Tourist visit visa (entry permit for tourism), sponsored by a licensed tourism establishment
The UAE issues entry permits (visit visas) for tourism through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Visitors who need a visa in advance are sponsored by a licensed tourism establishment such as a hotel, tour operator or airline, or by a relative or friend living in the UAE. ICP also lists a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa. GCC citizens and nationals of many other countries do not need a visa in advance and get entry on arrival; some other nationals get visa on arrival if they hold residence permits from listed countries.
1 entry rule for United Arab Emirates based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Visiting United Arab Emirates
Add your passport to your profile, or check it here, to see exactly what you need to visit.
Life in United Arab Emirates
Money
3
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham
AED
United Arab Emirates Dirham
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Living
1
Happiness
#19 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Nationals who cannot enter the UAE visa-free or with visa on arrival and want to visit for tourism or to see family and friends.
Eligibility
Check if you need a visa in advance
- GCC citizens need only a passport or ID card.
- Many other nationalities receive a visit visa on arrival free of charge.
- Check the UAE MOFA 'UAE Entry Requirements' / travel requirements pages or ICP for your nationality before applying.
Visa on arrival with a third-country residence permitVisa on arrival (listed nationals)
Ordinary passport holders of six listed countries with a residence permit from a listed country can get a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival.
Visa on arrival length
From 25 June 2026 (MOFA announcement)- Short stay
- 14 days
- Long stay
- 60 days
- Nationalities: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, South Africa
- Accompanying family is also covered
- Residence permit from US, EU state, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada
- Residence permit must be valid
Official wording
From MOFA's 25 June 2026 announcement, ordinary passport holders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa (and accompanying family) who hold a valid residence permit from the US, an EU state, the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada can get a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival.
Sponsor required for advance visasAdvance visit visa
Tourism visas are issued through tourism establishments authorised to issue visit visas, which must be actively operating. Family and friend visits are sponsored by a UAE resident with an active sponsor file.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPassport valid 6 months
- Document checklistPassport valid at least 6 months
- FeesApplication fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 5 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 12 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in United Arab Emirates
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- ICP, Issuance of a Visa (service code 377-005-001-000)
- ICP, Issuance of a Long-Term Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa – 5 Years
- ICP, Visa Extension
- ICP, Issuance of a 60-day visa for nationals of certain countries residing abroad
- UAE MOFA, UAE grants visa on arrival to nationals of six countries residing outside their home countries (25 June 2026)
- ICP FAQ (tourist visa requirements)
Other routes to United Arab Emirates
- Work permitsWork permit (MOHRE) and residence visa for private sector employees
- Permanent residenceGolden Residence (10-year) – Skilled Professionals category
- Investors & entrepreneursVirtual Work Residence
