Dubai Visa in 2026: Complete Guide to Applications, Documents, Processing Times and Costs

Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Modern architecture, beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, business events and major international exhibitions attract millions of travellers every year.

However, before buying tickets, it is important to understand the entry rules. The phrase “Dubai visa” is often used online, although there is no separate Dubai tourist visa as an independent document. Dubai is one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), so what travellers actually need is a UAE visa or entry permit. The application procedure depends on the traveller’s nationality. Some foreign nationals must obtain a visa in advance, others are eligible for a visa on arrival, while citizens of certain countries may enter without obtaining a visa beforehand. Therefore, the first step before travelling is not filling in an application form, but checking whether your passport qualifies for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

Do you need a visa for Dubai in 2026?

Not all travellers need to obtain a tourist visa in advance. The official UAE list divides foreign nationals by entry regime: some citizens benefit from visa-free entry, others can obtain a visa on arrival, while certain travellers must arrange an electronic or standard visa before travelling. The applicable regime depends on nationality and passport type.

Before travelling, you should therefore check the rules for your specific passport, not simply your country of residence. This is especially important for people who live in one country but hold the passport of another. For example, having a residence permit in an EU country does not automatically grant visa-free entry to the UAE.

When a tourist needs a visa in advance

If the traveller’s nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, a tourist visa must be obtained before the trip. For a standard tourist visit, the most common options allow stays of 30 or 60 days.

Depending on the specific visa type, it may be single-entry or multiple-entry. For a standard single-entry tourist visa through Dubai’s GDRFA system, 30-day and 60-day options are available. Such a visa is arranged by an accredited tourism organisation in Dubai acting as the sponsor or host. There are also special visa categories for certain groups of travellers, business trips, visits to relatives and friends, study, business exploration and other purposes.

Important change in 2026

In June 2026, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) expanded access to special entry visas for citizens of certain countries residing outside the UAE. The list was expanded to include citizens of:

1. Indonesia;
2. Vietnam;
3. Thailand;
4. the Philippines;
5. Kenya;
6. South Africa.

Previously, the relevant rule applied only to Indian citizens. To qualify for such a visa, the applicant and accompanying family members must hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by the United States, an EU member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Depending on the category, a stay of 14 or 60 days is granted. This is a good example of why Dubai entry rules should be checked immediately before travelling: UAE visa policy is updated from time to time.

What types of Dubai visas are available?

The right visa depends on the purpose and duration of the trip. A tourist visa is suitable for holidays, sightseeing and ordinary leisure travel, but it does not grant the right to work in the UAE.

Tourist visa

This is the main option for travellers who need prior permission to enter. In Dubai, tourist visas can be issued for 30 or 60 days. Single-entry and multiple-entry options are available depending on the specific product and conditions. For a standard single-entry tourist visa, GDRFA lists the following basic requirements:

1. a colour photograph;
2. a copy of the passport;
3. the passport must be valid for at least 6 months;
4. a ticket for onward travel or departure from the UAE;
5. valid medical insurance in the UAE.

Multiple-entry tourist visa

If you are planning several trips to Dubai or other emirates, a multiple-entry visa may be worth considering. For a 30-day multiple-entry tourist visa, GDRFA lists a fee of AED 300, while a 60-day visa costs AED 500, plus 5% VAT. The final amount may vary depending on the circumstances of the application and any additional charges.

A multiple-entry visa is more convenient for travellers planning repeated visits to the UAE during the validity period, but it is important to distinguish between the validity period of the visa and the permitted length of stay. This is one of the most common mistakes travellers make.

Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa

For people who frequently visit the UAE, there is a long-term multiple-entry tourist visa valid for 5 years. It allows repeated entry into the country, but the duration of each individual stay is limited. Under the five-year tourist visa, the maximum stay is 90 days per visit and no more than 180 days in total per year.

