What Is a UAE Tourist Visa?
A UAE tourist visa is an official entry permit that allows foreign nationals to visit the United Arab Emirates for leisure, sightseeing, and short-term travel. Whether you need one depends entirely on your nationality – many passport holders can enter the UAE visa-free with a stamp on arrival, while others must apply in advance through authorised channels.
The UAE issues tourist visas through two main government bodies: the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for Abu Dhabi and most emirates, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for Dubai. You can also arrange your visa through UAE-based airlines, licensed travel agencies, or hotels.
Important: UAE embassies abroad do not issue tourist visas. All applications go through the immigration authorities, airlines, or licensed sponsors.
UAE Tourist Visa Types
The UAE offers several categories of tourist visas depending on your nationality, length of stay, and whether you need single or multiple entries.
Visa on Arrival (Free)
More than 80 countries enjoy visa-free entry to the UAE. If your passport qualifies, you simply arrive at any UAE airport and receive a free entry stamp – no application needed.
30-day visa on arrival (free of charge):
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Brunei | Hong Kong (China) |
| Kazakhstan | Macau (China) | Malaysia |
| Mauritius | Monaco | Mongolia |
| Ireland | Ukraine | Uzbekistan |
| Vatican City |
90-day visa on arrival (multiple entry, valid 6 months):
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | Argentina | Armenia |
| Austria | Australia | Azerbaijan |
| Bahamas | Barbados | Belarus |
| Belgium | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Brazil |
| Bulgaria | Canada | Chile |
| China | Colombia | Costa Rica |
| Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Ecuador | El Salvador |
| Estonia | Fiji | Finland |
| France | Georgia | Germany |
| Greece | Honduras | Hungary |
| Iceland | Israel | Italy |
| Japan | Kiribati | Kosovo |
| Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | Macedonia | Maldives |
| Malta | Moldova | Montenegro |
| Nauru | Netherlands | New Zealand |
| Norway | Paraguay | Peru |
| Poland | Portugal | Romania |
| Russia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | San Marino |
| Serbia | Seychelles | Singapore |
| Slovakia | Slovenia | Solomon Islands |
| South Korea | Spain | Sweden |
| Switzerland | United Kingdom | United States |
| Uruguay |
180-day visa on arrival (multiple entry, valid 6 months):
- Mexico
Single-Entry Tourist Visa
For travellers who are not eligible for visa-free entry, the UAE offers single-entry tourist visas through GDRFA Dubai or ICP:
- 30-day single-entry visa – AED 252 (approximately USD 69)
- 60-day single-entry visa – AED 352 (approximately USD 96)
Both options include a 5% VAT charge. These visas are issued by accredited tourism offices in the UAE and require a sponsor from a licensed tourism establishment.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
Multiple-entry visas allow you to leave and re-enter the UAE during the validity period:
- 30-day multiple-entry – approximately USD 136 (via airline sponsors)
- 60-day multiple-entry – approximately USD 231 (via airline sponsors)
5-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
The UAE introduced a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa available to all nationalities. This long-term visa allows tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship, staying up to 90 days per visit, with the option to extend for an additional 90 days.
Requirements for the 5-year tourist visa:
- Bank balance of USD 4,000 (or equivalent in foreign currencies) maintained for the last six months
- Valid health insurance applicable in the UAE, valid for 180 days
- A confirmed return or onward flight ticket
This visa is ideal for frequent visitors, business travellers who also tour, and families with ongoing ties to the UAE.
UAE Tourist Visa Fees
The cost of a UAE tourist visa varies by type, duration, and how you apply. Here is a complete breakdown:
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost (USD) | Cost (AED) | Extension Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour transit | 48 hours | $10 | ~AED 37 | Non-extendable |
| 96-hour transit | 96 hours | $49 | ~AED 180 | Non-extendable |
| Single-entry 30-day | 30 days | $90 | AED 252 | $230 (~AED 845) |
| Multiple-entry 30-day | 30 days | $136 | ~AED 500 | $230 |
| Single-entry 60-day | 60 days | $177 | AED 352 | $230 |
| Multiple-entry 60-day | 60 days | $231 | ~AED 849 | $230 |
| 5-year multiple entry | 90 days/visit | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Additional fees to be aware of:
- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
- In-country application surcharge: AED 500 (if the applicant is already inside the UAE)
- VAT: 5% on all visa fees
Note: Fees may vary depending on the sponsor (airline, hotel, or government channel). The figures above reflect standard government and airline pricing as of 2026.
