Planning a trip to UAE? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from UAE's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to UAE need visa on arrival (visa-free entry), with an official government fee of AED 100 (approx), extendable.
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) |
Who needs a visa for UAE?
Visa on arrival (visa-free entry): Indian passport holders holding a valid US visa, UK/EU/Schengen residence or visa, or a UAE-linked eligible entry document
Tourist visa (30 / 60 / 90 days): Indian passport holders (and other nationals requiring pre-entry visa); applied via ICP smart services, GDRFA (Dubai), airlines or hotels as sponsor
Tourist Visa (60 days, single/multiple entry): Indian and other visa-required passport holders wanting a longer stay
UAE visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (visa-free entry) | AED 100 (approx), extendable | 14 days | On arrival | https://icp.gov.ae |
| Tourist visa (30 / 60 / 90 days) | From AED 250-350 (varies by sponsor/channel) | 30 days | Typically 2-5 working days | https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae |
| Tourist Visa (60 days, single/multiple entry) | From AED 650 (single) / higher for multiple entry | 60 days | 2-5 working days | https://icp.gov.ae |
Documents required
For the Visa on arrival (visa-free entry):
- Indian passport valid 6+ months
- Valid US visa / UK-EU residence or visa (min 6 months validity)
- Return ticket
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Visa on arrival (visa-free entry): https://icp.gov.ae — allow On arrival.
- Tourist visa (30 / 60 / 90 days): https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae — allow Typically 2-5 working days.
- Tourist Visa (60 days, single/multiple entry): https://icp.gov.ae — allow 2-5 working days.
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
UAE visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
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.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your UAE application.
- Processing: allow On arrival. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
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.
Good to know
- Verify eligibility on ICP (icp.gov.ae) — lists change often.
- Overstay fines apply per day. Applications go through licensed sponsors, not directly.
UAE visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a UAE visa?
Visa on arrival (visa-free entry): AED 100 (approx), extendable. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
Visa on arrival (visa-free entry): On arrival.
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.
