Choosing the right UAE visit visa depends on how long you plan to stay, whether you need single or multiple entry, your nationality, and your purpose of travel. In 2026, visitors may have options such as short-term tourist visas, longer-stay visit visas, multiple-entry visas, and the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, subject to eligibility and the issuing authority’s rules.
For a short holiday, a 30-day tourist visa may be sufficient. If you plan to stay longer, visit relatives, attend business meetings, or travel to the UAE several times a year, a different visa category may be more suitable.
Important: Confirm the latest requirements through the relevant UAE government authority before applying.
What Is a UAE Visit Visa?
A UAE visit visa or entry permit allows an eligible foreign national to enter the United Arab Emirates for an approved purpose and remain for the permitted period.
Depending on the category, a visit visa may be used for tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business visits, or other authorised purposes. Some travellers can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, while others must arrange a visa before travelling.
The UAE has different immigration authorities for different emirates. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles relevant federal immigration services, while Dubai visa applications and enquiries are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai).
Official resources:
- UAE Government — Tourist Visa Information
- ICP — Federal Immigration Services
- GDRFA Dubai — Visa Services
Before choosing a visa, check whether your passport qualifies for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. You may not need to apply for a prearranged tourist visa at all.
UAE Visit Visa Types and Fees
UAE visa type | Typical duration or validity | When it may suit you |
30-day single-entry tourist visa | 30-day stay under the selected category | A short holiday or visit |
60-day single-entry tourist visa | 60-day stay under the selected category | A longer visit |
30-day multiple-entry tourist visa | Multiple entries under the selected category | Several visits during a short period |
60-day multiple-entry tourist visa | Multiple entries under the selected category | Repeated visits where eligible |
90-day visit or tourist option | Available under certain categories and issuing services | A longer visit, subject to the selected visa’s conditions |
Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa | Five-year visa validity, subject to conditions on each stay | Frequent visitors who meet the eligibility requirements |
Transit visa | Commonly 48 or 96 hours, depending on the arrangement | Eligible travellers passing through the UAE |
Do not assume that every duration is available to every nationality or through every application channel. A visa’s validity period, permitted stay, and number of entries are separate conditions.
UAE 30-Day Visit Visa
A 30-day visit visa may suit travellers planning a short holiday, visiting family or friends, or making a brief personal visit. Check whether the available option is single-entry or multiple-entry before applying.
UAE 60-Day Visit Visa
A 60-day visit visa may be suitable if you need more time for tourism or a family visit. Confirm the permitted stay, entry conditions, and extension rules for the specific visa category.
UAE 90-Day Visit Visa
Some UAE visit arrangements may allow a stay of up to 90 days, subject to the category and eligibility requirements. Check current availability before applying, as a 90-day option is not necessarily available to every applicant.
UAE Multiple-Entry Visit Visa
A multiple-entry visa may suit travellers who expect to visit the UAE several times within a specified period. Check the visa’s validity, permitted stay per visit, and any limits on total time spent in the country.
UAE Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
The UAE offers a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for eligible applicants. Under the applicable conditions, visitors can stay for up to 90 days per visit, with extensions and annual stay limits governed by the visa rules.
Applicants must meet specific requirements, which may include:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent photograph
- A return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Evidence of sufficient funds, including the financial evidence specified by ICP
Check the latest eligibility criteria, required documents, and financial guarantee conditions on the official ICP five-year tourist visa service page.
UAE Transit Visa
A transit visa may be relevant to eligible travellers passing through the UAE who need to enter the country during a stopover. Common transit arrangements include 48-hour and 96-hour visas, subject to the applicable conditions and issuing arrangements.
If you are travelling to join a vessel or arranging a crew change, confirm the appropriate maritime entry requirements instead of assuming a tourist or transit visa will be suitable.
UAE Visit Visa Prices: What Affects the Total Cost?
The cost of a UAE visit visa depends on the visa category, issuing authority, number of entries, and application channel. There is no single price that applies to every traveller.
Your total cost may include:
- Government application and visa issuance fees
- VAT and other applicable service charges
- Health insurance, where required
- Sponsor, airline, travel agency, or visa-processing fees
- A financial guarantee or deposit, where applicable
For example, GDRFA Dubai’s official tourist visa service lists government fees for specific 30-day and 60-day single-entry tourist visa services.
The five-year multiple-entry tourist visa has a separate fee structure and may require a financial guarantee. Check the official ICP service page for the current breakdown and applicable refund conditions.
Which UAE Visit Visa Should You Choose?
Your travel situation | Option to investigate |
Short holiday in Dubai or Abu Dhabi | Eligible 30-day tourist visa or visa on arrival |
Visiting family for several weeks | Appropriate sponsored visit visa or tourist visa |
Staying for around two months | Eligible 60-day option |
Need a longer visit | An available 90-day category, if eligible |
Frequent trips over several years | Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa, if eligible |
Several short visits during a defined period | An appropriate multiple-entry visa |
Short airport transit | Eligible transit arrangement |
Joining a vessel or crew change | The specific maritime entry or crew-travel arrangement |
Which visa is best for a three-month UAE visit?
