Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Understanding visa requirements is crucial for a smooth entry. Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or visiting family, this guide provides an overview of visa types, sponsorship rules, and application processes. UAE Visa Guide
1. Do You Need a Visa for the UAE?
The UAE offers visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and prearranged visas, depending on your nationality. Before traveling, use the UAE visa eligibility tool to check your specific requirements. UAE Visa Guide
2. UAE Visa on Arrival
🛬 30-Day Visa on Arrival
Citizens of the following countries receive a free 30-day visa upon arrival, stamped directly in their passport:
Eligible Countries:
- Andorra
- Brunei
- Hong Kong (China)
- Kazakhstan
- Macau (China)
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Republic of Ireland
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican City
🛬 90-Day Visa on Arrival
Passport holders from these countries receive a multiple-entry 90-day visa, valid for six months, allowing a total stay of up to 90 days:
Eligible Countries:
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Paraguay, Peru, United States, Uruguay
Others: Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia, China, Fiji, Georgia, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Guyana, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
🛬 180-Day Visa on Arrival
Citizens of Mexico are eligible for a multiple-entry 180-day visa, valid for six months with a maximum stay of 180 days.
3. Dubai Immigration Procedures
Dubai International Airport conducts random eye screenings for certain visitors.
📌 Requirements for Eye Screening:
- A hard copy of your visa or a printed visa number confirmation
- If unavailable, a fee of AED 30 applies (payable in AED)
🔴 Important: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months before traveling.
4. UAE Visa for Indian Nationals
🛂 New Visit Entry Permit (Effective January 7, 2024)
Indian nationals meeting specific conditions can obtain a single-entry 14-day visa on arrival for USD 63.
✅ Eligibility:
- Indian passport holders with a valid USA visa (minimum 6 months)
- Indian passport holders with a valid USA Green Card (minimum 6 months)
- Indian passport holders with a valid UK or EU residence card (from select countries)
📌 How to Apply:
Eligible Indian nationals can apply via Emirates.com under Manage Your Booking.
5. Prearranged UAE Visas
| Visa Type | Validity Before Entry | Validity After Entry | Cost (USD) | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-hour visa | 30 days | 48 hours | $10 | Non-extendable |
| 96-hour visa | 30 days | 96 hours | $49 | Non-extendable |
| Tourism – Single Entry (30 days) | 60 days | 30 days | $90 | Extendable ($230) |
| Tourism – Multiple Entry (30 days) | 60 days | 30 days | $136 | Extendable ($230) |
| Tourism – Single Entry (60 days) | 60 days | 60 days | $177 | Extendable ($230) |
| Tourism – Multiple Entry (60 days) | 60 days | 60 days | $231 | Extendable ($230) |
📌 Visa Extensions:
- Requires original passport and ticket copy
- Extensions must be applied for at the airport office
📌 Required Documents for Prearranged Visas:
✔ Passport copy (valid for at least six months)
✔ Passport-size photo
✔ Completed visa application form
✔ Confirmed hotel booking or tenancy contract (if staying with family)
✔ Return Emirates ticket (ticket number must start with 176)
✔ Proof of relationship (if applying for a family member)
✔ Hard copies of all documents
📌 Additional Requirements for Certain Nationalities:
- Afghanistan: National ID Card (Tazkira ID)
- Iraq: National ID Card
- Pakistan: National ID Card
- Iran: National ID Card
6. Sponsoring Someone to Visit the UAE
Documents Required for Applicants:
✔ Passport copy (valid for six months)
✔ Color passport photo
✔ Emirates Airline ticket copy (starting with EK-176)
✔ Completed visa application form
Documents Required from Sponsors:
| Sponsor’s Employer | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Emirates Group Staff | Staff ID copy |
| Government/Semi-Government | Salary certificate (Arabic) + Passport & Residency Copy |
| Free-Zone Company | Salary certificate from free-zone authority + Passport & Residency Copy |
| Private Company | Labor contract copy + Passport & Residency Copy |
| Investor/Partner | Trade license copy + Passport & Residency Copy |
Minimum Salary Required for Sponsorship:
| Sponsored Relative | Minimum Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Wife/Children/Parents | AED 4,000 |
| Brothers/Sisters/Dependents | AED 5,500 |
| Brothers/Sisters-in-Law | AED 7,000 |
| Friends & Other Relatives | AED 10,000 |
🔗 Download Sponsorship Application Form
7. Where to Apply for a UAE Visa
📍 Apply Online:
Submit your application via Emirates.com under Manage Your Booking.
📍 Apply in the UAE:
If you have a family member or relative in the UAE, they can apply on your behalf at an Emirates ticketing office.
📍 Visa and Sponsorship Applications Can Be Submitted At:
🛂 VFS Global Services Kenya
📍 5th Floor, Parkfield Building, Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
📞 +254 205 147902
8. Key Rules and Conditions
✅ Visa fees are non-refundable and must be paid upon application
✅ Entry is subject to UAE immigration approval
✅ Processing time: 3–4 working days
✅ Overstay fines apply to visitors exceeding visa validity
✅ A refundable deposit (AED 1,000) applies for sponsoring a friend
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting the UAE for business, leisure, or family reunions, understanding the visa process ensures a hassle-free experience. Plan ahead, verify your visa eligibility, and gather all required documents before traveling.
🚀 Safe travels to the UAE!
