Travelling to Dubai is easy as it is the world's busiest airport in terms of international passengers. Therefore, flights are available from various airlines. Check which ones operate from your country or the nearest airport in your location. Depending on your nationality or passport, you will need a visa prior to visiting Dubai. You are advised to contact your local embassy or consulate to ensure that you have the appropriate travel documents.
Visa requirements for US citizens traveling to Dubai
US citizens travel to Dubai visa-free unless they do not meet the following criteria:
- Signed original passport by the bearer with 6 months' validity from the expected arrival date in the UAE;
- Confirmed round-trip ticket or airline ticket to other destinations.
The visa upon arrival for US citizens is only valid for 30 days. If the passport holder wants to stay longer, they should apply for a longer one by contacting an immigration officer at the airport or calling the local immigration in the UAE.
Visa requirements for non-US citizens traveling to Dubai
Round-trip confirmed airline tickets to UAE and other destinations.
Nationals of the following countries are also eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (except British overseas citizens), and the Vatican.
Visas will be granted upon arrival for visitors from the mentioned countries. A 30-day stay will be granted upon arrival, and if they wish to extend further, they should contact an immigration official or reach out to a nearby immigration office.
Nationals of the following countries are eligible for a 90-day visa on arrival: Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Uruguay.
Visa requirements for GCC nationals traveling to the UAE
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are exempted from visa requirements. These countries are Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Visa requirements for other nationalities
Other nationalities not included in visa exemptions and visas on arrival should obtain visas prior to entering the UAE. They can do this through travel agencies, their hotels, airlines, or relatives in the UAE.
You can find more information on this through our dedicated UAE visa page.
Types of visas for Dubai
You can choose from different types of visas to travel to the United Arab Emirates:
Business visa
A type of visa that entrepreneurs can apply for in order to stay for a long period in the country. Their dependents are also eligible as long as the entrepreneur has set up a business in the country.
Tourist visa
A tourist visa is one of the most common types. It can be used for 30 days or 90 days, with single and multiple entry options. The visa can be extended up to two times without a need to exit the country.
Student visa
A student visa qualifies an individual to study in the UAE. The student should be sponsored by either their parents, who must be UAE residents, or the accredited university/college they will be studying at. Student visas are awarded for one year at a time and renewable upon proof of continuation of study.
Transit visa
This type of visa is popular among those who have layovers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are two types of transit visas in the UAE: a 48-hour visa, which is free of charge, and a 96-hour visa for 50 AED only. The transit visa is sponsored by the passenger's airlines and must be obtained and approved prior to flying into the country. These cannot be extended.
Virtual working programme
Dubai has introduced a special “virtual working programme” which allows individuals to live in Dubai while working remotely for a company outside of the UAE. This programme essentially serves as a residence visa and has a validity of 1 year (renewable through reapplication). With this programme, you are also able to bring your family to Dubai.
Retirement visa
It is a visa type that residents over 55 can acquire for a period of 5 years. It can be renewed if eligibility criteria are met.
Patient entry permit
Foreigners can enter the country with their companions for treatment in the UAE. The sponsor is the medical establishment (public and private), and there are two types: a single-entry permit and a multiple-entry permit both for treatment.
Visa requirements
While additional documents might be requested depending on the visa you are applying for, general application requirements include:
- Documents required (individuals);
- Clear passport copy of the sponsor;
- Clear passport copy of the sponsored person;
- A copy of the sponsor (resident)'s salary certificate or employment contract must be attached;
- Proof of family relationship (kinship);
- Travel insurance;
- Copy of confirmed flight booking;
- Bank approval letter;
- Passport-sized color photographs;
- Visa fee;
- A duly filled visa application form.
Important:
Visa requirements for the UAE change from time to time, so make sure to check regularly before sending your application.
Useful links:
Dubai Visa Guide | Dubai Tourist Visa Requirements
Do you need an entry permit/visa to enter the UAE? | The Official Portal of the UAE Government
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
