This page lists exactly what documents you need for a UAE visa in 2026 — the paperwork immigration actually checks, drawn from UAE's official requirements. Prepare these correctly and you remove the most common cause of delays and refusals.
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 documents checklist
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
For the Tourist visa (30 / 60 / 90 days)
- Passport valid 6+ months with bio-data page
- Passport-size colour photo
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Hotel booking / proof of accommodation
For the Tourist Visa (60 days, single/multiple entry)
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Photo
- Return ticket
- Accommodation proof
Photo and passport specification
Most UAE rejections at the document stage are avoidable: use a recent colour photo with the correct size and background, no glasses or headwear (unless religious), and a passport with at least six months of validity and free pages. Names and dates must match exactly across your form, passport and bookings.
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.
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.
Requirements by UAE visa type
| 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 |
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.
