Updated November 2026
The short answer: it depends on your passport. The UAE sorts visitors into a few groups, and the rules for each are quite different. This guide explains the groups in plain terms. It is not legal advice, and entry rules can change at short notice, so always confirm with the official sources listed at the end, or with your airline, before you book.
Group 1: GCC citizens
Citizens of the other Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman) do not need a visa to enter the UAE and can travel on their national ID card.
Group 2: Visa-free entry on arrival
Citizens of more than 70 countries can simply turn up and get an entry stamp at the airport, with no fee and no paperwork in advance. This group includes most of Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and others.
The length of stay depends on the passport. For a large group, mostly European countries, it is up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For others it is 30 days, which can usually be extended once inside the country. Check the official list for your nationality, because the two lists are updated from time to time.
Group 3: Visa on arrival with a residence permit or visa elsewhere
This is the group that changed in 2026. Nationals of India could already get a visa on arrival if they held a valid visa or residence permit from certain countries. On 25 June 2026 the UAE extended the same option to nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa, along with accompanying family members.
To qualify, you need an ordinary passport from one of those countries and a valid residence permit from an approved country, which includes the United States, European Union member states, the United Kingdom and Singapore, among others. The authorities offer two options:
| Visa | Fee reported at launch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 14 days | AED 100 | Can be extended once |
| 60 days | AED 250 | For longer stays |
If you overstay, a fine of AED 50 per day applies. Fees may change, so check before you travel.
Group 4: Everyone else applies in advance
If your passport is not in any of the groups above, you need a visit visa before you fly. The usual routes are:
- Through your airline. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia all offer visa services for their passengers.
- Through a hotel or tour operator that sponsors visas for guests.
- Through official government channels, such as the ICP smart services platform or GDRFA in Dubai.
Allow plenty of time. Processing is often quick, but it is not guaranteed, especially in peak season.
Before you fly: a quick checklist
- Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive.
- Have a return or onward ticket and your hotel details ready.
- If you rely on a residence permit from another country, check it will still be valid for your whole stay.
- Check whether any medicines you carry need approval. The UAE has strict rules on some prescription drugs.
Sources
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa on arrival for nationals of six countries (June 2026)
- Khaleej Times: full list of countries with visa-free entry or visa on arrival
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
Rules and prices change. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will fix it.