Quick answer: Most nationalities need a tourist visa arranged in advance to enter Dubai, unless their passport qualifies for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. The main options are a 30-day or 60-day tourist visa, a 5-year multiple-entry visa allowing up to 90 days per visit, and visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for more than 80 eligible nationalities. Core requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent photo, proof of return travel, and hotel or host details. UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. Applications go through licensed agents, UAE airlines, hotels, or the federal ICP portal.
Dubai’s visa system is simpler than it looks once you sort it by nationality and purpose. Some passports need nothing in advance, some qualify for conditional visa on arrival, and others need a visa before departure. Here’s where each fits.
UAE Tourist Visa Types at a Glance
| Visa Type | Stay Duration | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free / visa on arrival | 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality | 80+ eligible nationalities (e.g. UK, USA, EU, Australia) |
| Conditional visa on arrival | 14 days (extendable once) or 60 days | Nationals of India, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya and South Africa holding a valid US, UK, EU or other approved visa/residence |
| 30-day tourist visa | 30 days, extendable | Most other nationalities |
| 60-day tourist visa | 60 days, extendable | Most other nationalities wanting a longer stay |
| 5-year multiple-entry visa | Up to 90 days per visit, extendable once | All nationalities meeting financial and insurance criteria |
| GCC resident entry permit | 30 days, extendable once | Non-GCC nationals living in GCC countries |
Core Requirements Across All Tourist Visa Types
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
- Recent passport-style photo with a white background.
- Proof of return or onward travel, such as a confirmed flight ticket.
- Accommodation details: hotel booking or host’s address and contact.
- Health insurance: mandatory for the 5-year visa and often requested for standard applications.
Who Needs to Apply in Advance
If your passport isn’t on the visa-free or visa-on-arrival list, you must arrange a tourist visa before departure. This applies to most South Asian and many African and Asian nationalities. UAE embassies don’t process tourist visas. Apply through a UAE airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia), a licensed travel or visa agent, a hotel, or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) portal.
Start your Dubai visa application →
How to Apply for a UAE Tourist Visa
- Confirm your category: visa-free, visa on arrival, or advance visa, based on your passport.
- Choose your channel: licensed agent, airline, hotel, or the ICP portal.
- Submit your documents: passport copy, photo, and travel details.
- Pay the visa fee, which varies by visa type and duration.
- Receive your e-visa by email and carry a printed or digital copy.
Get help with your application →
Related Guides
- Dubai visa on arrival countries
- Dubai tourist visa documents checklist
- UAE 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
- 30-day vs 60-day UAE tourist visa
Get Your Dubai Visa Sorted Before You Book
Visa rules shift by nationality and visa type, and getting it wrong can delay a trip. Check your visa requirements or get a free quote. Our consultants respond within 2 hours.