UAE Tourist Visa Requirements
Regardless of the visa type, all applicants must meet these basic requirements:
Mandatory documents:
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to the UAE
- Recent passport-sized photograph – colour, white background
- Health insurance – valid for the duration of your stay in the UAE
- Return or onward flight ticket – confirmed booking showing departure from the UAE
- Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay
Country-specific additional documents:
Nationals of certain countries must provide additional identification:
| Country | Additional Document Required |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | National ID Card (Tazkira ID) |
| Iraq | National ID Card |
| Pakistan | National ID Card |
| Iran | National ID Card |
How to Apply for a UAE Tourist Visa
There are three main channels to apply for a UAE tourist visa:
1. Apply Online Through Government Portals
For Dubai: Apply through the GDRFA Dubai website or smart application. You will need a UAE Pass or account credentials.
For Abu Dhabi and other emirates: Apply through the ICP Smart Services portal.
Steps:
- Create an account or log in with UAE Pass
- Search for the tourist visa service
- Fill in your application details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the visa fees online
- Receive your e-visa by email
2. Apply Through UAE-Based Airlines
Each UAE airline offers visa sponsorship services, typically requiring you to book a flight with them:
- Emirates Airline – Apply via Manage Your Booking on emirates.com
- Etihad Airways – Apply via Etihad visa services
- FlyDubai – Apply via FlyDubai visa portal
Airline visa conditions:
- You must fly with the sponsoring airline
- Processing takes approximately 3-4 working days
- Applications should be submitted at least 4 international working days before arrival
3. Apply Through Hotels and Travel Agents
Licensed hotels and travel agencies in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you, provided you purchase your ticket through them and maintain a hotel reservation. You can also contact travel agencies in your home country that partner with UAE tour operators.
Safety tip: Always verify the authenticity of travel agents before paying or sharing copies of your official documents. Contact the UAE embassy in your country for verification if in doubt.
UAE Tourist Visa Processing Time
Processing times depend on how you apply:
| Application Channel | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Government portal (GDRFA/ICP) | 48 hours |
| Emirates Airline | 3-4 working days |
| Etihad Airways | 3-4 working days |
| Licensed travel agents | 3-5 working days |
| Hotels | 3-5 working days |
Online applications through airlines require a minimum of 4 international working days before your arrival date. Applying earlier is always recommended.
Sponsoring Someone for a UAE Tourist Visa
If you are a UAE resident, you can sponsor a friend or family member’s tourist visa. The minimum salary requirements depend on your relationship with the visitor:
| Relationship to Visitor | Minimum Sponsor Salary |
|---|---|
| Wife, children, parents, parents in-law | AED 4,000 |
| Brothers, sisters, dependents | AED 5,500 |
| Brothers/sisters in-law | AED 7,000 |
| Friends and other relatives | AED 10,000 |
Required sponsor documents include:
- Valid passport copy and UAE residency visa, or valid UAE ID
- Salary certificate (Arabic for government employees)
- Labour contract from MOHRE (for private sector employees)
- Trade licence copy (for investors/partners)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or hotel booking for the visitor
A refundable security deposit of AED 1,000 may be required for sponsoring friends. The sponsor must claim the deposit within two years.
UAE Tourist Visa Extension
If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you can apply for an extension without leaving the UAE:
- Extension fee: approximately USD 230 (AED 845)
- Original passport and ticket copy are required
- Extensions can be processed at airport visa offices
- Each visa can typically be extended once
For the 5-year tourist visa, the initial 90-day stay can be extended for an additional 90 days within the UAE.
Overstay warning: Overstaying your visa results in daily fines. Your sponsor is responsible for any overstay penalties, so always ensure your visa status is current.
Indian Nationals: Special Visa on Arrival
From January 7, 2024, eligible Indian nationals with a valid passport can obtain a single-entry 14-day visa on arrival for a fee of USD 63.
Eligibility criteria:
- Indian passport holder with a US visa valid for at least 6 months
- Indian passport holder with a US green card valid for at least 6 months
- Indian passport holder with a UK residence card valid for at least 6 months
- Indian passport holder with an EU residence card from eligible countries valid for at least 6 months
- Indian passport holder with residence permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, or Singapore valid for at least 6 months
For Indians who do not meet these criteria, a prearranged tourist visa through an airline or travel agent is required. See our dedicated guide on UAE Visa for Indian Citizens for full details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
- UAE eVisa: Complete Guide – Full overview of the UAE electronic visa system
- UAE Visa Requirements – Document and eligibility requirements
- UAE Visa Fees – Complete fee breakdown for all visa types
- How to Apply for a UAE Visa – Step-by-step application guide
- UAE Visa on Arrival – Countries eligible for visa-free entry
- UAE Visa for Indian Citizens – Specific requirements for Indian nationals
- UAE Visa for US Citizens – Information for American travellers
- UAE Visa for UK Citizens – Information for British travellers
- UAE Transit Visa – 48-hour and 96-hour transit options
- UAE Visa Extension – How to extend your stay
