United Arab Emirates Visa Requirements
Handled by VisaHQ. Government fees are set by the destination country.
Frequently asked questions
How long before my trip should I start the United Arab Emirates visa process?
Start as early as possible — embassy and consulate visa processing for United Arab Emirates is not something that can be rushed reliably, and required documents (invitation letters, proof of accommodation, financial statements) can take time to gather. Leaving this until close to your travel date is the single most common cause of missed trips.
Can I get a United Arab Emirates visa faster if my trip is an emergency?
Some embassies offer expedited or urgent processing for a higher fee, but this isn't universal and isn't guaranteed even when offered. Contact United Arab Emirates's embassy or consulate directly and ask specifically about emergency processing — don't assume it exists or rely on a third-party site's claim that it does.
Can I extend my stay in United Arab Emirates once I'm there?
Yes. You can apply from inside United Arab Emirates to stay longer, and you must do it before your current permission runs out. The official fee is AED 630. Extensions are granted in 30-day blocks. A 30-day visit visa can normally be extended twice, a 60-day visa once. All visit-visa holders are subject to a 180-day cap within any 12-month period. The total depends on which authority issued the visa. ICP (federal) publishes AED 100 application plus AED 500 extension. GDRFA Dubai publishes AED 600 plus 5% VAT, and a Dubai in-country extension commonly totals AED 1,100–1,200 once the inside-country fee and dirham charges are added. Apply online through the ICP portal or GDRFA before your current visa expires. Since December 2025 this can be done entirely from inside the UAE, which ended the old practice of exiting and re-entering to reset a stay. Transit visas and certain mission-specific permits cannot be extended in-country at all. Because there is no grace period, an extension filed late is worth nothing — fines start immediately.
Is the information on this page guaranteed to be accurate?
We check what we publish against official sources where we can, and clearly flag anything still pending verification. Even so, visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice — so please treat this page as a strong starting point, not a final word, and confirm directly with the official source linked above before you book or fly.
Documents required
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Passport-style colour photograph against a white background
- Confirmed return or onward flight booking
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or a host address
- Sponsor details, where the visa is sponsored by an airline, hotel or resident
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as a recent bank statement
Before you travel — checklist
- Check your passport has enough remaining validity for your trip to United Arab Emirates — many countries require at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, even for visa-free entry.
- Start your visa application process well before your travel date — don't leave this until the last few days.
- Budget for the entry fee (AED 250–350 (30 days) · AED 500–600 (60 days)) and check whether it needs to be paid in a specific currency or method.
- Note this specific requirement for United Arab Emirates: May apply using 'Smart service'. Visa on arrival for those possessing a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by any of the following countries: United States of America, European Union member states, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Canada, and New Zealand. 14 days option (100 AED) with optional 14 days extension (250 AED), or 60 days non-extendable option (250 AED) ar.
- Check whether United Arab Emirates requires proof of onward or return travel — some border officers ask for this even when it isn't formally listed as a requirement.
- Consider travel insurance that covers your trip to United Arab Emirates, particularly if any medical or emergency evacuation coverage is required or advisable for the region.
- This page's details for United Arab Emirates are still pending full verification — confirm everything directly with an official government source before finalising your plans.
Visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice. This page reflects our best information as of 2026, but if you're reading this later than that, treat it as a starting point rather than the final word, and always confirm with the official source above before you travel.