United Arab Emirates visas
Whether you need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay — citizens of certain countries can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, while others arrange a visa in advance. UAE visas and residence are handled by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), with information on the official UAE Government portal (u.ae). This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Important information
UAE visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Tourist & visit visasShort stays in United Arab Emirates — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.3 visas
- Work & employment visasComing to United Arab Emirates to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Student visasStudying in United Arab Emirates — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family & dependant visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in United Arab Emirates — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.2 visas
- Golden Visa & investor routesInvesting, doing business or coming to United Arab Emirates as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.4 visas
- Long-term residenceLiving in United Arab Emirates long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.4 visas
UAE visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to United Arab Emirates?
A visa is required for entry into the United Arab Emirates unless the visitor is from one of the visa-exempt countries or one of the nations whose citizens are eligible for visa on arrival. Citizens of member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council are free to travel across the United Arab Emirates.
A U.S. citizen with a valid passport may obtain a no-fee visitor visa upon arrival for travel of 30 days or less. Stays in excess of 30 days: Visitors with a 30-day visa may request a visa extension, which is subject to immigration officials' discretion.
Entry into the United Arab Emirates
The international travel protocols of the UAE Government and Dubai Government apply to citizens, residents, visitors, and transit passengers. Consult official published guidelines and confirm requirements with your airline or travel provider if you intend to travel to the UAE. Before traveling, we strongly urge all passengers to confirm the latest requirements with their airline. There are no COVID-19 restrictions on travel from Ireland to UAE. There is no requirement to present vaccination or testing certificates for COVID-19 upon arrival. Passengers transiting through UAE will be subject to the entry requirements of their final destination. There is no requirement to present a PCR test certificate during transit unless the final destination country requires it. Always reconfirm with your carrier.
Requirements to apply for a United Arab Emirates Visa
You will need the following:
- A colour passport photograph.
- A copy of your passport in colour.
- A copy of your Emirates flight ticket or your codeshare partner's flight ticket.
- The application for a visa.
Appointment Waiting Times
The waiting time for appointments depends on the availability at the consular representation in your country of residence.
Who Can Visit The United Arab Emirates Without a Visa?
Residents of a GCC nation who are visitors or tourists. GCC nationals who are accompanied by GCC residents. Those with special permission to enter. Individuals who hold a 96-hour special mission permit. If you are transiting the UAE without passing through Immigration, your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months from the date of transit.
What To Do If Your Visa to the United Arab Emirates is Refused?
You should refer to the appeal process on the consular website of the United Arab Emirates.
United Arab Emirates — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa, visa-free or VOA
- Depends on your nationality and purpose of travel
- Authority
- ICP / GDRFA
- Federal ICP, and GDRFA in Dubai
- Official portal
- u.ae
- Tourist and transit visas via airlines, hotels or agents
- Long-term residence
- Green Residence
- Five-year renewable self-sponsored residence (ICP)
UAE visas — people also ask
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, with the UAE Government portal describing a stay of up to 90 days for eligible nationalities. Others arrange a tourist visa in advance. Check the official portal for your nationality.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.