UAE Tourist Visa

Understanding the Three Durations

30-Day Tourist Visa
The most commonly issued option, ideal for short holidays, business trips, or visiting friends. It is a single-entry visa processed through licensed tourism offices, hotels, or airlines .

60-Day Tourist Visa
A longer window for extended family visits, multi-city business tours, or leisurely exploration. Also single-entry and processed through accredited tourism offices.

90-Day Tourist Visa
The longest standard tourist option, available as both single-entry and multiple-entry. Designed for extended stays, medical treatment, or comprehensive business development.

Who Needs a Pre-Arranged Tourist Visa?

The UAE offers visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival to citizens of approximately 90 countries. If your nationality is not on the exempt list, you must obtain a tourist visa before travelling.

Additionally, the UAE expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility in June 2026 to include nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa holding ordinary passports, provided they also hold a valid residence permit from the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada . Indian nationals holding valid visas or Green Cards from these same countries are also eligible .

Fee Comparison: What You Actually Pay

30-Day Single-Entry

• Government fee: AED 200 plus 5% VAT 

• Total with VAT and fees: approximately AED 230 

60-Day Single-Entry

• Government fee: AED 300 plus 5% VAT

• Total with VAT and fees: approximately AED 340 

90-Day Single-Entry

• Government fee: AED 400 plus 5% VAT

90-Day Multiple-Entry

• Government fee: AED 700 plus 5% VAT

Additional charges may apply, including Knowledge Dirham (AED 10) and Innovation Dirham (AED 10) .

Important Note: If you are already inside the UAE when applying for a tourist visa, an additional AED 500 in-country processing fee applies .

The Photo Requirement That Causes 23% of Rejections

Since May 2026, UAE immigration systems enforce ICAO biometric standards with automated screening. Approximately 23% of all initial visa rejections now stem from photo non-compliance .

Mandatory specifications :

• Face (forehead to chin) occupies 70% to 80% of the photo

• Plain white background, no shadows or patterns

• Natural skin tone—over-exposure or under-exposure triggers rejection

• Professional studio quality strongly recommended; selfies and WhatsApp-compressed images are rejected

Processing time increases from 3-5 days to 7-14 days when photo corrections are required .

Extension Rules by Duration

30-Day Visa: May be extended by decision of the issuing authority for one or more times, not exceeding 120 days in total. Extension fee: AED 600 plus 5% VAT, plus AED 500 if inside the country .

60-Day Visa: Extension policies vary. Standard tourist visas may be extended subject to GDRFA approval.

90-Day Visa: The standard 90-day long-term tourist visa is non-extendable . The 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows 90 days per visit, extendable for another 90 days, with total stay not exceeding 180 days per calendar year .