Begin with nationality and purpose

GCC citizens do not normally need a UAE entry visa for a short visit. GDRFA Dubai also publishes a list of other nationalities eligible for visa on arrival. Travellers not covered by an arrival route normally need a pre-arranged tourist or visit visa, or the correct sponsor-led permission for work, family, business or residence.

Visa on arrival does not authorise employment or residence. A person moving for work still needs the employer and residence process even if their passport allows them to enter as a visitor.

Current visa-on-arrival checks

The GDRFA list includes eligible passports from countries across Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania. Lists and permitted stay periods can change, and federal or emirate processing details may differ. Confirm passport validity, entry count and stay allowance with the official authority and airline before departure.

Passports should generally have at least six months validity for the tourist and conditional routes discussed here. Carry accommodation, onward travel and evidence of the visit purpose.

The expanded conditional entry route

In June 2026, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security expanded the Entry Visa for Nationals of Certain Countries. The eligible nationality group now covers India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa.

Eligibility is not based on nationality alone. Applicants and accompanying family members must also hold a qualifying valid visa, residence permit or US Green Card under the published conditions. The qualifying countries include the United States, EU member states, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Passport subtype and document validity still matter.

The service includes 14-day and 60-day categories. ICP states that the 14-day stay may be extended once, while the 60-day category is single entry and non-extendable. The correct service must be selected before payment.

When to arrange a visa before travel

Use a pre-arranged route when the passport is not arrival-eligible, the conditional residence evidence does not meet the exact service rules, or the purpose requires sponsorship. GDRFA's tourist service describes 30- and 60-day single-entry options filed through an accredited tourism establishment, with passport, photograph, travel ticket and UAE-valid medical insurance among the published requirements.

A clean preparation checklist

  • Passport valid for the required period.
  • Clear scan and compliant photograph.
  • Qualifying visa, residence permit or Green Card for a conditional route.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • UAE-valid medical insurance where required.
  • Sponsor, host, employer or tourism establishment documents for the selected category.

Official sources

Last checked: 1 September 2026.