How to Secure Your UAE Tourist Visa: A Complete Guide
Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates? By the end of this article you’ll know every route to obtain your tourist visa, the documents you’ll need, nationality-specific rules and insider tips you won’t find elsewhere. Ready to start?
Tourist Visa Types and Validity
The UAE offers several tourist visa options based on your length of stay and application channel:
- 30-day single-entry
- 30-day multiple-entry
- 60-day single-entry
- 90-day single-entry (available only through certain channels)
- Visa on arrival for eligible nationalities
Visa-on-Arrival Durations by Nationality
Some travellers get a 30-day visa on arrival, while citizens of the UK, US, EU and a handful of other countries can receive up to 90-day visas on arrival. Double-check your eligibility before boarding.
All the Ways to Apply
You’re not limited to one channel. Here are five proven methods:
- Official UAE portals
Apply via the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship’s visa application portal. - Airline partnerships
Emirates, Etihad and Flydubai offer visa services when you book your flight with Emirates. - Hotels and travel agencies
Many UAE hotels and licensed tour operators can sponsor your visa—just ask your coordinator when booking accommodation. - UAE embassies and consulates abroad
Submit your application in person or by courier at the nearest diplomatic mission, such as the UAE Embassy in London. - Family sponsorship
If you have a UAE-resident family member, they can sponsor you. Applications go through airline ticketing offices within the UAE.
Who Enters Visa-Free?
- GCC citizens
Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia simply present their GCC passport and may stay indefinitely, per the GCC visa exemption agreement. - Special exemptions
Under this agreement, you won’t need a separate visa if your passport was issued by one of those six countries.
Document Checklist: Get It Right the First Time
Here’s what every applicant must prepare in hard-copy form:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity (machine-readable only), as specified by the Dubai Health Authority.
- Passport-style photo
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Hotel booking that aligns with your travel dates, outlined by Rayna Tours’ visa requirements.
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate) for family sponsorship, as described by Khaleej Times.
Extra Paperwork by Nationality
Applicants from Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan or Iran may need to add their national ID card or extra clearance letters, according to Flydubai’s nationality-specific guidelines.
Fees, Processing Times and Extensions
- 30-day single-entry: AED 350–400 (3–5 working days)
- 60-day single-entry: AED 600–700 (5–7 working days)
- Multiple-entry: AED 1,000+ (7–10 working days)
Extensions are available once, adding 30 days to your stay. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid fines.
What Happens If You Overstay?
Overstaying accrues a AED 200 penalty per day. After 30 days the fine jumps to AED 500 daily, plus possible deportation and travel bans. Stay legal to keep your record clean.
Inside Scoop: Why Demand Is So High
“Dubai continues to capture global attention with its ease of access and world-class attractions,” says Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, in an Arabian Business interview. A recent report shows Dubai welcomed 14.36 million overnight visitors in 2022, per the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism data.
Your UAE Adventure Awaits
Now you have every route mapped out, the exact paperwork in hand and a clear view of costs and timelines. Whether you choose to apply online, through your airline, at a hotel desk or via your nearest embassy, you’re one step closer to the desert skyline, luxury malls and endless experiences that await you in the UAE. Pack your bags—your journey starts here.