UAE Tourist Visa 2026 — Everything You Need to Know
Complete guide to UAE tourist visa types, fees, documents, and how to apply online — plus get your personalized Dubai or Abu Dhabi trip plan built by AI in 60 seconds.
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What Is a UAE Tourist Visa?
Entity Definition: UAE Tourist Visa (UAE Visit Visa)
A UAE tourist visa — officially known as a UAE visit visa — is an official entry permit issued by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) that authorizes foreign nationals to enter the United Arab Emirates for tourism, leisure, family visits, or short-term stays.
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. A single UAE tourist visa grants unrestricted travel access across all seven emirates.
Key attributes: Not a work permit. Not valid for employment. Available in 30-day, 60-day, 90-day multiple-entry, and 5-year multiple-entry formats. Fully processable online in 24–72 hours without a local sponsor.
Issuing authorities: ICP (icp.gov.ae) — federal level. GDRFA — Dubai-specific. Authorized channels: DubaiNow app, Amer service centres, VFS Global, Emirates airline, Etihad Airways.
UAE Tourist Visa vs Visit Visa — Semantic Clarification
The terms 'UAE tourist visa' and 'UAE visit visa' refer to the same entry permit category. 'Visit visa' is the official ICP/GDRFA terminology while 'tourist visa' is the popular search term. Both describe a non-employment entry permit for foreign nationals visiting the UAE for leisure, family, or short-term purposes.
Which UAE Authority Issues Tourist Visas?
UAE tourist visas are issued by two primary authorities: the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) — the central federal body — and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) for Dubai-specific applications. Authorized channels include the ICP portal at icp.gov.ae, the DubaiNow app, Amer service centres in Dubai, VFS Global, and UAE airlines including Emirates and Etihad.
UAE Tourist Visa Types & Fees 2026
UAE offers four main tourist visa formats in 2026. All are available 100% online, require no local sponsor, and are processed by ICP or GDRFA.
30-Day Tourist Visa
AED 500
≈ USD 136 per person
- ✓30 days from date of entry
- ✓Single entry only
- ✓Extendable up to 120 days
- ✓Covers all 7 Emirates
- ✓Approved in 24–72 hours
60-Day Tourist Visa
AED 1,000
≈ USD 272 · Best for holidays
- ✓60 days from date of entry
- ✓Single entry only
- ✓Extendable up to 120 days
- ✓Approved in 24–48 hours
- ✓Best for family vacations
90-Day Multi-Entry
AED 1,500
≈ USD 408 · Flexible travel
- ✓90 days per stay
- ✓Multiple re-entries allowed
- ✓Valid 6 months from issue
- ✓No local sponsor required
- ✓Best for frequent visitors
5-Year Multi-Entry
AED 650
≈ USD 177 + USD 4,000 bank balance
- ✓Valid 5 years from issue
- ✓Unlimited entries
- ✓No UAE sponsor needed
- ✓Best for repeat visitors
- ✓Covers business & leisure
UAE Tourist Visa Requirements — Documents Checklist
Incomplete applications are the #1 cause of UAE tourist visa delays and rejections. Prepare all documents before starting your application.
Valid Passport
Minimum 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Full-color scanned copy of all pages. No expired or damaged passports.
Passport-Size Photograph
White background. 35mm × 45mm dimensions. Clear face visibility. No glasses. No non-religious head coverings. Recent (within 6 months).
Confirmed Return Flight Ticket
Must show your full name exactly as in your passport. Confirmed booking (not a reservation). Return or onward ticket. PDF format preferred.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or host invitation letter covering your complete UAE stay. Must include dates and address.
Bank Statement
Last 3 months. Bank-stamped and signed. Shows minimum AED 3,000 balance (recommended). Savings or current account accepted.
Completed Application Form
Via ICP portal (icp.gov.ae), DubaiNow app, or authorized agent. All fields must match passport details exactly.
