UAE Immigration

Many people consult this page in order to find information on how to apply for a visa to enter the UAE. The good news is that the UAE authorities have taken many steps to make this process as straightforward as possible. Apart from the fact that citizens of 39 countries (i.e. GCC nationals plus nationals of listed countries) do not require visas prior to arrival at a UAE airport, there are efficient systems in place to facilitate visitors not falling into one of the above categories. If you are coming to work in the UAE you will require a visa that can only be obtained on your behalf by your employer or sponsor.

As noted above, the kind of visa that you require for entry into the UAE depends on several different factors such as your nationality, the purpose of your planned visit and its planned duration.

If you are a national citizen of a GCC country you do not require a visa to visit the UAE. You will simply need to produce your GCC country passport upon arrival at the point of entry into the UAE

The following categories of visitors may receive their visit visa at the airport, upon arrival.

1. AGCC Residents who are not GCC nationals but who have a high professional status such as company managers, business people, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, or employees working in the public sector, their families, drivers and personal staff sponsored by them, are eligible for a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.
2. National citizens of the following countries:

   UK (with the right of abode in UK), France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE. It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE.

If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa and a sponsor for your visit. The sponsor normally applies for the visa on your behalf.

Valid sponsors may be as follows:-

1. Hotels & Tourist Companies can apply, on your behalf, for a Tourist Visa (valid for 30 days); or a Service Visa (valid for 14 days); or a Visit Visa (valid for 30 days and can be extended for other 30 days)
2. Airlines & Airlines Handlers apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour Transit Visa.
3. Other Organizations based in the UAE may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas.
4. Individuals (Relatives or Friends) already resident in the UAE may, subject to guidlines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa.