Quick answer: To get a Dubai visit visa, first check whether your passport gets visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. If it doesn’t, apply online for an e-visa through GDRFA Dubai, ICP Smart Services, an airline, a hotel or a licensed agent. You need a passport valid for six months, a photo, a return ticket, accommodation details and UAE health insurance. Standard 30- and 60-day visas usually cost roughly AED 250–550 all-in and are typically approved within 1–3 working days.
Last updated: 19 September 2026. Fees, eligibility lists and document rules in the UAE change often. Every figure below is labelled with where it comes from, and you should confirm the final numbers on the official portal before you pay.
Dubai visit visa at a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Who needs a visit visa? | Anyone whose passport does not get visa-free entry or a visa on arrival in the UAE |
| Where do you apply? | GDRFA Dubai, ICP Smart Services, airlines, hotels, or licensed travel agents |
| Typical stay | 30 or 60 days for tourist visas; 30, 60 or 90 days for family and friend visit visas |
| Processing time | Usually 1–3 working days. Some providers quote up to 3–5 working days |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months from your entry date |
| Typical all-in cost | Roughly AED 250–550 for 30–60 days, depending on where you apply |
| Overstay fine | AED 50 per day (widely reported for 2026) |
| Extension | Commonly 30 days, applied for before your visa expires |
On this page
- Who needs a Dubai visit visa?
- Types of Dubai visit visa
- Documents you need
- How to apply, step by step
- How much does a Dubai visit visa cost?
- How long does it take?
- Validity, extension and overstay
- Visa for family or friends (sponsor rules)
- The 5-year multiple-entry visa
- Visiting Dubai for business
- Common mistakes and how to avoid scams
- How to check your visa status
- FAQ
- Official sources
Who needs a Dubai visit visa?
It depends on your passport. There are three situations:
- Visa-free: Citizens of GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman) can enter the UAE without a visa.
- Visa on arrival: Citizens of many countries receive a visa at the airport. EU and EEA passport holders, for example, get a multiple-entry visa on arrival valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. The list of eligible nationalities has expanded over the years, so check the current list on the official UAE portal rather than relying on an old article.
- Pre-arranged visa required: Everyone else must get a visit visa before flying. It has to be sponsored by a UAE-based entity such as an airline, hotel, licensed tourism company or a UAE resident.
One special case: according to the UAE government portal, GCC residents (people who live in a GCC country but hold another passport) and their companions must also apply online and get an e-visa before arriving.
If you are not sure which group you are in, ask your airline before you book, or check the official UAE portal listed in the sources section.
Types of Dubai visit visa
| Visa type | Stay | Entries | Best for | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry) | 30 or 60 days | One | Holidays and short trips | Sponsored by an airline, hotel or licensed tourism company |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) | 30 or 60 days per visit | Several during validity | Repeat short trips | Costs more than single entry |
| Visit visa for relatives or friends | 30, 60 or 90 days | Single or multiple | Visiting family or friends who live in the UAE | Sponsored by a UAE resident who must meet requirements |
| 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa | Up to 90 days per visit, up to 180 days per calendar year | Unlimited for 5 years | Frequent visitors and non-resident investors | Requires proof of a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 over the previous six months. No local sponsor needed |
| Transit visa | 48 or 96 hours | One | Layovers | Commonly arranged through the airline you are flying with |
Dubai-issued visas go through GDRFA Dubai. Visas issued in the other emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain) go through the ICP Smart Services portal. Either way, a UAE visit visa lets you travel across all seven emirates.
Documents you need for a Dubai visit visa
Requirements vary slightly by channel, but you should have all of these ready before you start:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. It should be machine-readable, because handwritten passports are not accepted.
- Passport scans: the data page and, as a recent requirement on most channels, the cover page.
- Recent photo with a plain white background.
- Confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Accommodation proof: a hotel booking, or your host’s address and details if you are staying with family or friends.
- Health insurance valid in the UAE for your whole stay. Many channels now require it.
- Bank statements for longer stays. Some guides report financial proof is requested on 60- and 90-day visas, and it is required for the 5-year visa.
