef Road, PO Box 65, Dubai, ,
Opening times:
Sun-Thurs 0730-1430; (0800-1100 for consular services).
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the USA
Telephone: (202) 243 2400.
Website: http://www.uae-embassy.org
Address: NW, 3522 International Court, Suite 400, Washington, 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1600. Consular services (legalisation, visas, passports) Mon–Thurs 0930-1300 and Fri 0930-1230.
