Do you need a visa for the United Arab Emirates? Find out here!

If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. But don’t worry — we’ll explain how to do it in a simple way at the end of this post!

What do you need to know before traveling?

Before you embark, there are some essential requirements. Check out the essential items to ensure a smooth entry into the UAE:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

• Check visa requirements: Depending on your country of origin, you may be exempt from visa requirements for a specific period.

• Up-to-date documentation: It is important to have proof of accommodation and return ticket on hand.

• Visa application (if necessary): If your country does not have an exemption, you will need a local sponsor to start the process.

Countries that do not require advance visa (by continent)

Below, we list the visa-exempt countries, divided by continent, and the maximum length of stay allowed:

North America

• Stay of up to 30 days:

  • Canada

  • United States

South America

• Stay of up to 90 days in 180 days:

  • Argentina

  • Brazil

  • Chile

  • Colombia

  • Paraguay

  • Peru

  • Uruguay

Europe

• Stay of up to 90 days in 180 days:

  • Germany

  • Austria

  • Belgium

  • Spain

  • France

  • Italy

  • Portugal

  • Switzerland

  • And many other European countries

Asia

• Stay of up to 30 days:

  • Kazakhstan

  • Malaysia

  • Singapore

• Stay of up to 90 days in 180 days:

  • Japan

  • Israel

  • Russia

  • Georgia

  • Ukraine

Oceania

• Stay of up to 30 days:

  • Nauru

• Stay of up to 90 days in 180 days:

  • Fiji

  • New Zealand

Africa

• Stay of up to 90 days in 180 days:

  • Seychelles Islands

  • Mauricio

Central America and the Caribbean

• Stay of up to 90 days in 180 days:

  • Bahamas

  • Barbados

  • Costa Rica

How to apply for a visa for the United Arab Emirates?

If your country is not on the exemption list, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. Here are the steps:

1. Find a sponsor

It is necessary to have a sponsor in the UAE, which can be:

• A licensed hotel or travel agency

• A company located in the UAE

• A local resident (friend or family member)

2. Organize the necessary documentation

• Completed application form

• Color copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Recent passport-sized photo with white background

• Proof of return flight (preferably with Emirates, starting with code “176”)

• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter)

3. Submission and processing time

The sponsor will be responsible for submitting the application to the immigration authorities or through official online platforms.

• The process usually takes 3 to 4 business days.

4. Payment of fees

Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration of visa requested. Additional processing costs may apply.

Find out more about the process on the official Emirates website: emirates.com

Much more about your dream trip!