UAE Tourist Visa: Application, Requirements, and Entry
Get your UAE tourist visa sorted with the right application type, documents, and entry rules. Covers e-visa, visa on arrival eligibility, Dubai and Abu Dhabi entry, fees, and overstay penalties.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry
Citizens of 70+ countries including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea receive a free 30-day visa on arrival stamped at the airport. Some nationalities get 90 days. GCC nationals have unrestricted access. Check the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website for the complete list.
Choose between a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa if you need to apply
The 30-day single-entry visa costs approximately 300 AED (82 USD) and can be extended once for 30 days. The 60-day multiple-entry visa costs approximately 500 AED (136 USD). For nationalities requiring pre-arranged visas, you must apply through a UAE-based sponsor such as a hotel, airline, or travel agency.
Apply for a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa for frequent visits
The 5-year multiple-entry visa allows stays of up to 90 days per visit with 180 days total per year. It costs approximately 650 AED (177 USD). Applicants must show a bank statement with a minimum balance of 15,000 AED (4,085 USD) or equivalent. This visa is available to all nationalities.
Application Process
Apply online through the ICP Smart Services portal
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) portal at smartservices.icp.gov.ae handles tourist visa applications. Create an account with your email and passport details. The form takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Have a digital passport photo and passport scan ready.
Apply through an authorized airline or hotel sponsor
Emirates and Etihad Airways process tourist visas for passengers with confirmed bookings. Many hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi sponsor visas for guests with confirmed reservations. Processing through airline sponsors takes 3-5 business days. Hotel sponsorship typically requires a minimum 2-night booking.
Upload a color passport photo with white background
The photo must be in JPEG or PNG format, minimum 200x200 pixels. White background, no glasses, no head coverings except for religious reasons. The file size should be under 2 MB. Photos taken against a white wall with a smartphone are accepted if the image is clear and evenly lit.
Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. The scan must show all four corners of the page with legible text. PDF or JPEG format, under 5 MB. Ensure the scan is not blurry, cropped, or rotated.
Pay the visa fee and receive approval within 3-5 business days
Payment is processed online via credit or debit card. The standard processing time is 3-5 business days. Express processing is available for approximately 250 AED extra and delivers within 24 hours. The approved visa is emailed as a PDF. Print a copy to carry with your passport.
Entry and Customs
Print your visa approval and carry it through immigration
Immigration officers at Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, and Sharjah airports verify your visa electronically but expect to see the printed copy. Visa-on-arrival travelers proceed directly to the immigration counter. Biometric data including fingerprints and an iris scan are collected at entry for all visitors.
Declare cash above 60,000 AED at customs
Travelers carrying cash or equivalents exceeding 60,000 AED (approximately 16,340 USD) must declare the amount to customs. Failure to declare results in confiscation. The UAE prohibits importing pork products, pornographic material, and certain medications including some common painkillers containing codeine. Check the UAE customs website for the restricted medications list.
Register your SIM card with your passport for local connectivity
Prepaid SIM cards from du and Etisalat cost 55-75 AED for a tourist plan with 5-10 GB of data for 28 days. Purchase at the airport arrival hall or at mall kiosks. Your passport is scanned at the point of sale for mandatory registration. Free Wi-Fi is available at most malls and public areas.
During Your Stay
Respect UAE laws regarding public behavior and dress codes
Public intoxication is illegal and results in fines or arrest. Modest dress is expected in government buildings, malls, and residential areas. Swimwear is acceptable only at beaches and pools. Public displays of affection beyond hand-holding can result in fines. Photography of government buildings, military installations, and people without consent is prohibited.
Track your visa expiry date to avoid overstay penalties
Overstaying a UAE visa incurs a fine of 100 AED per day for the first day, then 200 AED per day after that, plus a 100 AED service fee and 200 AED exit permit fee. After 180 days of overstay, the fine is 50 AED per day. Extended overstays can result in deportation and a travel ban. Set a phone reminder 7 days before your visa expires.
Extend your visa before it expires if you want to stay longer
Tourist visa extensions are processed through the ICP Smart Services portal or through Amer service centers in Dubai. A 30-day extension costs approximately 600 AED. Apply at least 3 business days before your current visa expires. You can extend twice for a maximum total stay of 90 days on a 30-day visa.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Download the ICP UAE app for visa status tracking
The official ICP UAE app shows real-time visa status, remaining days, and extension options. It works with your passport number and application reference. The app sends push notifications before your visa expires. Also download the Dubai Now app for paying fines and accessing government services.
Keep your passport with you at all times
UAE law requires visitors to carry valid identification. A passport or Emirates ID serves this purpose. Hotels may request to hold your passport temporarily for check-in registration but must return it within 24 hours. A color photocopy stored separately serves as backup if the original is lost.
Arrange health insurance before arriving
Travel health insurance is not mandatory for tourist visa holders but strongly recommended. Emergency hospital visits cost 500-3,000 AED for minor issues and significantly more for serious conditions. UAE hospitals require payment or insurance verification before treatment. The country's healthcare is excellent but expensive for uninsured visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for the UAE?
US citizens receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at any UAE airport. No advance application is needed. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. The 30-day stay can be extended once for an additional 30 days for approximately 600 AED.
How much does a UAE tourist visa cost?
Visa-on-arrival is free for 70+ nationalities. For those who need to apply in advance, a 30-day single-entry visa costs approximately 300 AED (82 USD), a 60-day multiple-entry visa costs approximately 500 AED (136 USD), and a 5-year multiple-entry visa costs approximately 650 AED (177 USD). Express processing adds approximately 250 AED.
Can I visit both Dubai and Abu Dhabi on one visa?
A UAE tourist visa covers the entire country including all seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. There is no separate visa requirement for different emirates. You can freely travel between cities during your visa validity period.
What medications are banned in the UAE?
The UAE strictly controls medication imports. Codeine, tramadol, and some ADHD medications containing amphetamines require prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health. Bring your prescription and a letter from your doctor. Apply for approval through the Ministry of Health e-service portal before traveling. Carrying restricted medications without approval can result in arrest and imprisonment.