This category has more substantial financial requirements. The official ICP requirements specify a bank balance of USD 4,000 or the equivalent for the relevant period, as well as medical insurance and a ticket.

Visa for visiting relatives or friends

If the purpose of the trip is not ordinary tourism but visiting a relative or friend in the UAE, there is a separate visa category. Additional documents confirming family or social ties, as well as documents from the host, may be required. Depending on the circumstances, 30-, 60- or 90-day options may be available.

Business and other visa types

The UAE also provides separate permits for:

1. business trips;
2. exploring business opportunities;
3. study and professional training;
4. visiting relatives;
5. medical treatment;
6. transit travel;
7. arranging further residence in the country.

The category should be selected according to the real purpose of the trip. A tourist visa should not be used instead of a work permit or another type of entry document.

What documents are required for a Dubai visa?

The exact list depends on the visa category, nationality and the authority or authorised organisation through which the application is submitted. For a standard tourist visa, it is advisable to prepare the basic set of documents in advance.

1. Passport

The passport must be valid for at least 6 months. This requirement is explicitly stated in the official rules for obtaining a Dubai tourist visa. Before applying, it is worth checking:

1. the passport expiry date;
2. the availability of blank pages;
3. that the passport is not damaged;
4. that the passport details match the information in the application.

If the passport expires only a few months after the planned trip, it is better to arrange a new document first.

2. Photograph

A personal photograph is required for the application. Specific requirements regarding size, background and format may depend on the system used to submit the application.

The photograph should be recent and comply with the requirements of the visa service.

3. Ticket

For a tourist visa, a ticket for onward travel or departure from the UAE may be required. GDRFA explicitly lists this requirement for a standard single-entry tourist visa. In practice, it is also advisable to have confirmation of a return flight.

4. Proof of accommodation

Depending on the application method, you may need:

1. a hotel booking;
2. host details;
3. the address of your accommodation;
4. an invitation or other supporting documents.

If you are staying with relatives or friends, the requirements may differ from those for a standard tourist trip.

5. Medical insurance

For a Dubai tourist visa, you should take into account the requirement for valid medical insurance in the UAE. It is better to arrange insurance before travelling and check the dates of coverage.

6. Additional documents

In some cases, additional information or documents may be required. For example, for citizens of certain countries, GDRFA specifies the need to provide a national identity card together with the passport. The list includes citizens of Iraq, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Therefore, travellers should not rely solely on universal document lists published on tourism websites.

How to apply for a Dubai visa: step-by-step guide

The visa application process is usually fairly straightforward if the documents are prepared in advance.

Step 1. Check whether you need a visa

First, determine the visa regime that applies to your nationality. Check:

1. whether a visa is required in advance;
2. whether a visa on arrival is available;
3. whether visa-free entry applies;
4. how many days you may remain in the UAE;
5. whether single or multiple entries are permitted.

The official UAE government portal publishes a list of countries and their applicable entry regimes.

Step 2. Determine the purpose of your trip

If you are travelling for leisure, choose the tourist category. If the trip is connected with work, study, business negotiations, visiting relatives or another purpose, you should use the relevant category. Choosing the wrong visa type can cause problems after entry.

Step 3. Prepare the documents

Prepare the documents in advance:

1. passport;
2. photograph;
3. ticket;
4. proof of accommodation;
5. medical insurance;
6. additional documents if required for your category.

All details must match. Pay particular attention to the spelling of your first and last name in Latin characters.

Step 4. Submit the application

Depending on the visa type, the application may be submitted through:

1. official digital services;
2. GDRFA Dubai;
3. ICP;
4. accredited tourism organisations;
5. other authorised channels.

For a standard Dubai tourist visa, GDRFA states that accredited tourism offices in the emirate can arrange the visa. This means that not every website offering a “Dubai visa” is an official government service.

Step 5. Pay the fee

The amount depends on the visa type. For example, GDRFA lists the following fees for a single-entry tourist visa:

1. 30 days — AED 200;
2. 60 days — AED 300;
3. plus 5% VAT.

