Our visa process is simple, but thorough. You can help it run smoothly by preparing ahead – particularly checking whether you need a visa.
All visitors need a visa to enter the UAE, unless you are from one of these countries, in which case visa is granted on arrival:
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Countries.
Western Europe, North America, Far East and Australasia: Depending on which country you are from you need to check the visa rules on the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigner Affairs website.
Please note: visa rules are subject to change. Please always confirm with your airline, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigner Affairs and/or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Check the cost and procedure for applying for a UAE visa with the
Dubai Department of Naturalisation and Residency or call 800 5111 for details.
If a visa is required, it is best to apply before your arrival in the UAE.
For queries regarding visas at the airport, you visit the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigner Affairs visa
office in Terminal 3 arrivals near Entrance 1. The centre is open 24 hours a day.
A typical short-term tourist visa lasts 30 days from when you enter the UAE. A long-term last 90 days.
The cost of applying for a visa can vary depending on the type and duration of the visa.
If you’re a UAE resident, then remember to bring your Emirates ID next time you’re travelling through DXB – you’ll be able speed through passport control in a matter of seconds, without paying and without registering. This is thanks
to a major upgrade on our Smart Gates, located in Arrivals and Departures across all three terminals at DXB.
More information about Smart Gates
Some visitors may also have to complete an eye scan (retina scan) when they reach passport control.
Check the visa requirements at your final destination. Your airline can advise you. If you don’t have the proper visa documentation, you may be refused travel.