Getting a UAE tourist visa for Dubai is straightforward for most passport holders. As of June 2026, entry is easier than ever for several more nationalities. Citizens of over 70 countries enter visa-free. Indian nationals with a qualifying residence permit receive a 14-day visa on arrival at AED 100. Six additional nationalities — including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam — joined the visa-on-arrival program in June 2026. Here is the complete guide to which category applies to your passport.
The Quick Answer — Do You Need a Visa to Visit Dubai?
Three groups cover nearly every passport situation. Find yours below.
Group 1 — Enter Visa-Free (No Visa Required)
If your passport is from the USA, the UK, the EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, you can enter Dubai visa-free. Present your passport at the DXB immigration counter and receive a stamp — 30 or 90 days, depending on your nationality — no pre-arranged visa. No fee. No application.
Group 2 — Visa on Arrival With a Qualifying Residence Permit
If your passport is from India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, or South Africa, check Group 2. You may receive a UAE visa on arrival if you also hold a qualifying residence permit. Present your passport and the qualifying permit at the immigration counter. The 14-day VOA costs AED 100. The 60-day VOA costs AED 250.
Nationality alone does not qualify. Both conditions — passport and permit — must be met simultaneously.
Group 3 — Pre-Arranged Visa Required Before Travel
If your passport does not fall into Group 1 or Group 2, you need to arrange a visa in advance. Apply online through the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) or through a UAE-registered sponsor before travel. Standard tourist visa fees start from approximately AED 335 for 30 days. Processing takes three to five working days for standard or 24–48 hours for express.
Peregrine processes UAE tourist visas for all package clients — share your passport details when you book.
Group 1 — Countries That Enter Dubai Visa-Free (70-Plus Nationalities)
Citizens of more than 70 countries receive a free UAE entry stamp on arrival. No application. No fee. No pre-arrangement. Present your passport at the DXB immigration counter.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry — Key Nationalities
The following nationalities are eligible for a free 30-day UAE visa on arrival. Key countries include the USA, the United Kingdom, all EU member states, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong (HKSAR), Brunei, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Seychelles also qualify.
The list above is not complete. The full visa-free country list is maintained at icp.gov.ae. Confirm your passport’s specific entitlement before booking. The immigration officer at the border may grant a shorter stay than the maximum permitted.
90-Day Visa-Free Entry — Select Nationalities
Certain European passport holders receive 90-day rather than 30-day visa-free access under bilateral agreements. The specific 90-day nationalities are confirmed at icp.gov.ae. The list evolves as the UAE negotiates bilateral terms.
GCC Nationals — Free Entry With National ID
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council member states enter the UAE without a visa or a passport. The GCC members are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. A national ID card is sufficient. The UAE itself is a GCC member, and intra-GCC movement is fully integrated.
Group 2 — UAE Visa on Arrival With a Qualifying Residence Permit
Group 2 covers nationalities eligible for a UAE visa on arrival, subject to one condition. They must also hold a valid residence permit from one of nine approved countries. Both the passport and the permit must be presented at immigration.
Indian Nationals — Current VOA Rules
Indian nationals do not need a pre-arranged UAE tourist visa if they hold a valid residence permit from any of the following nine countries:
- United States (including Green Card holders)
- United Kingdom (valid UK residence permit or BRP)
- Any European Union member state
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Singapore
- South Korea
The VOA for Indian nationals grants a 14-day single entry at AED 100. The residence permit must be current and valid at the time of entry into the UAE — not just at the time of booking.
For stays of more than 14 days, or for Indian nationals without a qualifying residence permit, a pre-arranged UAE tourist visa is required. See the Group 3 section below.
Indian travelers — your qualifying permit makes Dubai visa-free. Contact us to confirm eligibility and book your package.
The June 2026 Expansion — Six New Nationalities Now Eligible
On 25 June 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ICP expanded the visa-on-arrival program to include six new nationalities:
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Kenya
- South Africa
These six nationalities follow the same qualifying permit rule as Indian nationals. They must hold a valid residence permit from one of the nine approved countries listed below. Nationality alone does not qualify.
The VOA options for these six nationalities are 14-day (AED 100) or 60-day (AED 250). Accompanying family members of an eligible permit holder are also covered.
Newly eligible after June 2026? Contact Peregrine — we will confirm your qualifying permit and arrange the Dubai package.
Which Residence Permits Qualify?
The nine qualifying countries for conditional VOA nationalities:
| Qualifying Country | Documents Accepted |
|---|---|
| United States | US Green Card, US residence permit (EAD/I-797) |
| United Kingdom | UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) |
| EU member states | Valid EU residence permit from any EU country |
| Australia | Australian Permanent Resident card or residence visa |
| Canada | Canadian Permanent Resident card |
| New Zealand | New Zealand residence permit |
| Japan | Japanese Residence Card (zairyu card) |
| Singapore | Singapore Permanent Resident card |
| South Korea | Korean Alien Registration Card (ARC) |
The permit must be valid at the time of entry into the UAE. An expired permit does not qualify — even by one day. A permit that expires during your intended UAE stay may also be rejected at the officer’s discretion.
