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Guide

UAE Tourist Visa: Requirements, Cost & Processing Time

The United Arab Emirates issues a straightforward electronic tourist visa that covers Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the country. Here is exactly what you need, what it costs and how long it takes.

28 July 2026Updated 14 August 20262 min readBy VisitsVisa Editorial Team

Who needs a UAE tourist visa?

Nationals of the GCC do not need a visa, and a number of countries receive a free visa on arrival. Everyone else needs to arrange an electronic visa before travelling. Because the rules depend on your nationality, always confirm your exact requirement on our UAE visa page before you book flights.

Documents you need

The UAE tourist visa is a passport-based eVisa, so the document list is short and everything is submitted online:

  • A passport valid for at least six months from your date of arrival
  • A clear colour scan of the passport bio-data page
  • A recent passport-style photograph
  • Your travel and contact details

Cost and validity

The UAE offers several tourist visa options — most commonly 30-day and 60-day visas, available as single or multiple entry. The right one depends on how long you plan to stay and whether you will leave and re-enter. See the current fee for each option on the UAE visa page, where pricing is always kept up to date.

Processing time

Most UAE eVisa applications are approved within a few business days, and an express option is available when you are travelling sooner. Apply at least a week before departure where possible so there is a comfortable buffer before your flight.

How to apply online

Applying takes a few minutes: choose your visa type, enter your details, upload your passport and photo, and pay. Our team checks your documents before submission so avoidable rejections are caught early, and you can track the status the whole way through.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dubai visa the same as the UAE visa?
Yes. Dubai is one of the seven emirates, and a UAE tourist visa is valid for Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi and the rest of the country. There is no separate "Dubai-only" tourist visa.
How long can I stay on a UAE tourist visa?
The common options are 30-day and 60-day visas, each available as single or multiple entry. Some can be extended from inside the country. Choose the duration that matches your trip when you apply.
How early should I apply?
Apply at least a week before departure for standard processing. If you are short on time, an express option is available on the UAE visa page.

Ready to apply?

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