Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Understanding visa requirements is essential. Whether you’re visiting for business, tourism, or family reasons, this guide covers visa types, sponsorship rules, and application processes to ensure a smooth entry into the UAE.
1. Do You Need a Visa for the UAE?
The UAE offers visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and prearranged visas depending on your nationality. Use the UAE visa search tool to check your visa requirements before traveling.
🔎 Search Now
2. UAE Visa on Arrival
🛬 30-Day Visit Eligibility
Citizens from the following countries do not need a visa in advance. Upon arrival, immigration authorities will stamp your passport with a 30-day visit visa free of charge:
✅ Eligible Countries:
- Andorra
- Brunei
- Hong Kong, China
- Kazakhstan
- Macau, China
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Republic of Ireland
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
🛬 90-Day Visit Eligibility
Passport holders from the following countries receive a multiple-entry, 90-day visit visa, valid for 6 months from the issue date for a stay of up to 90 days in total.
✅ Eligible Countries:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Peru, United States, Uruguay
- Others: Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia, China, Fiji, Georgia, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Guyana, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
🛬 180-Day Visit Eligibility
Citizens of Mexico are eligible for a multiple-entry 180-day visa, valid for 6 months from the date of issue, allowing a stay of 180 days in total.
3. Dubai Immigration Procedures
Dubai International Airport conducts random eye screening for visitors.
📌 Requirements for Eye Screening:
- A hard copy of your visa or a printed visa number confirmation.
- If you do not have a copy, a charge of AED 30 applies (payable in AED).
🔴 Important: Before traveling, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
4. Preapproved UAE Visas
🛂 New Visit Entry Permit for Indian Nationals (From January 7, 2024)
Eligible Indian nationals can obtain a single-entry, 14-day visa on arrival for USD 63.
✅ Eligibility:
- Indian passport holders with a valid USA visa (minimum 6 months).
- Indian passport holders with a valid USA Green Card (minimum 6 months).
- Indian passport holders with a valid UK or EU residence card (from select countries).
📌 How to Apply:
Indian nationals can apply for their UAE entry permit via Emirates.com through Manage Your Booking.
5. Prearranged UAE Visas
| Visa Type | Validity Before Entry | Validity After Entry | Cost (USD) | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour visa | 30 days | 48 hours | $10 | Non-extendable |
| 96-hour visa | 30 days | 96 hours | $49 | Non-extendable |
| Tourism – Single Entry (30 days) | 60 days | 30 days | $90 | Extendable ($230) |
| Tourism – Multiple Entry (30 days) | 60 days | 30 days | $136 | Extendable ($230) |
| Tourism – Single Entry (60 days) | 60 days | 60 days | $177 | Extendable ($230) |
| Tourism – Multiple Entry (60 days) | 60 days | 60 days | $231 | Extendable ($230) |
📌 Visa Extensions:
- Original passport and ticket copy required.
- Extensions can only be made at the airport office.
📌 Required Documents:
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months).
- Passport-size photo.
- Completed visa application form.
- Confirmed hotel reservation or tenancy contract (if staying with family).
- Copy of return Emirates ticket (ticket number must start with 176).
- Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate if applying for a family member).
- Hard copies of all documents required.
📌 Additional Requirements for Certain Countries:
- Afghanistan: National ID Card (Tazkira ID)
- Iraq: National ID Card
- Pakistan: National ID Card
- Iran: National ID Card
6. Sponsoring Someone to Visit the UAE
Documents Required for Applicants:
✔ Color passport photograph
✔ Passport copy (valid for six months)
✔ Emirates Airline ticket copy (starting with code EK-176)
✔ Completed visa application form
Documents Required for Sponsors:
| Sponsor’s Employer | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Emirates Group Staff | Staff ID copy |
| Government/Semi-Government | Salary certificate (Arabic) + Passport & residency copy |
| Free-Zone Company | Salary certificate from free-zone authority + Passport & residency copy |
| Private Company | Labor contract copy + Passport & residency copy |
| Investor/Partner | Trade license copy + Passport & residency copy |
Minimum Salary Required for Sponsorship:
| Sponsored Relative | Minimum Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Wife/Children/Parents | AED 4,000 |
| Brothers/Sisters/Dependents | AED 5,500 |
| Brothers/Sisters-in-Law | AED 7,000 |
| Friends & Other Relatives | AED 10,000 |
🔗 Download Sponsorship Application Form
7. Where to Apply for a UAE Visa
📍 Apply Online
Manage Your Booking on Emirates.com.
📍 Apply in the UAE
If you have a family member or relative residing in the UAE, they can apply for a visa on your behalf at an Emirates ticketing office.
📍 Visa and Sponsorship Applications Can Be Submitted To:
🛂 VFS Global Services Kenya
📍 5th Floor, Parkfield Building, Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
📞 +254 205 147902
8. Key Rules and Conditions
✅ Visa fees must be paid upon application (non-refundable).
✅ Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval.
✅ Visa processing time: 3-4 working days.
✅ Overstay fines apply to visitors exceeding visa validity.
✅ Refundable deposit (AED 1,000) applies for sponsoring a friend.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting the UAE for business, tourism, or family reunions, understanding visa types, eligibility, and the application process ensures a smooth experience. Plan ahead, check your visa status, and ensure all required documents are in order before traveling.
🚀 Safe travels to the UAE!
