United Arab Emirates · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Nationals of many countries enter the UAE visa-free or get a visa on arrival; others apply for a tourist or visit visa before travelling, typically for 30, 60 or 90 days and often extendable. Applications can go through the federal ICP, through GDRFA if you are entering via Dubai, or through an airline, hotel or licensed agent. Visit visas never permit employment.
Nationals of many countries can enter the UAE visa-free or get a visa on arrival; others apply for a tourist/visit visa (typically 30, 60 or 90 days) before travelling — often arranged through an airline, hotel or a licensed agent, or via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) / GDRFA in Dubai. Visit visas do not permit work.
- Many nationalities are visa-free or visa-on-arrival; others apply for a tourist/visit visa before travel.
- Visit visas are typically 30/60/90 days and can often be extended.
- Apply via ICP / GDRFA (Dubai), an airline, hotel or licensed agent.
- Visit visas do not permit employment.
- 1
Check visa-free and visa-on-arrival eligibility
Check your nationality on u.ae. Many travellers need nothing in advance; others must arrange a visa before departure.
- 2
Pick the right application channel
Use the federal ICP, or GDRFA if you enter through Dubai. Airlines, hotels and licensed agents can also sponsor a visit visa — verify any agent is licensed.
- 3
Choose the stay length you actually need
Visit visas commonly come in 30, 60 and 90-day forms. Picking too short and overstaying carries fines, so match the visa to the trip.
- 4
Extend before expiry if you need longer
Visit visas can often be extended, but the request must be made before the current visa expires. Overstay penalties accrue daily.
- 5
Do not use a visit visa to work
Employment in the UAE requires a work permit and residence visa arranged by an employer. A visit visa is not a step towards that.
- Visa-free / visa-on-arrival status checked on u.ae
- Application channel chosen (ICP, GDRFA, airline, hotel or licensed agent)
- Any agent used is verified as licensed
- Stay length matched to the trip (30/60/90 days)
- Extension route understood if plans may change
- Passport valid for the whole intended stay
- No employment planned on a visit visa
- Tourist & visit visas (u.ae)
Official UAE Government portal — visit-visa types.
- Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP)
Official federal immigration authority.
Frequently asked questions
Should I apply through ICP or GDRFA?
ICP is the federal authority covering the UAE; GDRFA handles residency and foreigners' affairs for Dubai. If you are entering through Dubai, GDRFA is the relevant channel. Airlines, hotels and licensed agents can also arrange a visit visa on your behalf.
Can I extend a UAE visit visa?
Visit visas can often be extended, but you must apply before the current visa expires. Overstaying accrues daily fines, so treat the expiry date as firm and plan the extension in advance.
Can a visit visa lead to working in the UAE?
No. Visit visas do not permit employment. Working in the UAE requires a work permit and residence visa arranged by an employer through the proper process.
Government portals
- The UAE Government Portal — Official UAE government portal — services, visas, residency
- Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP) — Entry permits, residence visas, Golden Visa, Emirates ID
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) — VAT and corporate-tax registration and filing
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism — Company registration, business licensing, foreign investment