Pre-Apply Visa
Online application step by step. 30-day AED 300, 90-day AED 650, transit 48hr AED 50 / 96hr AED 100. Processing 3–5 working days.
Which visa to apply for
If your nationality does not get visa on arrival — or you simply want a longer, more flexible stay — the standard route is a pre-arranged tourist visa. The workhorse options are the 30-day single-entry visa (around AED 300 including service charges), the 60-day visa, and the 90-day single or multiple-entry visa (around AED 650 and up). Prices move with the channel you use: airlines and large travel agencies are usually cheapest, hotels add a margin, and express processing adds roughly AED 100–200 on top.
Choose duration with a buffer. A 30-day visa for a 28-day trip leaves no room for a missed flight or a changed plan, and extensions from inside the country cost more than the price difference between visa types. If there is any chance you will stay longer, buy the longer visa at the start.
Where to apply
The easiest channel for most travellers is the airline: Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad and Air Arabia all sponsor tourist visas for their passengers through the booking flow or the manage-booking section. The second option is your hotel — most UAE hotels arrange visas for confirmed guests, typically adding a service fee. The third is a licensed UAE travel agency or visa specialist, which is the best route if you are not flying one of the local carriers.
Direct government portals (ICP for most emirates, GDRFA for Dubai) also accept applications but expect you to navigate document formats and photo specifications yourself. First-timers generally have a smoother experience through an airline or agency sponsor.
Documents and process
- Passport scan with at least six months validity and two blank pages.
- A recent passport-style photograph with a white background.
- Confirmed flight booking and UAE hotel reservation (or host details).
- Application submitted online; approval usually arrives by email in 3–5 working days, faster with express service.
- Print the e-visa or keep it on your phone — airlines check it at departure check-in.
After approval
Your e-visa states an enter-before date, typically 60 days from issue — arrive after it and the visa is void. Once you enter, the stay clock starts: 30, 60 or 90 days from the entry stamp, not from the issue date. Keep a copy of the e-visa accessible throughout the trip; hotels occasionally ask for it at check-in, and you will want the file number handy if you later extend.
❓ Common questions
How long does processing really take?
Three to five working days is standard, excluding UAE public holidays. Apply at least two weeks before departure so a query or rejection still leaves time to reapply.
Can my application be rejected?
Yes, though it is uncommon for genuine tourists with complete documents. Previous overstays, security flags or incomplete scans are the usual causes. Rejections are rarely explained, and fees are generally non-refundable.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes — every traveller including infants needs an individual visa, though children are often exempt from the visa fee itself (service charges still apply).
Single or multiple entry?
Single entry is voided the moment you leave the UAE, including a day trip to Oman. If your itinerary exits and re-enters, pay for multiple entry upfront.
Visa rules change often and depend on nationality. Always confirm entry requirements with UAE authorities or your airline before booking.
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