UAE eVisa Requirements 2026: Documents, Eligibility & How to Apply
Planning to visit UAE in 2026? This guide covers every document you need, who is eligible, and the exact steps to apply for a UAE eVisa / Tourist Visa.
Overview: UAE Visa & Entry Requirements 2026
90 days visa-free for EU, UK, US, Australia and many other nationalities. The eVisa / Tourist Visa system makes UAE highly accessible — apply online at icp.gov.ae.
The official fee is AED 250–350 (~USD 68–95) for non-EU; 90-day visa-free for EU with a standard processing time of 3–5 business days. The permitted stay is up to 90 days (EU visa-free); 30/60 days (eVisa). Entry is Single or multiple entry. Currency in use: AED (UAE Dirham).
Required Documents for UAE eVisa / Tourist Visa 2026
| Document Requirements — UAE | |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity; at least 2 blank pages |
| Passport-size photo | White background, recent, 3.5×4.5 cm |
| Return/onward ticket | Proof of departure from UAE |
| Hotel booking or host NOC | Confirmed accommodation in the UAE |
| Bank statement | 3 months showing sufficient funds for stay |
| Travel insurance | Minimum USD 30,000 medical coverage recommended |
| Payment card | Visa/MasterCard for AED 250–650 fee |
All documents must be originals or certified copies unless stated otherwise. Translations into the official language(s) of UAE or English must be certified by an accredited translator.
Who Is Eligible for a UAE Visa?
Eligibility: Visa-free for 50+ nationalities; eVisa for others.
Special note: 90 days visa-free for EU, UK, US, Australia and many other nationalities.
Children under 18 must travel with a valid passport of their own. Minors travelling without both parents may need a notarised parental consent letter. Always verify current rules at the official UAE immigration authority before travel.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step for UAE in 2026
- Determine if you need a visa — Check the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (icp.gov.ae) to confirm whether your nationality requires a visa. EU, UK, US, and Australian citizens can enter visa-free for 90 days.
- Prepare required documents — Gather a passport valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages, a recent passport photo, confirmed return ticket, hotel booking, 3 months bank statements, and optional travel insurance.
- Submit your application — Apply online at icp.gov.ae, through the UAE embassy in your country, or via Emirates/Etihad airline if you are flying with them.
- Pay the visa fee — Pay AED 250–650 (~USD 68–177) depending on the visa type using Visa or MasterCard. Some agents accept local payment methods.
- Receive and review your visa — Within 3–5 business days you will receive your UAE visa by email. Print it and check all details match your passport before travel.
Apply via the official portal: icp.gov.ae. Avoid third-party agents who charge unnecessary service fees on top of the official government fee.
Complete Visa Categories
| Category | Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Visa on Arrival | 30 days (extendable) | Free | 70+ nationalities including EU, US, UK, Australia — passport stamped at airport |
| Tourist | Tourist Visa (30 days) | 30 days | AED 300 (~USD 82) | Sponsor (hotel, airline, or tour operator), passport copy, photo |
| Tourist | Tourist Visa (90 days) | 90 days | AED 650 (~USD 177) | Sponsor required, passport, photo |
| Tourist | Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (5 years) | 90 days per visit | AED 650 (~USD 177) | Valid passport, photo, proof of financial means |
| Business | Business/Visit Visa | 30-90 days | AED 500-1,000 | UAE company sponsorship, invitation letter |
| Work | Employment Visa | 2-3 years | AED 5,000-10,000 (employer-sponsored) | Employer sponsorship, work permit from MOHRE, medical fitness test, Emirates ID |
| Work | Golden Visa | 10 years | AED 2,800-4,000 | Investors (AED 2M), entrepreneurs, specialized talents, scientists, outstanding students, frontline heroes |
| Work | Green Visa (Self-Sponsored) | 5 years | AED 2,800 | Skilled professionals, freelancers, investors — no employer sponsor needed |
| Work | Freelancer Visa | 1-5 years | AED 7,500-15,000 | Freelance permit from a free zone, professional portfolio |
| Student | Student Visa | 1 year (renewable) | AED 2,500-5,000 | Acceptance from UAE institution, financial proof, medical fitness |
| Family | Family/Dependent Visa | 2-3 years (tied to sponsor) | AED 3,000-5,000 | Sponsor with minimum salary (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation), marriage/birth certificates attested |
| Investor | Investor Visa (Property) | 2-10 years | Varies | Property value AED 750,000+ (2-year) or AED 2M+ (Golden Visa) |
| Retirement | Retirement Visa | 5 years (renewable) | AED 2,800 | Age 55+, property worth AED 1M, savings of AED 1M, or income of AED 20,000/month |
| Transit | Transit Visa | 48-96 hours | Free (via airlines) | Confirmed onward ticket, arranged by airline |
| Diplomatic | Diplomatic / Official | Duration of posting | Free | Diplomatic passport |
Processing Times by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Expedited Processing | Expedited Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | Instant | N/A | N/A |
| Tourist Visa (30/90 days) | 3-5 business days | 24 hours (express) | AED 250 surcharge |
| Employment Visa | 2-4 weeks (work permit + entry permit) | N/A | N/A |
| Golden Visa | 30 days | N/A | N/A |
| Student Visa | 2-4 weeks | N/A | N/A |
| Family Visa | 2-4 weeks | N/A | N/A |
| Retirement Visa | 2-4 weeks | N/A | N/A |
Health & Character Requirements
- Medical fitness test: Required for all residence visa holders (employment, family, student). Includes blood test (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, tuberculosis) and chest X-ray. Conducted at SEHA health centers or approved clinics. Cost: AED 250-500.
- Failing medical: Positive results for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, or active tuberculosis may result in visa denial and deportation (though policies have been relaxed for Hepatitis B in some cases).
- Health insurance: Mandatory for all residents in Dubai (ISAHD) and Abu Dhabi (HAAD). Employer must provide health insurance for employees.
- Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations for entry.
- Police clearance: Not routinely required for visa applications. May be required for certain employment or government positions.
- Emirates ID: Biometric Emirates ID card required for all residents. Includes fingerprints and iris scan. Applied for after entry on residence visa.
Visa Extension & Renewal
- Visa on Arrival (30 days): Extendable for 30 days at a GDRFA office or online. Fee: AED 600-1,000. Can extend twice for a total of 90 days.
- Tourist Visa: Extendable twice (30 days each). Total maximum stay varies by visa type.
- Employment Visa: Renewed by employer through MOHRE. Must maintain valid Emirates ID and medical fitness.
- Golden Visa: Automatically renewable for 10 years as long as qualifying conditions are maintained.
- Grace period: 30-day grace period after visa expiry or cancellation to either leave the UAE or change status.
- Overstay: Fine of AED 50 per day (first 6 months), increasing to AED 100/day thereafter. Maximum fine before legal action.
Visa Refusal & Appeals
- Common refusal reasons: Previous overstay or absconding record, failed medical fitness test, security concerns, incomplete documentation, previous deportation.
- Appeal: No formal public appeal process for tourist visa refusals. Employment visa denials can be challenged through MOHRE. Medical fitness failures may allow re-testing.
- Blacklist: Immigration blacklist can result from absconding from employer, criminal record, or deportation. Removal requires employer or legal intervention.
- Reapplication: For tourist visas, reapply with corrected documentation. Entry bans from overstay or absconding require clearance from GDRFA.
Editorial note: Verified by our immigration team. Last updated: March 2026. Sources: official embassy websites.