Entry requirements from South Africa

Planning a visit to the United Arab Emirates? Whether you’re heading to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, here’s what South African passport holders need to know before traveling to the UAE in 2025.

COVID-19 Travel Protocols

As of now, travelers from South Africa do not need to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or PCR test result when entering the UAE. Health screening measures have been lifted, but it’s wise to check with your airline prior to departure, especially if you’re transiting through another country.

Passport Rules for Entry

To be allowed into the UAE, your South African passport must:

Must be valid for no less than six months from your date of arrival in the UAE.
Be machine-readable (handwritten passports will be denied entry).

If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you travel to avoid any issues at immigration.

Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for the UAE?

Yes, South African passport holders are required to obtain a UAE visa before departure.

Options to get Dubai visa online.

Apply through a UAE-based airline (like Emirates or Etihad)
Request assistance from a hotel or travel agency in the UAE
Use a visa processing agency like ApplyDubaiVisa.com for a smoother experience
Get sponsorship from a UAE resident or citizen

Available visa options typically include:

Tourist visa for 14, 30, or 60 days
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Transit visa (if stopping over in the UAE)

Apply in advance, as visa processing may take several working days.

Overstaying Your Visa

Exceeding the validity of your UAE visa can lead to:

Daily overstay fines
Travel bans or deportation
Difficulty applying for visas in the future

Always keep track of your visa expiry date, and consider applying for an extension if needed.

Planning to Live or Work in the UAE?

If you’re relocating for employment or joining family:

A UAE residency visa must be arranged through your sponsor (employer or family member).
A medical fitness test is required after arrival.
You’ll also need to register for an Emirates ID card, which is mandatory for all residents.

Tourist visa holders are not permitted to work. Any form of employment without proper authorization is illegal.

Entering the UAE with Israeli Stamps or Visas

Having Israeli stamps in your passport is generally not a problem for tourists visiting the UAE. However, those seeking employment or long-term residency may face additional background checks. When in doubt, consult the UAE Embassy in Pretoria or a trusted visa agency.

Departure Restrictions

Before you leave the UAE, ensure:

You are not under a travel ban due to legal cases, unpaid debts, or family disputes.
You have settled any outstanding fines or obligations, such as traffic penalties or visa overstays.

Otherwise, you may be stopped at immigration.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

South African travelers transiting from countries where yellow fever is endemic must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. This applies even if you’re only passing through such regions en route to the UAE.

Customs Regulations

UAE customs are very strict about what can and cannot be brought into the country:

Banned items include pork, pornographic materials, and certain religious content.
Reading material and media may be inspected and, in some cases, censored.
Declare high-value electronics or luxury items if needed.

Always review the full list of restricted goods before packing.

Traveling with Medication

The UAE has tight controls on prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals. If you’re bringing medicine from South Africa:

You may need prior approval if the medicine is classified as controlled or semi-controlled in the UAE.
Approval must be obtained from the UAE Ministry of Health via an online application.
You can carry up to three months’ supply of approved prescription medicine, or one month’s supply if the drug falls under restricted categories.
Bring a valid doctor’s prescription and ensure medication is in its original packaging.

Skipping the approval process can lead to confiscation or, worse, prosecution.

If you’re only transiting through a UAE airport without entering the country, these medication rules typically don’t apply—but carry your documents just in case.

Importing Firearms or Military Gear

Travelers carrying firearms, ammunition, or tactical gear (even for sporting use) must secure advance clearance from both UAE Customs and the Ministry of Defence. This applies even if you’re only transiting through the country.

Final Tips Before You Travel

Double-check your passport’s validity and visa type.
Print a copy of your UAE Visa, return flight booking and hotel reservation.
Keep emergency contact numbers handy, including the South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi.