Whether you need a visa for the UAE depends on your nationality. GCC citizens do not need one, citizens of some countries receive a visa on arrival, and everyone else needs a visa arranged before travel through an airline, hotel, licensed travel agency or the UAE immigration authorities. In every case, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the UAE.

Entry rules change, and the list of eligible countries can change too. This page is general information checked against official sources on 2 October 2026; it is not advice for your situation. Before you travel, check with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA), the UAE embassy in your country, or your airline.

Key facts

Point What the official sources say
GCC citizens Do not need a visa to enter the UAE (u.ae)
Visa on arrival Available to citizens of several countries; the list can change (u.ae)
Passport validity At least six months from the date of entry (u.ae)
Visas arranged before travel Through UAE airlines, licensed hotels, licensed travel agencies, ICP or GDRFA; UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas (u.ae)
Transit visas 48-hour or 96-hour, single entry, cannot be extended (u.ae)
British citizens Visa issued free on arrival, valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period (GOV.UK)

Do you need a visa to visit the UAE?

The UAE government portal, u.ae, sorts visitors into three broad groups:

  • GCC citizens do not need a visa.
  • Citizens of certain countries can get a visa on arrival and do not need to arrange anything in advance.
  • Everyone else needs a visa issued before travel.

The list of visa-on-arrival countries, and the length of stay for each, is set by the UAE authorities and may change. Rather than relying on a copied list, check your nationality on the official u.ae page “Check if you need a visa to enter the UAE”, or with the UAE embassy in your country, shortly before you travel.

Visitors from the United Kingdom

The UK government’s travel advice for the UAE, checked on 2 October 2026, says British citizens can get a visitor or tourist visa free of charge on arrival, with no need to apply in advance. It is valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period, starting from the date of first entry. GOV.UK also states that your passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive.

Some nationals resident in the US, UK, EU and other countries

ICP offers a 60-day visa for nationals of India, Kenya, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and South Africa who hold a valid visa, residence permit or Green Card from the US, the EU or the UK, or a valid residence permit from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore or New Zealand. ICP’s service page, checked on 2 October 2026, lists the stay as 60 days from entry, not extendable, with a passport valid for at least six months. Check the ICP page for the full conditions and current fees.

Tourist visas arranged before travel

If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you need a tourist visa before you fly. According to u.ae, you can obtain one through:

  • UAE airlines: Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai, each with its own conditions
  • Hotels: licensed UAE hotels where you hold a reservation
  • Travel agencies: licensed agents in the UAE or in your home country
  • The authorities directly: ICP, or GDRFA for Dubai

u.ae notes that UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas.

Single-entry tourist visa (GDRFA Dubai)

GDRFA’s service page lists a single-entry tourist visa with two options, 30 days or 60 days. The host in the UAE must be an establishment working in tourism. Requirements include a personal photo, a passport copy (passport valid for at least six months) and a ticket to continue your journey or leave the UAE. GDRFA listed the fees on 2 October 2026 as AED 200 for 30 days and AED 300 for 60 days, plus 5% VAT. Airlines, hotels and agencies may add their own charges.

Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa

u.ae describes a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, open to all nationalities, that allows stays of 90 days per visit, which can be extended for a further 90 days. Listed requirements include:

  • A bank balance of USD 4,000 or the equivalent over the last six months
  • Health insurance valid in the UAE
  • A ticket confirming return or onward travel

Transit visas

If you are changing planes in the UAE and want to leave the airport, but you are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, u.ae says you need a transit visa. Key points from the official pages:

  • There are two types: 48 hours and 96 hours.
  • It is single-entry and cannot be extended.
  • It is sponsored by UAE-based airlines and must be approved before you enter the UAE.
  • You can apply through the UAE airline you are flying with, a travel agency or an airport hotel.
  • GDRFA lists the documents as a recent colour photo on a white background, a passport copy valid for at least six months, and a ticket confirming onward travel.

Ask your airline for the total price, as the government fee and the airline’s charges are set separately.

Before you fly: a quick checklist

  1. Check your nationality on the official u.ae visa page, or with the UAE embassy in your country.
  2. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
  3. If you need a visa in advance, apply only through an airline, a licensed hotel, a licensed travel agency or ICP/GDRFA.
  4. If you are in transit and want to leave the airport, arrange a transit visa through your UAE airline before you travel.
  5. Confirm the rules with your airline before departure.

Plan the rest of your trip

FAQ

Do UK citizens need a visa for Dubai?

No advance visa is needed. GOV.UK says British citizens get a free visitor visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days over a 180-day period.

How long must my passport be valid to enter the UAE?

At least six months from the date you enter the UAE, according to u.ae.

Can I get a UAE tourist visa from the UAE embassy in my country?

No. u.ae states that UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. Visas are arranged through UAE airlines, licensed hotels, licensed travel agencies, ICP or GDRFA.

Where can I check whether my nationality gets a visa on arrival?

On the official u.ae page “Check if you need a visa to enter the UAE”, or with the UAE embassy in your country. The list can change, so check close to your travel date.

Do I need a visa to transit through Dubai?

Only if you want to leave the airport and are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. In that case you need a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa, arranged through a UAE airline before you travel.

Can a transit visa be extended?

No. u.ae states that transit visas are single-entry and cannot be extended.

Verified from official sources — last checked 2 October 2026. Details can change; confirm with the operator before you travel.