UAE Visa: Requirements, Eligibility & Application Steps (2026)

GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain) need no visa at all — a valid passport or national ID is enough.

Around 70 nationalities, including the UK, USA, EU states, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea, receive a free visa-on-arrival stamp at the airport.

Everyone else — including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and most South Asian and African passports — must obtain an e-visa before departure. Check yours in 60 seconds: do I need a visa for Dubai?

Holders of a valid GCC residence permit qualify for a fast-track e-visa regardless of passport nationality. See UAE visa for GCC residents.

Passport validity: at least 6 months from your date of entry into the UAE.

Onward travel: a confirmed return or onward ticket within the validity of your visa.

Accommodation: a hotel booking, or a host's address with a copy of their Emirates ID.

No active entry ban: previous overstays, deportations or unpaid fines can block approval. Check first at UAE visa ban check.

Funds: some nationalities are asked for a 3-month bank statement showing the ability to cover the stay.

Minors: children need their own visa, plus a birth certificate and parental consent when not travelling with both parents.

1. Colour scan of the passport bio page (6+ months validity).

2. Recent passport photo — white background, minimum 600×600 px, no glasses, no headwear except religious.

3. Confirmed return flight ticket or itinerary.

4. Hotel booking or host invitation with Emirates ID copy.

5. Bank statement of the last 3 months — requested for selected nationalities only.

Files are uploaded as JPG, PNG or PDF, up to 10 MB each. A free AI pre-check flags photo and passport problems before you pay.

14-day single entry — short city breaks and stopovers. From $120.

30-day single entry — the most common tourist choice. From $156. See 30-day visa details.

60-day single entry — longer family visits. From $234. See 60-day visa details.

Multiple entry — for repeat travel within the validity window: multiple-entry visa.

Not sure which fits? Compare 14 vs 30 vs 60 days. Full fee breakdown: UAE visa cost.

Step 1. Confirm eligibility for your nationality and pick a visa duration.

Step 2. Complete the 4-step online form — roughly 5 minutes of personal, passport and travel details.

Step 3. Upload the passport scan and photo. The AI pre-check reviews them immediately.

Step 4. Pay securely by card, Apple Pay or a local method. The price shown is all-inclusive.

Step 5. Your application is submitted to the UAE immigration system and reviewed, typically within 24–72 hours.

Step 6. Receive the e-visa PDF by email. Print it or keep it on your phone, and show it at check-in and at the border. Track progress anytime at track your application, or start your application now.

Standard processing is 24–72 hours. Express handling is available where a departure is imminent: urgent UAE visa.

The most common delays are a blurred or cropped passport scan, a photo with a coloured background, a name that does not match the passport exactly, and applications submitted over UAE public holidays.

A handful of nationalities require additional security clearance, which adds 5–7 working days. You are told this before payment, not after.

Entry rules, visa categories and government fees are set by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) and the Dubai GDRFA. Those requirements apply no matter how you apply.

ApplyUAEVisa is a private visa processing service, not a government body and not affiliated with one. We prepare, check and submit your application, and support you until the visa is issued. Our price includes the government fee plus our service fee, shown as one all-inclusive amount.