United Arab Emirates: Visa on arrival or pre-arranged visit visa (varies by nationality)
UAE entry requirements vary a lot by nationality. Many travellers, including citizens of the US, UK, most EU countries, Canada, Australia and the GCC, get a free visa on arrival or need no visa at all. Everyone else needs a visit visa arranged in advance.
Who needs it
Check your own nationality against the current free-entry list, since it changes. Those not on it need a visit visa, usually arranged through the airline you fly with, your hotel, or Dubai's GDRFA smart-services system.
Key facts
- Dubai's GDRFA also runs a separate visa-on-arrival service for certain visa or residence-permit holders from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea or Singapore, at Dh172.50 for 14 days or Dh422.50 for 60 days.
- A standard tourist visa arranged through a sponsor is commonly quoted around AED 1,500, though this varies by type and processing speed.
- The UAE is a federation; Dubai's GDRFA is one emirate's immigration authority, alongside the federal ICP (Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security authority), so guidance can come from either depending on your entry point.
Watch out for
Because eligibility and fees depend heavily on your nationality and how you book, verify your specific situation with your airline or the GDRFA/ICP directly rather than assuming a flat fee applies to everyone.
Before you pay
Check that the address matches the link above, confirm the amount on the portal, and never pay a site that adds a large service fee. Our guide to spotting fake visa websites explains the warning signs, and the FAQ covers common questions.
This page is a summary for general information and can go out of date, and exemptions depend on your own nationality, so always confirm on the official portal. See our disclaimer.