DUBAI: Check the 2026 UAE Visa rules before you fly. Find out if your country is eligible for a 30-day or 90-day Visa on Arrival, the latest rules for Indian passport holders, and how to apply for a Pre-Arranged E-Visa if your country isn’t on the list.
🟢 Category 1: Visa-Free Entry (GCC Citizens)
Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not require a visa or a sponsor. They simply present their National ID or Passport upon arrival.
- Countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
🔵 Category 2: 90-Day Visa on Arrival
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, your passport will be stamped with a multiple-entry 90-day visit visa valid for 6 months from the date of issue, for a total stay of 90 days.
| Europe | Americas | Others |
| Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland | Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Uruguay, USA | Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Fiji, Georgia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Maldives, Nauru, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Korea |
🟡 Category 3: 30-Day Visa on Arrival
Passport holders from these countries receive a 30-day visit visa (plus a 10-day grace period has been removed in 2025—ensure you leave on time).
- Countries: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican City.
🇮🇳 Special Rule: Indian Passport Holders (2026 Update)
As of February 2025, the UAE has expanded the Visa on Arrival program for Indian nationals. You can now get a 14-day Visa on Arrival (extendable) if you have:
- A valid USA Visa, Green Card, or UK/EU Residency.
- NEW for 2026: A valid residence permit from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, or Singapore.
🔴 Category 4: Pre-Arranged E-Visa Required
If your country is not listed above, you must apply for a visa before you fly. This includes most countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East (Non-GCC).
How to Apply:
- Via Airlines: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia can process your e-visa if you book your flight with them.
- Via Hotels/Agencies: Licensed 4 and 5-star hotels or travel agencies in Dubai can sponsor your visa.
- Types Available: 48-hour transit (Free), 96-hour transit (~AED 50), 30-day tourist, or 60-day tourist.
💡 2026 “Pro-Tips” for All Travelers
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Digital Copies: While most visas are digital (E-Visas), immigration officers at DXB may occasionally ask for a printed copy or a digital reference number.
- Overstay Fines: In 2026, overstay fines have been standardized at AED 50 per day. There is no longer a grace period for tourists.
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