Children need their own visa. Infants and children cannot be added to a parent’s visa.
Make sure the details you type match your passport exactly, including spelling, passport number and date of birth. A mismatch is one of the most common reasons for delays and rejections.
How to apply for a Dubai visit visa, step by step
- Check whether you need a visa. Confirm whether your passport gets visa-free entry or visa on arrival. If you do, you may not need to apply at all.
- Choose the visa type. Pick the stay length and number of entries that match your trip (see the table above).
- Pick your application channel. Compare the options in the table below.
- Fill in the application form. Copy your details exactly from your passport.
- Upload your documents. Use sharp, uncropped scans or photos.
- Pay the fee. Payment is by card online. Check the total on the final screen before confirming.
- Wait for approval. The e-visa arrives by email as a PDF.
- Save and print your visa. Keep a digital copy and a paper copy. Airlines may ask to see it at check-in.
Which application channel should you use?
According to the UAE government portal, you can apply through ICP, GDRFA Dubai, airlines, licensed travel agents or hotels.
| Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Official portals (GDRFA Dubai, ICP Smart Services) | Usually the lowest fee; direct from the authority | You handle the documents yourself; some visa types need a sponsor |
| Airlines (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and others) | Convenient; often bundled with your ticket | May cost more; usually tied to flying with that airline |
| Hotels and tour operators | Good for package trips | Often only available if you book with them |
| Licensed visa agents | They check your documents and help if there is a problem | Service fee on top of the government fee; you must verify they are licensed |
How much does a Dubai visit visa cost?
The price depends on the visa type and where you apply. There are two numbers to keep apart: the government fee and the all-in price you actually pay.
- Government fee (official GDRFA Dubai service pages): for a single-entry family or friend visit visa, AED 200 for 30 days, AED 300 for 60 days and AED 400 for 90 days, plus 5% VAT. For the multiple-entry version, AED 300, AED 500 and AED 700, plus VAT. Sponsored visas also list health insurance and a refundable security deposit. These are the fees as listed at the time of writing, so check the current page.
- All-in price for a tourist visa (2026 guides): roughly AED 250–400 for 30 days and AED 350–550 for 60 days once insurance and service fees are included. Individual providers quote different numbers, for example AED 252 and AED 352 in one guide and AED 335 and AED 535 in another. Longer stays, multiple entry and express processing cost more.
| Visa | Typical all-in price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 30-day tourist visa | AED 250–400 |
| 60-day tourist visa | AED 350–550 |
| Multiple-entry, 90-day or express options | Higher; varies widely by channel |
These are approximate ranges compiled from published 2026 guides, not an official price list. Always confirm the total on the payment screen.
How long does it take to get a Dubai visit visa?
Most e-visas are approved within 24–72 hours, and some providers quote up to 3–5 working days for standard processing. Apply at least 5–7 days before you fly so that a request for a corrected document does not put your trip at risk. Peak seasons such as winter holidays and major events can slow things down.
Dubai visit visa validity, extension and overstay
- Entry window: a tourist e-visa is commonly valid for 60 days from the issue date, which means you must enter the UAE within that window. Your permitted stay starts on the day you actually arrive, not the day the visa was issued.
- Extension: you can extend from inside the UAE through the ICP website or the GDRFA app. Choose the visit visa extension service, upload your passport, current visa copy and accommodation proof, and pay the fee. Extensions are commonly for 30 days. Apply before your visa expires.
- Overstay: the fine is AED 50 per day, and you may face immigration restrictions. Put your expiry date in your phone calendar the day your visa arrives.
Visit visa for family or friends: sponsor rules
If a relative or friend lives in the UAE, they can sponsor your visit. GDRFA Dubai offers single-entry visas of 30, 60 or 90 days for this purpose, and multiple-entry versions as well.
The sponsor must be a UAE resident and meet the income and eligibility requirements published by the authorities. Expect them to provide their Emirates ID and residency details, while you provide your passport and photo. A refundable security deposit and health insurance may also apply. The exact requirements are listed on the GDRFA Dubai service page for family and friend visit visas, so have your sponsor check it before starting.
