Dubai Visa Guide: Types, Costs, and Tips
Do You Need a Visa for Dubai?
Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and whether you need a visa depends entirely on your nationality. Citizens of over 50 countries — including the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea — can enter visa-free for 30 or 90 days depending on the bilateral agreement. For everyone else, a visa is required and can be obtained as an e-visa, a visa on arrival, or through a UAE-based sponsor.
Types of Dubai Visas
- Tourist Visa (30 days): Single entry, valid for 60 days from issue date. Can be extended once for 30 additional days.
- Tourist Visa (90 days): Multiple entry option available. Ideal for longer stays or repeat visitors.
- Transit Visa (48 hours): For travelers stopping over in Dubai. Free for eligible nationalities via Emirates and flydubai.
- Transit Visa (96 hours): 4-day transit for exploring Dubai during a layover.
- Visit Visa: For visiting family or friends residing in the UAE. Sponsored by a UAE resident.
- Long-Term Visa (5 or 10 years): UAE Golden Visa — for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
Dubai E-Visa: How It Works
The UAE e-Visa can be applied for online through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) website or through a licensed travel agency. The process typically takes 3–5 business days. You will receive a PDF visa document to present at immigration. The e-Visa is linked to your passport number and is required to be printed or available digitally upon arrival.
Visa Costs
- 30-day tourist e-visa: Approximately AED 350–500 (~USD 95–136) including service fees
- 90-day tourist e-visa: Approximately AED 650–900 (~USD 177–245)
- 48-hour transit visa: Free for Emirates and flydubai passengers (eligible nationalities)
- 96-hour transit visa: Free for eligible Emirates passengers
- Visa on arrival (select nationalities): AED 100 (~USD 27) for 14 days
Free Transit Visa from Airlines
Emirates airline offers a complimentary 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa to passengers of eligible nationalities transiting through Dubai International Airport (DXB). Similarly, flydubai offers transit visas to qualifying passengers. This is an excellent deal for travelers who want to explore Dubai during a long layover — you can visit the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, or even a desert safari without paying for a full tourist visa. Check your eligibility on the Emirates website when booking your ticket.
Important Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Dubai
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- Travel insurance (recommended; mandatory for some nationalities)
Tips for Your Dubai Visa
Apply for your e-Visa at least 7–10 days before travel to account for any delays. If you overstay your visa in the UAE, fines of AED 50–200 per day apply depending on visa type — avoid this at all costs. The UAE has strict entry rules: travelers with Israeli stamps in their passport were previously refused entry, though relations have normalized since the Abraham Accords. If you hold dual nationality, always enter on the passport that provides the most favorable visa terms. Dubai is generally very welcoming to tourists and the visa process is straightforward once you know the rules.