At a glance
E-visa available
Yes
Visa-free countries
1 listed
Visa-on-arrival
20 listed
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
UAE extended its visa on arrival from 30 to 60 days for 87 nationalities in 2024. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa launched in 2022 and remains available. The 10-year Golden Visa for investors, talented professionals, and outstanding students was expanded in 2023-2024. UAE Green Visa launched 2022 for skilled workers and remote workers.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (60 days) | 60 days, single entry | Free for 87 nationalities | Valid passport | At airport, same-day |
| Tourist Visa (30 days) | 30 days, single or multi-entry | USD 90 single / USD 250 multi | Sponsor letter, passport, photo, application | 3-5 business days |
| 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa | 5 years, max 90 days per visit | USD 250 | Passport, sponsor letter, financial proof (USD 4,000+ bank balance) | 5-10 business days |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | Variable (USD 1,500+) | Investment USD 540K, special talent, or other criteria | 30-60 days |
Visa-free countries (1)
All GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman).
Visa on arrival (20)
United States (60 days), United Kingdom (60 days), Canada (60 days), Australia (60 days), New Zealand (60 days), All EU countries (60 days), Switzerland (60 days), Norway (60 days), Japan (60 days), South Korea (60 days), Singapore (60 days), Malaysia (60 days), Mauritius, Brunei, Hong Kong, Israel, Russia, China, India (60 days), 87 nationalities total.
UAE Visa Overview 2026
The UAE simplified and expanded its tourist visa policy through 2022-2024. The headline change: visa on arrival extended from 30 to 60 days for 87 nationalities in 2024. The Golden Visa for long-term residents (10 years) and Green Visa for skilled workers and freelancers (5 years) launched 2022. The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa remains available.
The 60-Day Visa on Arrival
87 nationalities (US, UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Israel, Russia, China, India, and 70+ others) can enter the UAE for 60 days visa-free on arrival. Free. Available at all UAE airports (Dubai DXB, Abu Dhabi AUH, Sharjah SHJ, Ras al Khaimah RKT) and major land borders.
Show valid passport at immigration; the 60-day stamp is granted automatically. Extendable for 30 additional days at UAE Immigration offices for AED 600 (around USD 165). Multiple consecutive VOA entries within a year are scrutinized; the system flags travelers exhibiting overstay patterns.
5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
Launched 2022. USD 250 for 5 years multiple-entry. Each visit limited to 90 days; maximum total stay of 180 days per year. Apply at any UAE embassy or via the official portal at smart.gov.ae. Requirements: sponsor letter (from a UAE hotel or relative), USD 4,000+ bank balance proof, passport with sufficient validity. Excellent for frequent UAE travelers and those with business or family connections.
Golden Visa (10 Years)
The UAE's flagship long-stay program. Eligible categories:
- Real estate investors: AED 2 million (USD 540K) property purchase
- High-net-worth investors: USD 540K+ in UAE bank deposits or business investment
- Special talent: researchers, artists, scientists, doctors, athletes (no investment required)
- Outstanding students: top university graduates from approved universities
- Humanitarian workers
Cost varies by category, starting around USD 1,500 for application and processing. Allows family sponsorship and is renewable for life. Significantly expanded categories through 2023-2024 to include more professional fields.
Green Visa (5 Years)
Launched 2022 for skilled workers, freelancers, and remote workers. 5-year residency without an employer sponsor. Requirements: bachelor's degree, minimum monthly salary AED 15,000 (around USD 4,100), or freelance/remote work proof with comparable income. USD 415 application. The Green Visa is the relevant option for digital nomads who want longer than the 60-day VOA.
Practical Notes
UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship site is ica.gov.ae. The Dubai smart-gov portal is smart.gov.ae. The Abu Dhabi DHA site is dha.gov.ae. The 60-day VOA at airports is automatic; arrive with valid passport, sufficient remaining validity (6 months minimum), and proof of onward travel if asked. Family travel: each member needs their own visa or VOA stamp; children pay the same fees as adults.
UAE has strict laws on conduct (no public displays of affection beyond couples, no public drunkenness, no recreational drug use of any kind). Visa overstay incurs daily fines of AED 100 (USD 27) per day; long overstays result in bans and detention. The 60-day VOA is generous but firm; plan exit accordingly.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG United Arab Emirates country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.