The Visa-on-Arrival Fees and Duration Options
For Group 2 nationalities (Indian, Filipino, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Kenyan, South African with qualifying permits):
| VOA Type | Duration | Fee | Extendable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short stay | 14 days | AED 100 | Once, for 14 days, at additional cost |
| Extended stay | 60 days | AED 250 | Not extendable — must leave the UAE when the visa expires |
Confirm current fees at icp.gov.ae before traveling. Fee structures are subject to change.
What “Nationality Alone Is Not Enough” Means
The conditional VOA is often misunderstood. The rule is straightforward: a passport from an eligible nationality AND a qualifying residence permit. Both conditions must be met at the same time.
A Filipino national without any qualifying residence permit still needs a pre-arranged UAE tourist visa. The June 2026 expansion does not change the situation for someone who holds only a Philippine passport. The expansion creates a pathway specifically for diaspora communities from these six countries who live and work in qualifying permit countries.
Do not arrive at DXB expecting VOA eligibility based on nationality alone if you do not hold a qualifying permit. You will be denied entry.
Group 3 — Pre-Arranged UAE Tourist Visa
If your passport is not in Group 1 or Group 2, you need to obtain a UAE tourist visa before travel. Apply through the ICP portal, a UAE-based sponsor, or a licensed travel agency.
Tourist Visa Types and Current Fees
The UAE offers multiple tourist visa categories. All fees below are approximate — confirm at icp.gov.ae before applying, as the ICP updates rates periodically.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (Approximate) | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term tourist visa | 30 days | AED 335 [CONFIRM] | Single |
| Medium-term tourist visa | 60 days | AED 535 [CONFIRM] | Single |
| Long-term tourist visa | 90 days | AED 735 [CONFIRM] | Single |
| 5-year multiple entry | 5 years | AED 2,000–3,000 [CONFIRM] | Multiple (90 days per visit) |
All tourist visas are for tourism only. They cannot be used for work, business activity, or study.
Not eligible for VOA? Peregrine can process your UAE tourist visa as part of your package booking — no separate processing fee for clients.
Documents Required for a UAE Tourist Visa
Applications typically require:
- A passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry
- One recent passport-size photograph
- Completed online application form (via icp.gov.ae or the GDRFA portal)
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds (minimum approximately AED 15,000 — confirm the current requirement at icp.gov.ae)
- Travel insurance policy with minimum AED 135,000 coverage (confirm the current requirement at icp.gov.ae)
- Confirmed return flight booking
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a UAE-based host
Document requirements vary by application channel and nationality. Confirm the specific checklist for your passport at icp.gov.ae before applying. Missing documents are the most common cause of delays.
How to Apply for a UAE Tourist Visa
Three application channels are available.
Online through the ICP (icp.gov.ae) or GDRFA (gdrfad.gov.ae): The official UAE government portals offer the fastest and most direct route. Upload all documents and pay the fee online.
Through a UAE-based sponsor: Hotels, tour operators (including Peregrine), and airlines registered in the UAE can sponsor tourist visa applications. The sponsor submits the application on the traveler’s behalf. Peregrine processes UAE tourist visas for all package clients — share your passport details and travel dates at the time of booking.
Through a travel agency: Licensed travel agencies in your home country can process UAE visas through their UAE-based partners—the agency service charge applies in addition to the visa fee.
Processing Times — Standard and Express
| Processing Type | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | 3–5 working days | The UAE government portal’s standard lane |
| Express processing | 24–48 hours | Available at an additional fee — confirm the current express fee at icp.gov.ae. |
Apply at least two weeks before travel for standard processing. Apply at least one week in advance for express if the standard falls outside your safety window. During high-demand periods such as December, New Year’s Eve, and the Dubai Shopping Festival, apply earlier, as processing volumes increase.
UAE Transit Visa — For Layovers at Dubai Airport
Travelers who need to exit DXB during a layover may apply for a UAE transit visa. Common reasons include visiting a hotel, using a transit facility outside the terminal, or connecting through a different terminal.
| Type | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Short transit visa | 48 hours | Confirm at icp.gov.ae |
| Extended transit visa | 96 hours | Confirm at icp.gov.ae |
Travelers who remain within the international airside transit zone at DXB do not need a transit visa. Contact your airline or the ICP portal to confirm whether your specific layover arrangement requires one.
UAE Visa Rules Everyone Must Know
Passport Validity Requirement
The UAE requires your passport to remain valid for at least six months from the date of entry. If your passport has less than six months remaining when you arrive, you will be refused entry. Airlines commonly enforce the same rule at check-in and may deny boarding.
