How much does a UAE visa cost in 2026? This page breaks down the official government fees by visa type, plus the extra charges people forget — service fees, biometrics and courier — so there are no surprises.
UAE visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Visa on arrival (visa-free entry) |
| Government fee | AED 100 (approx), extendable |
| Processing time | On arrival |
| Validity | Issued at UAE airport on arrival |
| Permitted stay | 14 days |
| Where to apply | https://icp.gov.ae |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
UAE visa fees by type
| Visa type | Official fee | Validity | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (visa-free entry) | AED 100 (approx), extendable | Issued at UAE airport on arrival | 14 days |
| Tourist visa (30 / 60 / 90 days) | From AED 250-350 (varies by sponsor/channel) | 60 days from issue to enter | 30 days |
| Tourist Visa (60 days, single/multiple entry) | From AED 650 (single) / higher for multiple entry | 60 days to enter from issue | 60 days |
Extra charges to budget for
- Extension fee if extended for a further 14 days
- Service/processing fees vary by channel; optional express processing
- Channel service fees; extension possible in-country
What HolidaySG charges
HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65 per applicant (usually S$100), on top of the official government fee above. We check eligibility, prepare your documents and track the application — the government fee is always paid to the authority, not to us.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling UAE visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for UAE.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
Before you travel to UAE
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some AED (UAE Dirham)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Official sources
- UAE ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security) — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.
