With Dubai’s burgeoning economy, vibrant lifestyle and comfortable standard of living, the emirate is a popular destination for tourists as well as visitors looking to make Dubai their home. Visa requirements for visitors to Dubai vary based on several factors including nationality, intended period of stay and purpose of visit to the emirate. Visa rules and regulations may change without prior notice, so it is always advisable to check with a UAE embassy or consulate nearest to you on whether you require a visa prior to travelling to the UAE.

Currently, all visitors to Dubai require a visa with the exception of nationals of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) countries. These include Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait nationals who only need to present their valid AGCC passport or ID card upon arrival at any entry point into the UAE. AGCC expats who meet certain conditions can obtain a visa upon arrival, non-extendable and valid for 30 days, at a UAE port of entry. Other nationalities of Western Europe and the Pacific Rim (currently includes 32 countries) who hold regular passports with valid visas or entry stamps from their respective countries do not require a prearranged visa and can secure a free-of-charge visa on arrival at any authorized port of entry into the country. This allows them to stay for a period of 60 days and can be renewed for 30 extra days for an additional fee. A complete list of these nationalities can be found at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

If you do not fall into any of the above mentioned categories, you will be required to present a valid visa upon arrival at Dubai International Airport to secure entry into the emirate. It is important to note visa validity and to make sure to exit the country on or before the last day as unauthorized stay incurs a daily fine and an out pass charge when you do exit the country.

Disclaimer: Visa fee is subjected to change without prior notice. Candidates are suggested to confirm the fees before submission of the application.