Additional Documents (Nationality-Dependent)
- Travel Insurance Certificate — Some nationalities required to show coverage for UAE trip duration
- No-Objection Certificate (NOC) — May be required for employed applicants in certain countries
- Sponsor Letter — For family visit visa applicants (different from tourist visa)
- Business Registration — For business visit visa applications
- Invitation Letter — For event, conference, or entertainment visa categories (2026 new categories)
How to Apply for UAE Tourist Visa Online — Step by Step
Full online application takes approximately 20–30 minutes. Approval arrives by email in 24–72 hours. No embassy visit required.
Step 1 — Choose Your UAE Visa Type
Select the right UAE tourist visa based on your travel duration and visit frequency: 30-day visa → Short holiday or first-time visit. 60-day visa → Family vacation, extended holiday. 90-day multiple entry → Frequent regional travel, GCC-based visitors. 5-year multiple entry → Regular repeat visitors, business + leisure travelers.
Step 2 — Prepare Required Documents
Gather passport (6+ month validity), photo (white background), confirmed flight ticket, hotel booking, and 3-month bank statement. Scan all documents clearly in PDF or JPEG format. File sizes should not exceed 2MB each.
Step 3 — Submit Application Online
Apply through one of these official or authorized channels: ICP Federal Portal (icp.gov.ae) recommended for all emirates. GDRFA Portal for Dubai-specific applications. DubaiNow App for mobile-first applications. Amer Service Centre walk-in centres in Dubai. VFS Global for specific nationalities. Emirates / Etihad Airlines airline-sponsored visa on booking.
Step 4 — Pay Visa Fees Securely
Complete payment online via credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Fee range: AED 500 to AED 2,000 depending on visa type. A refundable deposit of AED 1,000 may apply for some nationalities. Keep payment receipt.
Step 5 — Receive e-Visa by Email
UAE tourist e-visa is delivered as a PDF to your registered email within 24–72 hours. Print a copy and save digitally. Present the e-visa (printed or on phone) to UAE immigration on arrival. The visa is valid from the date of entry, not the date of issue.
UAE Tourist Visa Requirements by Nationality
UAE entry requirements depend entirely on passport nationality, not country of residence. A UK citizen living in Bangladesh still enters visa-free.
Note: Visa policies may change. Always verify your specific requirements at the official ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) before booking travel. Information above reflects June 2026 status.
Top Attractions in the UAE
From iconic skyscrapers to vast desert landscapes — the UAE offers world-class experiences across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
Burj Khalifa
World's tallest building at 828 metres. Iconic Dubai landmark with observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. The 'At The Top' experience offers panoramic views of Dubai's skyline, desert, and coast.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques, located in Abu Dhabi. Free entry for visitors with appropriate modest dress (abayas provided). A masterpiece of contemporary Islamic architecture with 82 domes and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.
Palm Jumeirah
The world's largest artificial island, shaped like a palm tree. Home to luxury resorts including Atlantis The Palm, the Palm Monorail, and stunning beach clubs. A must-visit Dubai engineering marvel.
Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest shopping malls by total area. Houses the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Fountain, over 1,200 retail outlets, an Olympic-size ice rink, and connects directly to Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Desert Safari
Classic UAE experience featuring 4x4 dune bashing, camel rides, falconry demonstrations, henna art, traditional dance, and Arabian dinner under the stars. Multiple operators run from late afternoon to evening tours.
UAE Tourist Visa — Frequently Asked Questions 2026
These 10 FAQ answers are self-contained, factually dense, and structured for Featured Snippet and AI Overview extraction.
A UAE tourist visa (officially: UAE visit visa) is an entry permit issued by the UAE ICP or GDRFA that allows foreign nationals to stay in the UAE for tourism or leisure. Available in 30-day, 60-day, 90-day multiple entry, and 5-year multiple entry formats. It covers all 7 Emirates. It is not a work permit and does not allow employment of any kind.
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