Official portal
https://icp.gov.ae/Specifics
- 90 days for EU/EEA citizens. 30 days extendable for U.S., UK, Canadian, Australian, Japanese.
- Codeine, tramadol, certain ADHD medications and CBD products require import permits or are illegal.
- Israeli stamps no longer affect entry post-2020 Abraham Accords.
By passport nationality
Headline rule for the nine most-trafficked passport groups. Always confirm on United Arab Emirates’s immigration portal before booking; visa policy changes frequently.
- US passportVisa on arrivalUp to 30 days
- Visa-on-arrival 30 days, extendable once.
- UK passportVisa on arrivalUp to 30 days
- Visa-on-arrival 30 days, extendable once.
- EU passportVisa on arrivalUp to 90 days
- EU/EEA passport-holders visa-on-arrival 90 days within 180.
- CA passportVisa on arrivalUp to 30 days
- Visa-on-arrival 30 days, extendable once.
- AU passportVisa on arrivalUp to 30 days
- Visa-on-arrival 30 days, extendable once.
- IN passporte-Visa requiredUp to 30 days · USD 90-USD 175Pre-arrival: UAE e-Visa
- e-Visa for tourist trips; or VoA for some Indian passport-holders with US/UK/EU visa.
- BR passportVisa on arrivalUp to 90 days
- Visa-on-arrival 90 days for Brazilian passport-holders since 2022.
- JP passportVisa on arrivalUp to 30 days
- Visa-on-arrival 30 days, extendable once.
- CN passportVisa on arrivalUp to 30 days
- Visa-on-arrival 30 days for Chinese passport-holders since 2016.
Practical guidance
For most short-stay tourists
The headline rule for United Arab Emirates is visa-free or visa-on-arrival 30-90 days depending on nationality. US passport-holders specifically get visa on arrival for up to 30 days. See the by-passport block above for your specific nationality.
When to apply
For visa-required nationalities, apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa systems process in 1 to 7 days typically but can stall around major holidays or political events; do not book non-refundable travel against a pending application. United Arab Emirates’s official portal is icp.gov.ae; only apply through that portal or through your nearest United Arab Emirates embassy or consulate. Third-party visa services charge for what the government provides at cost.
Common rejection reasons
Passport with under 6 months validity from intended exit date. Fewer than two blank visa pages. No confirmed onward or return ticket. Travel insurance not naming United Arab Emirates explicitly (Schengen-style coverage minimums apply for many European destinations). Prior visa overstays anywhere, especially in neighbouring countries. Most rejections cite one of these five rather than a substantive concern about the traveller.
Related for United Arab Emirates
More on United Arab Emirates
The UAE is one of the safest large destinations in the world by every general crime measure and operates two of the most advanced tourism infrastructures on the planet (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). The structural risks are regulatory rather than criminal: a substantial list of behaviours that are casual misdemeanours elsewhere but produce arrest, fines, or deportation here (public displays of affection, certain medications, e-cigarettes and CBD products, social-media commentary on government or local sensitivities, dishonoured cheques as a criminal rather than civil matter), the death-penalty drug law, heat in July and August that reaches genuinely dangerous extremes, Ramadan public-conduct norms, and the regional geopolitical context that has occasionally affected aviation since 2024. This guide unpacks the entry mechanics, the regulatory landscape that catches first-time visitors, the seasonal calendar, the healthcare landscape, and the practical contacts that shape an Emirati itinerary.
Frequently asked about United Arab Emirates
Do I need a visa to travel to United Arab Emirates?
The headline rule is: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival 30-90 days depending on nationality. Specific allowance depends on your passport nationality; the by-passport block on this page covers the 9 most-trafficked passports (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, India, Brazil, Japan, China). Always confirm on United Arab Emirates's official immigration portal before booking, visa policy changes frequently.
How long can I stay in United Arab Emirates on a tourist visa?
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival 30-90 days depending on nationality. For per-passport specifics see the block above. Overstaying carries fines and re-entry bans across most jurisdictions.
Can I extend my visa once I'm in United Arab Emirates?
Most countries allow a one-time extension via the local immigration office for an additional 30 to 90 days, processed within 7 to 14 working days. United Arab Emirates's policy varies; the safety guide's Getting In chapter covers it where applicable. Apply at least 2 weeks before your existing visa expires.