The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for travelers. Whether you’re visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or one of the other emirates, there are specific visa requirements depending on your nationality and the reason for your visit. It’s important to know what’s needed before your trip to avoid any unwanted surprises at the airport.
Visa-Free Travel to the UAE
The UAE allows nationals from certain countries to visit without the need for a visa. You can simply show up, and you’ll get a visa on arrival. This visa typically allows you to stay for up to 30 or 90 days, depending on your nationality.
Countries with a 30-Day Visa on Arrival
If you’re from one of these countries, you’ll receive a free 30-day tourist visa upon entry:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican City
This visa can be extended for another 30 days by applying with the relevant authorities inside the UAE. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Countries with a 90-Day Visa on Arrival
If you’re from one of these countries, you can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days without a visa:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kiribati
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Uruguay
The 90-day visa is valid for six months from the date you enter, and you can use it for multiple entries within that period.
Countries Eligible for E-Visa

If your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry, the UAE has an option for an e-visa. You can apply for this visa entirely online, making it more convenient and faster than traditional visa applications.
Countries Eligible for E-Visa
Citizens from the following countries can apply for an e-visa:
- India
- Pakistan
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Ghana
To apply for the e-visa, you’ll need to visit the official UAE e-visa portal. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months, and you’ll also need a digital passport photo along with your travel itinerary. The processing time is usually 3 to 5 business days, so plan accordingly.
Types of UAE Visa
Depending on the reason for your visit, the UAE offers different types of visas. Make sure to apply for the correct one based on your travel purpose.

Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is ideal if you’re traveling for leisure. This visa is often valid for 30 days and can be extended once, giving you another 30 days.
The cost of a tourist visa varies but generally ranges from 200 to 450 AED. You can get a tourist visa through a UAE airline, tour operator, or even some hotels. Ensure you apply at least a week before your intended travel date.
Transit Visa
If you have a layover in the UAE and plan to leave the airport for a short time, a transit visa can be a good option. There are two types of transit visas:

- 48-hour visa: This is free and is issued if requested by the airline before your trip.
- 96-hour visa: This one costs approximately 50 AED.
Both types of transit visas are non-extendable, so make sure you plan your time accordingly.
Employment Visa
If you’re planning to work in the UAE, you will need an employment visa. Typically, your employer will sponsor this visa. It’s important for the employer to initiate the process, and it involves a medical examination and obtaining a work permit.
This visa allows you to work for a specific company and is usually valid for two years. You cannot work in the UAE without it, so make sure all the paperwork is in order before accepting a job offer.
Student Visa
The student visa is for individuals who have been accepted into one of the many universities in the UAE. It requires sponsorship from the university, and it’s valid for one year with the option to renew based on your study period.

Make sure you have your acceptance letter, and you will need a medical exam as part of the process. The cost varies, but it’s generally around 1000 AED for the initial visa.
Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term visa that’s aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and select professionals. It’s valid for up to 10 years and can extend to family members as well. This visa allows more freedom in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor.
You’ll need to meet specific investment or skill criteria to qualify for this visa. The application process can be lengthy, and it often involves multiple rounds of approval.

Application Process for a UAE Visa
If you need to apply for a visa, it’s usually a straightforward process. Depending on the type of visa, you may be able to complete an application online, or you might go through a travel agent, airline, or your employer if it’s for work.
For e-visas and tourist visas, the application can usually be done through the official UAE visa portal or directly through an airline (like Emirates or Etihad). Here’s what you’ll generally need:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
- A clear passport photo
- Your flight itinerary
- A confirmed hotel booking, or an invitation letter from a person in the UAE
- Applicable visa fee (paid online)
Once you submit your application, the processing time varies but is generally between 3 to 5 business days for tourist or e-visas. It’s a good idea to apply well in advance, just to be on the safe side.
Extending Your Stay in the UAE
Most tourist visas can be extended. If you think you’ll want to stay longer, it’s best to apply for the extension before your current visa expires. The process can be done through the UAE immigration office, and an extension usually costs around 600 AED.
It’s important to know that overstaying your visa can lead to fines, so make sure your paperwork is in order before your visa’s expiration date.
Final Tips and Reminders
The UAE is one of the easier countries for visa processing, but it’s always best to do your research according to the latest rules and regulations. Having the correct documents and applying in advance will make your trip much smoother.
Lastly, always check your passport expiration date before you travel. The UAE requires your passport to be valid for at least six months upon entry, and you don’t want to encounter any problems when you land!
Leave a reply