The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
The 5-year visa suits people who visit the UAE often. It allows unlimited entries over five years. Each visit can last up to 90 days, extendable within a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. You do not need a local sponsor, but you must show a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 for the six months before you apply. Apply through the official portals and check the current eligibility rules first, since they have been updated more than once.
Visiting Dubai for business or to explore the market
A visit visa covers tourism and short business trips such as attending meetings or exhibitions and exploring the market. It does not allow you to work, employ people or operate a business. To trade or hire in the UAE, you need the appropriate trade licence and a residence visa. If you plan to set up a company later, use your visit to meet licensed advisors and visit your target free zone, but do not start operating on a visit visa.
Common mistakes and how to avoid scams
- Applying with a passport that has less than six months of validity left.
- Typing a name or passport number that does not exactly match the passport.
- Uploading a blurry scan or a photo with the wrong background.
- Buying non-refundable flights before the visa is approved.
- Skipping health insurance where it is required.
- Losing track of the expiry date and overstaying.
- Using unofficial websites. Official UAE government services use the u.ae portal or a .gov.ae domain. Agents should be licensed, and you should never pay through personal accounts or unsolicited messaging links. Be cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed approval.
How to check your Dubai visit visa status
Use the GDRFA Dubai website for visas issued in Dubai. Use ICP Smart Services for visas issued in the other emirates such as Sharjah or Ajman. Basic status checks with your passport details are free. Check once more a few days before you travel.
Dubai visit visa FAQ
How do I get a Dubai visit visa?
Check whether your passport needs a visa. If it does, apply online through GDRFA Dubai, ICP Smart Services, an airline, a hotel or a licensed agent. Upload your passport, photo, return ticket, accommodation proof and insurance, pay the fee, and receive the e-visa by email, usually within 1–3 working days.
How much is a Dubai visit visa in 2026?
Government fees on the official GDRFA Dubai pages start at AED 200 for a 30-day visit visa and AED 300 for 60 days, plus 5% VAT. Once insurance and service fees are added, guides quote roughly AED 250–550 all-in for 30- and 60-day visas. Multiple-entry and express options cost more.
How long does it take to get a Dubai visa?
Most approvals take 24–72 hours. Some providers quote up to 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to leave room for corrections.
What documents do I need for a Dubai visit visa?
A passport valid for 6 months, passport data-page and cover-page scans, a recent photo with a white background, a confirmed return ticket, hotel or host accommodation details and UAE-valid health insurance. Longer stays may require bank statements.
Can I get a Dubai visa on arrival?
Citizens of many countries get a visa on arrival, and GCC citizens enter without a visa. Everyone else needs a pre-arranged e-visa. Check the current eligibility list on the official UAE portal, because it changes.
Can I extend my Dubai visit visa?
Yes. You can usually extend by 30 days from inside the UAE through the ICP website or the GDRFA app. Apply before the visa expires and pay the extension fee.
What is the fine for overstaying a Dubai visa?
The fine is AED 50 per day of overstay. You may also face immigration restrictions, so extend or leave before your expiry date.
Can I work or do business on a visit visa?
No. A visit visa allows tourism and short business activities such as meetings and exhibitions. Working or operating a business requires the proper trade licence and residence visa.
Does a Dubai visa work for the other emirates?
Yes. A UAE visit visa lets you travel to all seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.
How can I check my Dubai visa status?
Use the GDRFA Dubai website for Dubai-issued visas or ICP Smart Services for visas issued in other emirates. Enter your passport details. Basic status checks are free.
Can a UAE resident invite a friend or relative?
Yes. A UAE resident who meets the sponsorship requirements can apply for a 30-, 60- or 90-day visit visa through GDRFA Dubai. A refundable deposit and health insurance may apply.
Official sources
Before you pay for anything, confirm current fees, eligibility and document rules on the official sources:
- UAE government portal: Tourist visa
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) Smart Services
This guide is for general information and is not legal or immigration advice. It was compiled from official UAE government pages and published 2026 guides. Rules and fees can change without notice.