Travelling to...

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

Looking for Essentials?

Go here!

VISA & Immigration

A visa for the UAE is a permit that allows a foreigner national to enter, live and/or work in the country for a specific period of time.

Do I need a visa?

Whether you need a visa or not fully depends on what passport you have.

You do not need a visa if you are a citizens of the following countries. These countries get a free visa on arrival for up to 30 to 90 days:

  • UK

  • US

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • EU countries

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Qatar

  • Malaysia

  • Kuwait

  • Bahrain

  • Oman

  • South Korea

  • Japan

  • New Zealand

  • Singapore

The 30 day visas are extendable once for 30 more days. The 90 day visa are non-extendable for most EU passports

What if I need a visa?

If you are not from any of the countries listed above, you are required to apply for a tourist visa before arrival, here is a quick breakdown and a quick step by step guide on how you can apply for a tourist visa:

Documents you need:

  • Passport

  • Recent passport sized photos

  • Flight booking (round trips are preferred)

  • Hotel reservation

  • Visa fee

  • Proof of funds (sometimes asked if you have sufficient funds for your stay)

There are a wide range of places you can apply for a tourist visa, here are some example places that allow you to apply for a tourist visa:

  • UAE Airlines (Very smooth, especially if you are already booking your ticket with the airline)

  • UAE hotels (many 3+ star hotels inthe UAE can sponsor your visa if you book your stay directly with them)

  • UAE based Travel Agencies (Can help you with both visa and tour packages, but be aware and only use reputable agencies)

  • UAE Visa Centers (these are official visa handling partners of UAE embassies)

Different ways to apply for a tourism visa

Here are the different companies you can apply through for a tourism visa and a quick step-by-step guide for each one:

    1. Book your flight first

    2. Visit the airlines visa service portal

    3. Fill out the application form

    4. Upload documents mentioned above

    5. Pay the visa fee online

    6. Wait for visa approval by email (typically 3-5 working days)

    1. Email the hotel after booking and ask about the visa assistance

    2. They will ask you to fill out a form and send the documents mentioned above

    3. Hotel applies on your behalf

    4. Visa is emailed to you once approved

    1. Share the documents mentioned above

    2. Agent will fill and submit the application

    3. Pay them the service and visa fee

    4. They will notify you when the visa is ready (usually send by email in a PDF)

    1. Book an appointment

    2. Bring physical copies of documents

    3. Submit the documents at a visa center

    4. You can track your application online, and receive it once accepted (either by email, post or in person)

Housing & Renting

When travelling to the UAE, you will have a lot of accommodation options as a tourist, here are all the accommodations you have access to as a tourist:

Options for stay in the UAE

  • Description text goes here

  • Description text goes here

  • Description text goes here

Transportation

The UAE offers very modern public transport, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but owning or renting a car is very common due to high temperatures, wide roads, and spread out urban areas.

Public Transportation Options

    • Fast, clean and fully automated

    • Two main lines (red and green) cover major areas like Downtown, Marina, Bur Dubai, Airport (DXB) and Expo

    • Operates from 5am to midnight and only 1 am on weekends

    • Women-only carriages are available

    • Extensive networks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

    • Affordable, air conditioned and with clear schedules

    • Often slower due to traffic

    • Covers Dubai Marina, JBR and Media City

    • Connects with metro and Palm Monorail

    • Water Taxis and Abras in Dubai, very scenic and traditional

    • Fares vary from company to company

    • Readily available and metered

    • Both cash and card are accepted

    • Ride hailing services are Careem and Uber

Renting a car in UAE

You can rent a car with your home country license and passport (some rental companies may require you to have an international driving permit) for short stays.

Here are all the documents you could need to rent a car in the UAE:

  • Passport

  • Visa copy

  • Valid driving license (with translation or IDP if it is not in English)

  • Credit card (this is required for a security deposit, they do not accept debit cards)

How to get an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit is an official document that translates your home country drivers license into multiple languages, including Arabic. It is not a standalone license, but must be carried with your original driver’s license.

Most tourists need to apply for an IDP before arriving in the UAE from their home country. Some countries are exempt from doing so. Below is a list provided of the countries that do not need an IDP when going to the UAE:

  • United Kingdom

  • United States

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • European Union (most countries)

  • GCC Countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Kuwait)

If your country is not mentioned on the list above, here are all the documents and a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for an IDP:

Documents needed:

  • Valid Driver’s License from your home country

  • Passport sized photos

  • Completed IDP application form

  • Passport (sometimes required)

  • IDP application fee (varies by country)

Quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for an IDP:

  1. Contact the Official IDP-Issuing Authority in your country

  2. Prepare the documents mentioned above

  3. Submit the application (Apply in person, by mail or online)

  4. Wait for approval (processing time can be same day or within 1 week)