VISA AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Travel tips

When planning your vacation to Dubai, it’s essential to check whether a visa is required to enter the UAE, or whether a passport is sufficient without the need for a Dubai-specific visa.

Holders of passports from the Netherlands, Belgium or other Schengen countries do not need a visa to visit Dubai or any other emirate of the United Arab Emirates. On arrival, a free visa, valid for 60 days and renewable once, is stamped in the passport. This visa also allows multiple entries for a total of 90 days over six months. For more information, visit the Emirates website.

1. Verification of visa requirements

For citizens of the EU, USA and many other countries

  • Visa on arrival: Citizens of most European countries, the USA, Canada, Australia and many other countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Dubai. This visa is generally valid for 30 days, and can be extended once for a further 30 days.
  • Documents required: A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. MAKE SURE THAT THE DAY AND MONTH OF YOUR BIRTH ARE SHOWN ON YOUR PASSPORT. This is a new law that has been in force since October 2023, if the day and month are not present on your passport, you won’t be able to return and will be stuck at the airport.

For citizens of other countries

  • Prior visa: Travellers from certain countries must obtain a visa before arriving in the United Arab Emirates. This visa can be applied for online or via the UAE embassy/consulate in your country.
  • Visa types: Tourist, visitor and business visas are the most common. The duration of these visas varies according to the purpose of the trip.

2. Online visa application

  • E-visa: The UAE offers an electronic visa option for visitors from certain countries. Applications can be completed on the official UAE government website or through various authorized travel agencies.
  • Documents required for e-visa: Scanned copy of valid passport, passport-size photo conforming to requirements, return ticket, and proof of hotel reservation or letter of invitation from a UAE resident.

To obtain an e-Visa for Dubai, you must follow a simple and structured online process:

  1. Get the facts: Start by finding out about the different types of visa available, and check whether you need an e-Visa by consulting the dedicated sections on the Action Visas website.
  2. Prepare your file: Gather and scan the required documents, such as a copy of your passport and other personal documents.
  3. Submit your application: Upload your documents and fill in the necessary information via the online form on the Action Visas website.
  4. Pay your fees: Pay your visa fees online via a secure platform.
  5. Receipt of e-Visa: Once your application has been approved, you will receive your e-Visa by email within a few days of placing your order.

Electronic visas for Dubai can be issued for different durations, up to 2 years for certain types of visa, such as work visas. It is valid for 60 days from the date of issue for entry into the United Arab Emirates, and you can choose between a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

For more details on the procedure and to start your application, you can visit the Action Visas website here.

3. Passport

  • Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your planned entry into Dubai.
  • Blank pages: Make sure you have at least one blank page in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

If you are not a national of the Netherlands, Belgium or another EU country, and do not reside in these countries, you should contact the UAE embassy or consulate in your country to check visa requirements for Dubai. This includes the necessary checks for a stopover in Dubai. It is often necessary to go in person to the embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.

For detailed information on visa requirements, contact the UAE embassy or visit their website.

Residents of the countries specified below benefit from a “Visa on arrival” without the need for a prior visa, allowing them to enter the United Arab Emirates on arrival at the airport.

  • Andorra
  • Hong Kong
  • Poland
  • Australia
  • Hungary
  • Portugal
  • Austria
  • Iceland
  • Romania
  • Belgium
  • Ireland
  • San Marino
  • Brunei
  • Italy
  • Singapore
  • Bulgaria
  • Japan
  • Slovakia
  • Canada
  • Latvia
  • Slovenia
  • Croatia
  • Liechtenstein
  • South Korea
  • Cyprus
  • Lithuania
  • Spain
  • Czech Republic
  • Luxembourg
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Malaysia
  • Switzerland
  • Estonia
  • Malta
  • United Kingdom
  • Finland
  • Monaco
  • United States of America
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • Vatican City
  • Germany
  • New Zealand
  • Greece
  • Norway

4. Useful tips

  • Planning: Start your visa application process well in advance of your planned departure date, especially if you need to obtain a visa before arrival.
  • Travel insurance: We recommend taking out travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, cancellations and lost luggage.
  • Respect for local laws: The UAE has strict rules on drugs, alcohol and public behavior. Make sure you know about these laws before you leave.

5. Useful resources

  • Official UAE government website for detailed information on visa types and requirements.
  • UAE consulates or embassies in your country for specific procedures and support.

By following this guide, you’ll be well prepared for your trip to Dubai, ensuring that all legal aspects concerning your entry and stay in the country are covered.

Customs rules

You can find all the information you need about customs regulations here