If your nationality is not on the UAE’s visa-on-arrival list, you must apply for a UAE pre-arranged visit visa before you travel — approved and delivered electronically before you board. This guide covers every nationality that needs a pre-arranged UAE visa, the exceptions introduced in 2026, and how to apply in 48 hours.
What Is a UAE Pre-Arranged Visa?
A UAE pre-arranged visa (also called a UAE e-visa or UAE visit visa) is an entry permit applied for online, in advance, through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or a DTCM-licensed agency. It is delivered electronically — no embassy visit at application stage. Processing targets 48 hours through a licensed agency.
Who Does NOT Need a Pre-Arranged UAE Visa?
Approximately 80 nationalities receive visa on arrival or visa-free entry: all EU and EEA countries, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and most Latin American nations. GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain) need no visa at all.
The UAE has expanded its visa-on-arrival programme to include Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa to its visa-on-arrival list — but only for holders of a valid residence permit from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, Singapore or South Korea. Without that qualifying permit, a pre-arranged visa is still required.
Nationalities That Need a Pre-Arranged UAE Visa
Any nationality not on the visa-on-arrival list must apply in advance. Here is the full breakdown by region:
South Asia
- Pakistan — Pre-arranged visa required for all categories. CNIC or NICOP copy is mandatory (GDRFA requirement). Processing: 48 hours through a licensed agency.
- India — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required. India is the UAE’s largest expatriate source community.
- Bangladesh — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Nepal — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Sri Lanka — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Afghanistan — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required; additional documentation may apply.
Southeast Asia
- Philippines — Pre-arranged visa required unless holding a valid qualifying residence permit (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, Singapore or South Korea).
- Indonesia — Pre-arranged visa required unless holding a valid qualifying residence permit.
- Vietnam — Pre-arranged visa required unless holding a valid qualifying residence permit.
- Thailand — Pre-arranged visa required unless holding a valid qualifying residence permit.
- Myanmar — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Cambodia — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
Africa
- Nigeria — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Ghana — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Ethiopia — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Kenya — Pre-arranged visa required unless holding a valid qualifying residence permit.
- South Africa — Pre-arranged visa required unless holding a valid qualifying residence permit.
- Sudan — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Uganda — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Cameroon, Somalia, Libya — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
Middle East and North Africa
- Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
- Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
Central Asia
- Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan — Pre-arranged UAE visit visa required.
Documents Required for a UAE Pre-Arranged Visit Visa
- Passport — minimum six months’ validity from the date of travel
- Passport photo — ICAO standard: white background, no glasses, face fully visible. See: UAE ICAO photo requirements
- National identity document — CNIC or NICOP copy is mandatory for Pakistani nationals (GDRFA requirement); national ID or equivalent for other nationalities
- Bank statement — six months; no official minimum balance is published, but a strong, consistent history improves approval probability. Applicants under 45 should pay particular attention to this document
- Return flight booking and confirmed hotel accommodation for the full stay duration
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Upload documents — passport scan, ICAO photo, national ID, bank statement
- Select visa type — 30-day single entry, 30-day multiple entry, 60-day, or 90-day
- Submit payment — government fees are fixed; licensed agencies charge a service fee
- Receive e-visa — delivered to your email within 48 hours through a licensed agency
- Travel — present the e-visa at the UAE port of entry
Urgent processing (same-day or next-day) is available when needed.
UAE Pre-Arranged Visa for Pakistani Nationals
Pakistani nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visit visa for all travel categories. Applications must be submitted through a DTCM-licensed agency. CNIC or NICOP copy is a mandatory document. For full documentation, fees, and processing guidance specific to Pakistani applicants, see: Dubai Visa from Pakistan — Complete Guide.
UAE Pre-Arranged Visa for Indian Nationals
Indian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visit visa. India is the UAE’s largest source country for both tourists and residents. Multiple entry, 60-day, and 90-day options are available alongside the standard 30-day single entry visa.
UAE Pre-Arranged Visa for Filipino Nationals
Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visit visa unless they hold a valid qualifying residence permit from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, Singapore or South Korea. Without a qualifying permit, a standard pre-arranged UAE visit visa must be obtained before travel.
UAE Pre-Arranged Visa for Nigerian Nationals
Nigerian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visit visa. For full requirements and fees, see: Dubai Visa for Nigerians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does India need a pre-arranged UAE visa?
Yes. Indian nationals must apply for a UAE visit visa before travel. India is not on the visa-on-arrival list.
Does Pakistan need a pre-arranged UAE visa?
Yes. Pakistani nationals must apply through a DTCM-licensed agency before travel. The 30-day tourist visa is the most common option.
How long does a UAE pre-arranged visa take to process?
GDRFA targets 48 hours for standard applications submitted through licensed agencies. Same-day and next-day urgent options are available.
Can Indonesians, Thai and Filipino nationals get UAE visa on arrival?
Only if they hold a valid residence permit from a qualifying country (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, Singapore or South Korea). Without that permit, a pre-arranged UAE visit visa is required before travel.
What is the official UAE visa-on-arrival country list?
The complete official list is maintained by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) on the UAE government portal: gdrfad.gov.ae.
What is the difference between UAE visa on arrival and a pre-arranged visa?
Visa on arrival is issued free of charge at the UAE airport for eligible nationalities. A pre-arranged visa is applied for and approved before travel — it is mandatory for all nationalities not on the visa-on-arrival list.