If you need to stay for approximately three months, check whether a suitable 90-day visa category is available for your nationality and purpose.
Before choosing, confirm whether the permitted stay is 90 days from entry, whether the visa is single-entry or multiple-entry, and whether an extension is allowed.
Do not buy a shorter visa assuming that it can automatically be extended to cover your entire visit.
Is a five-year UAE tourist visa worth it?
It may be worth considering if you travel to the UAE regularly, meet the financial and documentation requirements, and expect to use the multiple-entry facility over time.
However, the visa’s financial guarantee and other upfront costs may make it unsuitable for someone planning only one short holiday.
UAE Visit Visa Requirements
Commonly requested documents may include:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent personal photograph
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation or a host’s address
- Valid health insurance, where required
- Evidence of sufficient funds, where required
- A residence permit or supporting visa from another country, where relevant
- An invitation or relationship document for certain sponsored visits
Some nationalities may need additional identification or supporting evidence.
How to Apply for a UAE Visit Visa Online
Step 1: Check whether you need a visa
Start with the UAE Government’s visa eligibility guidance.
Some travellers can enter visa-free or receive a visa on arrival. Others need to obtain a visa before travelling.
Step 2: Identify the correct visa category
Choose the category based on your intended stay, entry frequency, and travel purpose.
Check whether you need a tourist visa, a visit visa sponsored by a relative or friend, a multiple-entry visa, or another entry permit.
Step 3: Select the relevant application channel
For visas handled by the federal authority, visit ICP Smart Services.
For Dubai visa services, visit GDRFA Dubai.
Depending on your circumstances, an authorised airline, tourism establishment, hotel, or other eligible sponsor may also arrange an application.
Step 4: Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photograph, travel details, accommodation information, insurance, and any additional documents requested for your selected category.
Check that the documents are legible and that the information matches your application.
Step 5: Complete the application
Enter your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and other required information accurately.
If a sponsor or service provider is submitting the application, ask for the application reference and confirmation of the selected visa category.
Step 6: Pay the applicable fees
Confirm whether the quotation includes government charges, service fees, insurance, VAT, and any refundable deposit.
Keep your payment receipt.
Step 7: Track the application and check the issued visa
Save your application number and reference number. Use the appropriate government service to track the application and verify the visa details after issuance.
Before travelling, confirm your name, passport number, visa validity, permitted stay, and entry conditions.
How to Check UAE Visit Visa Status Online
You can check the status of a UAE visa application or verify the validity of an issued visa through the relevant official authority.
The correct service depends on where the visa was issued. Use the official UAE Government visa-tracking page to find the correct portal:
- Dubai visas: Check through GDRFA Dubai.
- Abu Dhabi and the other emirates: Check through the ICP official website.
Keep your application or reference number available when tracking an application. If you are checking an already-issued visa, the information required will depend on the authority’s verification service.
Can you check UAE visit visa status by passport number?
The available search methods depend on the service.
For some visa-validity enquiries, you may be able to search using passport information, including your passport number, nationality, and passport expiry details. Application tracking may instead require an application number and reference number.
Follow the instructions on the relevant official portal rather than entering passport details on an unverified third-party website.
What if your visa status does not appear?
Check whether you selected the correct authority, whether your details match your application, and whether you have the correct reference information.
If the application was submitted by a sponsor, airline, or travel agency, ask them for the application number and reference number.
A delayed status update does not automatically mean your application has been rejected.
UAE Visit Visa for Indian Citizens
Indian passport holders should first establish whether they need a prearranged visa, qualify for a visa on arrival, or are eligible for a specific visa category.
Eligibility can depend on passport type and additional valid visas or residence permits held by the applicant.
For example, Dubai’s official visa guidance describes a limited visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals holding an ordinary passport and a qualifying, valid US visit visa, US Green Card, or UK or EU residence visa, subject to the stated conditions.
Indian citizens should:
- Check the current rules for their exact passport and residence circumstances.
- Confirm whether a qualifying visa or residence permit is required for any special entry facility.
- Verify the permitted stay and extension conditions.
- Check the fees and documents for the selected visa category.
For a prearranged visa, use the appropriate official application channel or an authorised sponsor or service provider.
Official reference: Dubai visa information.
UAE Visit Visa for Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani passport holders should check the UAE entry requirements that apply to their nationality and travel circumstances before booking their trip.
Applicants should:
- Verify their eligibility through the official UAE guidance.
- Check the current passport and supporting-document requirements.
- Confirm whether additional identification is required for their category.
- Review the visa duration, number of entries, fees, and application process.
- Obtain the application reference if a sponsor or service provider submits the request.
UAE Visit Visa for Filipino Citizens
Filipino travellers should confirm whether they need a prearranged visa or qualify for another entry arrangement under the current rules.
Before applying, confirm the required passport validity, photograph, travel documents, insurance, and any additional supporting evidence requested by the relevant authority.