For this specific category, GDRFA indicates that no financial deposit is required. If the applicant is already inside the UAE, additional charges may apply, including an AED 500 fee for processing the application from within the country.

For a multiple-entry tourist visa:

1. 30 days — AED 300;
2. 60 days — AED 500;
3. plus 5% VAT.

These are the official base fees for the relevant services. Applying through an intermediary may cost more because service charges are added to the government fee.

Step 6. Wait for the decision

Once the documents have been reviewed, the entry permit is usually sent electronically. For a standard single-entry tourist visa, GDRFA states an expected service completion time of 48 hours. However, this does not mean that every application is guaranteed to be approved within exactly 48 hours. Processing time may be affected by:

1. the completeness of the documents;
2. the applicant’s nationality;
3. the selected category;
4. the need for additional checks;
5. public holidays;
6. technical circumstances.

Applying for a visa immediately before departure is therefore risky.

How much does a Dubai visa cost?

The cost depends on the category and application method. As a guide, the official GDRFA Dubai fees are:

Some categories are also subject to VAT or service fees. The conditions may differ depending on the authority through which the document is processed.

For this reason, it is not advisable to compare two visa offers based only on the advertised price. Before paying, check whether the quoted amount includes:

1. the government fee;
2. VAT;
3. service charges;
4. travel agency fees;
5. medical insurance;
6. delivery or additional services.

Visa validity and permitted stay are not the same thing

This is a crucial distinction. With any visa, it is necessary to distinguish between the validity period of the document — the period during which the entry permit can be used — and

the permitted period of stay — the number of days the traveller may actually remain in the UAE after entry.

For example, having a multiple-entry visa does not mean that the traveller can live continuously in the country for as long as the visa itself remains valid. Under the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, the limit is no more than 90 days per visit and a maximum of 180 days per year. Before travelling, always check the exact date on which your permitted stay ends.

What happens if you overstay?

You must not remain in the UAE after the permitted period of stay has expired. Official rules for a number of visa categories provide for a fine of AED 50 for each day of overstay. For example, this rule is specified for the special 60-day visa available to citizens of certain countries.

The amount and procedure for calculating fines should be checked for the specific visa category. Travellers should not assume that a few extra days will go unnoticed. If you need to extend your trip, check in advance whether your visa category allows an extension and what conditions apply.

Do you need to book a hotel to get a visa?

This depends on the specific category and application method. For an ordinary tourist trip, proof of accommodation may be required as part of the application. This may be a hotel booking or information about the host.

It is important that the accommodation details reflect the traveller’s actual plans. If you change hotels after receiving the visa, this would not normally mean that the visa is automatically cancelled, but travellers should have up-to-date accommodation documents available in case they are requested.

Can you get a Dubai visa online?

Yes. Many categories of entry documents can be processed through electronic services. GDRFA Dubai provides digital channels for tourist visa applications, while ICP also offers online services for a number of visa categories.

Once approved, the document is sent electronically. The official ICP FAQ states that the visa is sent by email and can be downloaded electronically. At the same time, it is important to distinguish between official online applications and intermediary websites. If a service offers to arrange a visa for significantly more than the official fee, this does not necessarily mean that it provides any additional government service.

Dubai visas for children

Separate rules apply to children depending on their nationality and type of trip. If a child is travelling with their parents, the child’s documents must be processed using their own passport details. It should not be assumed that a parent’s visa automatically covers the child. When preparing documents, check in advance:

1. whether a separate visa document is required;
2. whether a separate photograph is required;
3. whether the child needs their own passport;
4. whether documents proving the family relationship are required;
5. who submits the application on behalf of the minor;
6. whether consent from the second parent is required if the child is travelling with only one parent.

Special exemptions apply to certain visa categories. For example, in some procedures, children of tourists under the age of 18 are exempt from financial deposit requirements.