In this guide
1. Visa on arrival — who qualifies
Citizens of over 90 countries receive a free visa on arrival at UAE airports including Dubai International (DXB). No pre-application required. The stamp is issued at passport control.
The visa on arrival grants 30 days of stay, extendable once for an additional 30 days online via the GDRFA portal.
Countries with visa on arrival (selected examples)
| Region | Examples | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Europe | UK, all EU states, Switzerland, Norway | 30 days | Free |
| North America | USA, Canada | 30 days | Free |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore | 30 days | Free |
| GCC nationals | Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman | 30 days+ | Free |
| Latin America | Brazil, Argentina, Mexico (selected) | 30 days | Free |
This list is illustrative — not exhaustive. The UAE has expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility significantly since 2022. Always check gdrfad.gov.ae for the current definitive list.
2. Tourist e-visa — how to apply
If your nationality requires a visa in advance, the UAE's online e-visa system handles most applications without an embassy visit.
- Apply via gdrfad.gov.ae or through Emirates, Etihad or flydubai if flying with them
- Processing: typically 3–5 working days
- Cost: approximately AED 250–350 for 30-day single entry
- You'll receive a visa approval by email — carry it digitally or printed
3. 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
The UAE offers a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for eligible nationalities — allowing multiple visits with stays up to 90 days per entry, 180 days cumulative per year. Apply via gdrfad.gov.ae. Eligibility and cost vary by nationality.
4. Digital nomad / virtual working visa
The UAE Virtual Working Programme lets remote workers live in the UAE for 1 year (renewable) while employed by or contracting for companies outside the UAE.
- Income requirement: USD 3,500/month minimum (approx AED 12,850)
- Documents: Employment contract or proof of freelance income, 3 months bank statements, valid health insurance covering UAE
- Cost: Approx AED 1,500–2,000 including fees
5. Transit visas
Visa-on-arrival nationalities can leave Dubai airport freely during transit — no extra paperwork. Other nationalities can apply for 48 or 96-hour transit visas. Airside transit requires no visa for any nationality.
6. Passport requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned UAE departure date
- Return or onward ticket may be requested
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) occasionally asked for at immigration
7. Extending your stay
- Online extension: Via GDRFA Smart Services portal — AED 250–600 depending on visa type
- Visa run: Exit and re-enter the UAE. Oman (Muscat) is the most common destination. Legal but frequent runs may attract immigration questions.
- Overstaying: AED 200/day fine from day one of overstay. Do not overstay.
8. Visa FAQ
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Employment within the UAE requires a work visa. Remote work for overseas employers sits in a grey area — the virtual working visa was created to formalise this.
I have an Israeli passport — can I visit?
Yes. The Abraham Accords (2020) normalised UAE–Israel relations. Israeli passport holders can visit the UAE with visa on arrival. Direct flights operate Tel Aviv–Dubai.
Is the visa on arrival fee-free?
Yes — the government charges no fee for visa on arrival. Any "processing fee" charged by airlines or agents is their own charge, not a UAE government requirement.