Whether you need a visa to enter Dubai depends on your nationality. The UAE grants visa-free access or visa on arrival to over 50 nationalities. All other nationalities must apply for a visa before travelling. This guide lists which nationalities need a visa, who gets visa on arrival, and how to apply.
Which Nationalities Do Not Need a Visa for Dubai?
Citizens of the following countries can enter Dubai without a prior visa and receive a free visa on arrival or visa-free stamp valid for 30 to 90 days:
- United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
- All European Union member states
- Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia
- Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico
- Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan
- GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar
Citizens of these countries receive a free 30-day or 90-day stamp on arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or UAE land and sea ports. No pre-approval or fee is required.
Which Nationalities Need a Visa to Enter Dubai?
Citizens of the following countries must apply for a UAE tourist visa before travelling. The visa must be approved before you board your flight:
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal
- Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Egypt
- Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya
- Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar
- Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria
- Most other African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern nationalities
For these nationalities, a Dubai tourist visa is applied for through a DTCM-licensed UAE travel agency or directly via the ICP portal. The visa is issued electronically and sent by email before travel.
How to Apply for a Dubai Tourist Visa
- Submit your passport scan and passport-size photo through a licensed UAE agency
- Provide supporting documents: hotel booking, return flight ticket, bank statement if required
- Pay the visa fee online (AED 400 for 30 days, AED 600 for 60 days)
- Receive your visa by email within 2-3 working days
- Print or download the visa and carry it when travelling
- Present your visa at immigration on arrival in Dubai
Dubai Visa Types and Fees 2026
| Visa Type | Stay Allowed | Fee (AED) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Single Entry | 30 days | AED 400 | 2-3 working days |
| 60-Day Single Entry | 60 days | AED 600 | 2-3 working days |
| 30-Day Express | 30 days | AED 520 | 12-24 hours |
| 60-Day Express | 60 days | AED 850 | 12-24 hours |
| Multiple Entry 30 Days | 30 days per entry | AED 800 | 2-3 working days |
| Multiple Entry 60 Days | 60 days per entry | AED 1,200 | 2-3 working days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indians need a visa to visit Dubai?
Yes. Indian nationals must apply for a Dubai tourist visa before travelling. A 30-day visa costs AED 400 and a 60-day visa costs AED 600. Processing takes 2-3 working days. A bank statement is also required for Indian applications.
Can Pakistanis get visa on arrival in Dubai?
No. Pakistani nationals must apply for a UAE tourist visa before travelling. Visa on arrival is not available for Pakistani passport holders. Apply online through a licensed UAE agency at least 3-5 days before travel.
Do British citizens need a visa for Dubai?
No. UK citizens can enter Dubai without a visa and receive a free 30-day visa on arrival stamp. This can be extended once for an additional 30 days within the UAE.
Do Nigerian nationals need a visa for Dubai?
Yes. Nigerian nationals must apply for a Dubai tourist visa in advance. Both a bank statement and passport scan are required. Processing takes 3-5 working days.
How long before travel should I apply for a Dubai visa?
Apply at least 5-7 days before your travel date for standard processing (2-3 working days). For urgent cases, express processing delivers in 12-24 hours at a higher fee.