Filipino citizens living in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, or another GCC country should distinguish between their Philippine nationality and their country of residence. Living in a GCC country does not automatically confer the same entry privileges as holding that country’s passport.
Filipino seafarers travelling to join a vessel or undertake a crew change should also verify the applicable maritime entry requirements instead of automatically selecting a tourist visa.
UAE Visit Visa for GCC Residents
If you live in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, or Oman, check whether your nationality and GCC residence status qualify you for a specific UAE entry permit.
GCC residents who are not GCC citizens should not assume that they have the same visa-free entry rights as GCC nationals.
Your eligibility may depend on your passport, residence permit validity, occupation or other conditions where applicable, and the purpose of travel.
For all GCC residents, the official UAE government guidance and the relevant issuing authority take precedence over general online advice.
Before departure, confirm your eligibility, passport validity, permitted length of stay and current entry conditions through the official UAE Government visa guidance and the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announcement.
Common UAE Visit Visa Application Mistakes
Choosing a visa based only on price
A cheaper visa may not allow the length of stay or number of entries you need. Compare the conditions as well as the cost.
Assuming every nationality has the same entry rules
Visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival eligibility, and prearranged visa requirements differ between nationalities and circumstances.
Confusing visa validity with permitted stay
The date by which you must enter and the period you may remain in the UAE are separate conditions.
Using the wrong authority for a status check
Dubai applications are generally handled through GDRFA Dubai, while the other emirates listed in the government’s guidance use ICP for the relevant federal visa services.
Assuming passport number alone will track every application
Some status services require an application number and reference number, particularly for applications that have not yet been issued.
Ignoring additional charges
Insurance, service fees, VAT, and financial guarantees may affect the total cost.
Treating a tourist visa as permission to work
A tourist or visit visa should not be assumed to authorise employment or every business activity.
Using an unverified agent
Confirm that your provider is legitimate before sending passport copies or paying fees.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How many types of UAE visit visa are there?
There are several visit and tourist entry-permit categories, including short-term single-entry visas, multiple-entry options, longer-stay categories where available, and the five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. Other categories cover specific purposes, such as transit or visits sponsored by eligible relatives or organisations.
How much is a three-month UAE tourist visa?
There is no single price for every 90-day UAE visit or tourist visa. Fees depend on the specific category, issuing authority, and any additional charges. Check whether a 90-day option is available to you and review the official fee schedule before paying.
Can I apply for a UAE visit visa online?
Yes, eligible applicants can access online visa services through ICP or GDRFA Dubai, depending on the emirate and visa category. Some applications must be submitted by an eligible sponsor or authorised service provider.
How can I check my UAE visit visa status online?
Use ICP for the relevant federal visa services or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai applications. Application tracking may require an application number and reference number. Some issued-visa validity services also allow searches using passport details.
Can I check my UAE visit visa status by passport number?
Some official visa-validity services offer searches using passport information. However, not every application-status service supports passport-number-only searches. Follow the instructions on the appropriate official portal.
What documents are required for a UAE visit visa?
Common documents include a passport valid for at least six months, a photograph, travel details, accommodation information, and insurance where required. Additional documents depend on nationality, visa category, and whether a sponsor is involved.
Can Pakistani citizens apply for a UAE visit visa online?
Pakistani citizens should check their current eligibility and the relevant application route through official UAE government services. The application may require a sponsor or additional documents depending on the category and circumstances.
How can Indian citizens apply for a UAE visit visa online?
Indian citizens should first check whether they qualify for visa-free entry, a visa on arrival, or a prearranged visa. If they need a prearranged visa, they can follow the relevant official application route or use an eligible sponsor or authorised provider.
Can Filipino citizens apply for a UAE visit visa?
Filipino citizens should check the visa options applicable to their passport and residence circumstances. The correct application process and supporting documents depend on the category and current rules.
Can South African citizens get a UAE visit visa on arrival?
Eligibility depends on the current entry rules and the traveller’s circumstances. South African passport holders should check the official UAE guidance rather than assume that visa-on-arrival or prearranged visa conditions are identical for all travellers.
Is the UAE five-year multiple-entry tourist visa available to all nationalities?
ICP publishes a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa service with specific financial, insurance, and documentation requirements. Applicants must meet the current conditions and should confirm the applicable rules and fees through the official service page.
Can I extend my UAE visit visa?
Some UAE visit and tourist visas may be extendable, while others have different restrictions. The rules depend on the visa category and the issuing authority. Check the specific visa conditions before relying on an extension.
Is a UAE visit visa the same as a UAE work visa?
No. A visit visa is intended for its authorised purpose and does not automatically permit employment. Anyone planning to work in the UAE should confirm the appropriate work authorisation and residence procedures.
Need Help Understanding Your UAE Visa Options?
Choosing the right UAE visit visa starts with confirming your nationality, travel purpose, intended stay, and eligibility.
Atomiq Consulting provides visa consultancy and processing support for relevant travel and documentation requirements across the GCC. If you need help understanding the application process, visit Maritime Visas to explore our services or contact our team.
Final reminder: Government authorities determine visa eligibility and approval.
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