🇦🇪United Arab Emirates Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Asia· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for United Arab Emirates?
It depends on your passport. Out of 197 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 94 enter United Arab Emirates visa-free and 103 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival.
Visa-free
94
nationalities
E-visa
103
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for United Arab Emirates
Visa for airport or land transit.
- Stay:
- 96 hours
- Fee:
- 200 AED
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (u.ae), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply online. Check your passport's entry rules first.
- Online filing for nationalities eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival
- Online application tracking
- Paid service, on top of official fees
Partner link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The visa verdict above does not depend on this partner.
United Arab Emirates visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime United Arab Emirates applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
- TogoE-visa
- Côte d'IvoireE-visa
- CameroonE-visa
- HaitiE-visa
- MaliE-visa
- Democratic Republic of the CongoE-visa
- AngolaE-visa
- ParaguayVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- El SalvadorVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- UruguayVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- GabonE-visa
- HondurasVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- PeruVisa-freeStay: 90 days within 180 days
- NicaraguaE-visa
- SurinameE-visa
- SyriaE-visa
- PanamaE-visa
- Central African RepublicE-visa
- SenegalE-visa
- MoroccoE-visa
United Arab Emirates visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category United Arab Emirates publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Job Seeker / Exploration visa | Work | 60-120 days | 200-400 AED | 5 business days | Portal | |
| Green Visa (5-year residency) | Work | 5 years | 700-1,300 AED | 30 days | Multiple | Portal |
| Virtual Working Programme (digital nomad) | Work | 1 year | 300-800 AED | 14 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Employment Residence visa (employer-sponsored) | Work | 2-3 years (renewable) | 400-1,000 AED | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa | Study | 1 year (renewable) | 800 AED | 7 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Family Residence visa (dependant) | Family | 2-3 years | 300-1,200 AED | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Retirement visa (5-year, age 55+) | Retirement | 5 years (renewable) | 700-1,600 AED | 30 days | Multiple | Portal |
| Golden Visa (10-year residency) | Investor | 10 years | 1,200-2,300 AED | 30 days | Multiple | Portal |
| Medical treatment visa | Medical | 90 days | 200-900 AED | 5 business days | Portal | |
| Transit visa | Transit | 96 hours | 200 AED | 3 business days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Population
11,300,000
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED د.إ)
Languages
Arabic, English
Continent
Asia
Calling code
+971
Timezone
Asia/Dubai
Area
82,880 km²
Government
Federation of emirates with monarchical system
National day
December 2 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.ae
About
The United Arab Emirates presents a solid and prosperous economy with stable politics in a dynamic regional context. The country shows sustained economic growth around 4.8% in 2025 and 2026, driven by diversification of the non-hydrocarbon sector and expansion of digital and logistics services.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Low)
- Avoid public demonstrations and political gatherings
- Respect strict local laws regarding alcohol and public behavior
- Keep identity documents and visas up to date
Terrorism(Low)
- The country maintains high security measures at airports and public places
- Remain vigilant in tourist and commercial areas
Transport
- Use official taxi services or approved apps
- Respect speed limits and traffic rules
- Avoid driving during sandstorms
Natural risks(Extreme heat (May to September with temperatures exceeding 45°C), occasional sandstorms)
- Stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours
- Plan for sun protection and sandstorm precautions
Health(High-quality healthcare system with modern infrastructure and excellent private services)
- Obtain comprehensive international health insurance
- Routine vaccinations are recommended
- Tap water is drinkable in urban areas
Practical tips
- Respect local customs and strict country laws
- Avoid criticism of the government or royal family
- Keep identity documents and visas constantly up to date
- Register local emergency numbers
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Dubai · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
safe
10-15% in restaurants, not mandatory
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
United Arab Emirates
Florian Kriechbaumer
United Arab Emirates
Salman Av
United Arab Emirates
Abdurahman Yarichev
United Arab Emirates
Ashal Abbas
United Arab Emirates
Anna Sovi
United Arab Emirates
Kirandeep Singh Walia
United Arab Emirates
Iva Prime
United Arab Emirates
tommy picone
United Arab Emirates
Marcus Herzberg
United Arab Emirates
Nelemson G
United Arab Emirates
Kirandeep Singh Walia
United Arab Emirates
fahri tokcan
United Arab Emirates
MAMADO CONF
United Arab Emirates
Muhammed Nasser
United Arab Emirates
Miguel Cuenca
United Arab Emirates
Denys Gromov
United Arab Emirates
MAMADO CONF
United Arab Emirates
Milan Kiro
United Arab Emirates
Denys Gromov
United Arab Emirates
Engin Akyurt
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Car rental (DiscoverCars)
Compare local rental companies, free cancellation on most offers.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
Gulf e-Visas 2026: Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait Compared
Qatar's Hayya, UAE e-visa, Saudi, Omani and Kuwaiti portals: 2026 prices, durations, insurance and real eligibility for African passports.
Complete Guide to Expatriation in Dubai in 2026
Dubai, with its economic vitality, sunny climate all year round, and safety, attracts thousands of expatriates from around the world each…
Transit visa 2026: when a simple layover requires a visa
Staying airside and crossing immigration are not governed by the same rules. When a transit visa becomes mandatory, the Schengen case, the…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to United Arab Emirates?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for United Arab Emirates across 197 nationalities: 94 visa-free, 103 with an e-visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a United Arab Emirates visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 200 AED (Job Seeker / Exploration visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for United Arab Emirates?▾
United Arab Emirates issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 96 hours. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to United Arab Emirates?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Low to moderate risk. The United Arab Emirates maintains a stable policy with high overall security in major urban areas.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in United Arab Emirates?▾
The official currency is United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED د.إ). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of United Arab Emirates?▾
The capital of United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. The main spoken languages are: Arabic, English.
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