Overview
Many people visit the UAE before they decide to move: to see the city, meet employers, look at schools or check out a business idea. Whatever the purpose, you enter on a visit visa (also called an entry permit), and the type you need depends on your nationality and on why you are coming.
Do you need a visa before you travel?
There are three situations:
- No visa needed. Citizens of the GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman) enter the UAE without a visa.
- Visa on arrival. Citizens of a number of countries receive a visit visa free of charge at the airport. Depending on the nationality, it allows a stay of up to 30 days or up to 90 days. The list changes from time to time, so check it on the UAE government portal or with your airline before you book.
- Apply before you travel. Everyone else needs a visa issued before departure. Residents of other GCC countries can apply online for an eVisa, if they meet the conditions on profession and residence validity.
Whatever your situation, your passport should normally be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive.
The main visit visa types
| Visa | Who it is for |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa | Short trips for tourism, single or multiple entry, usually for 30 or 60 days |
| Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa | Frequent visitors of any nationality; each stay can last up to 90 days, with conditions on funds and health insurance |
| Visit to a relative or friend | People sponsored by a UAE resident, who must meet an income threshold set by ICP |
| Job exploration visa | People looking for work, without a sponsor in the UAE, for a set number of days |
| Business exploration visa | Investors and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities, with proof of financial capability |
| Medical treatment visa | Patients sponsored by a licensed hospital, sometimes with a companion |
| Transit visa | Short stops between flights |
In September 2025 ICP added further categories, including visas for events, entertainment and cruise tourism. Durations and conditions change, so treat this table as a map and confirm the details with ICP before you apply.
How to apply
You can apply through several channels:
- ICP, the federal authority, on its website and smart app.
- GDRFA Dubai, if you will enter through Dubai or your sponsor is in Dubai.
- Airlines based in the UAE, for their passengers, when conditions are met.
- Licensed hotels and travel agents in the UAE.
Relatives and friends who sponsor you apply on your behalf, usually through ICP or GDRFA.
Documents usually asked for
- A colour copy of your passport, valid for at least six months
- A recent personal photo
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
- Proof of where you will stay: a hotel booking, or your host's tenancy contract
- Health insurance valid in the UAE, for some visa types
- Proof of funds, for some visa types
- For a sponsored visit, the sponsor's passport, residence details and proof of income
Fees and timing
Fees depend on the visa type, its length and the channel you use. ICP and GDRFA publish the current amounts, so check there rather than relying on figures quoted elsewhere. Online applications are often decided within a few working days when the documents are complete.
Common mistakes
Overstaying. Fines are charged for each day you stay after your visa ends. Extend in time or leave before it expires. Working on a visit visa. A visit visa does not allow you to work. Interviews and meetings are fine; starting the job needs a work permit and a residence visa arranged by your employer. Booking flights before checking the rules for your nationality. Check first, then book.
Recommended next step
Check whether your nationality gets a visa on arrival. If it does not, decide what the trip is for (tourism, job search, business or a family visit), then apply for the matching visa through ICP, or GDRFA if you are entering through Dubai.