For travelers using the VOA pathway, the qualifying residence permit must also be valid at the time of entry. An expired permit, even by one day, does not qualify.
One UAE Visa Covers All Seven Emirates
A UAE tourist visa — whether granted on arrival, applied for in advance, or issued as a VOA stamp — covers all seven emirates. There is no separate Dubai visa, Abu Dhabi visa, or Sharjah visa. One entry stamp at DXB covers the entire UAE for the duration of your stay:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
Your entry covers both Dubai and Abu Dhabi — see the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Combined Tour Package.
Overstay Penalties — AED 50 Per Day
Staying in the UAE past your visa expiry triggers an automatic overstay fine of AED 50 per day from day one. The fine accumulates automatically and must be paid before departure or re-entry. [CONFIRM current overstay penalty at icp.gov.ae]
For extended overstays of weeks or months, the consequences can include detention, deportation, and a ban on re-entry to the UAE. The UAE’s biometric border system — fingerprint and iris scan at entry and exit — makes overstays extremely easy for authorities to detect.
Always confirm your visa expiry date at the airport’s immigration e-gate or via the ICP smart app. Depart before expiry.
Extension Options
If you need to stay beyond your initial visa duration, apply for an extension through the ICP portal or a UAE-based visa service provider. Extensions are not guaranteed — they are subject to approval.
Not all visa types are extendable. The 60-day VOA for the six nationalities added in June 2026 is explicitly non-extendable. The 14-day VOA may be extended once. Confirm current extension policies at icp.gov.ae.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Dubai?
It depends on your passport. Citizens of 70-plus countries enter Dubai visa-free on arrival for 30 or 90 days. The list includes the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Indian nationals with a qualifying residence permit from one of nine approved countries receive a 14-day visa on arrival at AED 100. All other passport holders must apply for a tourist visa in advance through icp.gov.ae.
Can Indians Get a UAE Visa on Arrival?
Yes — if they hold a valid residence permit from one of nine qualifying countries. The approved list covers the USA, UK, EU member states, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The 14-day UAE visa on arrival costs AED 100 and is issued at DXB immigration. Indian nationals without a qualifying permit must apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance. Peregrine can process the application for package clients.
Which New Countries Got the UAE Visa-on-Arrival in June 2026?
Six nationalities joined the UAE’s visa-on-arrival program on 25 June 2026: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. Eligibility is conditional. Passport holders must also hold a valid residence permit from one of nine approved countries. The qualifying list covers the USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The 14-day VOA costs AED 100. The 60-day VOA costs AED 250.
How Much Does a UAE Tourist Visa Cost?
For pre-arranged tourist visas: approximately AED 335 for a 30-day single entry, AED 535 for 60 days, and AED 735 for 90 days. Confirm current rates at icp.gov.ae before applying. For VOA-eligible nationalities with a qualifying residence permit: AED 100 for 14 days or AED 250 for 60 days.
Does One UAE Visa Cover Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Yes. A UAE tourist visa covers all seven emirates regardless of how it was issued. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain are all included under one stamp. There is no separate Dubai or Abu Dhabi visa. You enter once at DXB and travel freely between all seven emirates on the same stamp.
What Is the Overstay Fine in Dubai?
The UAE charges AED 50 per day for overstaying a visa beyond its expiry date. The fine starts from the first day and accumulates automatically. Extended overstays can lead to detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban. Always confirm your visa expiry at the airport’s immigration e-gate or through the ICP smart app. Confirm the current fine rate at icp.gov.ae.
How Long Does a UAE Tourist Visa Application Take?
Standard processing via the ICP online portal or through a UAE-based sponsor takes 3 to 5 working days. Express processing delivers results in 24–48 hours at an additional fee. Apply at least two weeks before travel on the standard route, or at least one week before on express. During peak periods like December and the Dubai Shopping Festival, apply earlier.
Is There a Transit Visa for Dubai Airport Layovers?
Yes. Travelers who need to exit DXB into Dubai during a layover can apply for a 48-hour or 96-hour UAE transit visa. Travelers who remain in the airside transit zone without clearing immigration do not need a transit visa. Confirm the current transit visa fees on icp.gov.ae or with your airline.
Peregrine Visa Assistance
Peregrine Treks and Tours processes UAE tourist visas for all package clients as part of pre-departure coordination. Share your passport details, residency permit (if applicable), and travel dates when you contact us to book. We initiate your visa application, confirm your VOA eligibility, and advise on the correct pathway. Peregrine does not charge a separate visa processing fee for package clients.
Contact: sales@peregrinetreks.com | WhatsApp +977 985 105 2413 | www.peregrinetreks.com
Pradip Karki
Peregrine Treks and Tours