How to Get a UAE Visit Visa — Step by Step (2026) — VisitPlane Visa Blog

✈️

VisitPlane Visa Team

Verified by Official Embassy Sources

Updated May 202610 min readEmbassy-verified

UAE Visit Visa Overview

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most visited destinations in the world, drawing over 17 million international tourists annually to Dubai and Abu Dhabi alone. For most South Asian, African, and Southeast Asian passport holders, visiting the UAE requires a visit visa obtained either through an airline, hotel, or sponsor, or via the UAE's online eVisa portal.

The good news: the UAE has one of the most straightforward visa systems in the region. Processing is fast (24–72 hours in many cases), fees are reasonable, and the online application system is well-designed. This guide walks you through every step.

Who Needs a UAE Visit Visa?

Citizens of 49 countries get visa-free entry to the UAE — including the US, UK, EU countries, Australia, and several GCC states. If you hold one of these passports, you receive a free entry stamp on arrival.

If you hold a passport from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, or most other countries, you need to apply for a visit visa before or on arrival. Check your specific requirements:

Types of UAE Visit Visas

| Visa Type | Duration | Extendable? | Best For | |-----------|---------|-------------|----------| | 96-Hour Transit Visa | 4 days | No | Stopover travelers | | 30-Day Tourist Visa | 30 days | Yes (+30 days) | Short holidays | | 60-Day Tourist Visa | 60 days | Yes (+60 days) | Extended trips | | 90-Day Multi-Entry Visa | 90 days total | No | Frequent visitors | | 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa | Per visit limit | — | Repeat travelers | | Family/Friend Visit Visa | 30 or 90 days | Varies | Sponsored by UAE resident |

The 30-day single-entry tourist visa is the most common choice for first-time visitors.

How to Apply for a UAE Visit Visa in 2026

There are four main ways to apply:

Method 1: UAE ICP eVisa Portal (Official — Recommended)

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) runs the official eVisa portal at icp.gov.ae. This is the most direct route.

Method 2: Emirates or Flydubai (When Flying with Them)

If you're flying Emirates or Flydubai, you can apply for a visa through the airline at time of booking. Emirates visa services are reliable and well-integrated with flight bookings.

Method 3: UAE-Registered Hotel Sponsor

Hotels registered with the Department of Tourism can sponsor visas for their guests. The hotel applies on your behalf and you receive the visa electronically.

Method 4: Sponsored by a UAE Resident

If you have family or friends living in the UAE on a valid residency visa, they can sponsor a visit visa for you through the ICP portal.

Step-by-Step: Applying via the ICP Portal

Step 1: Go to icp.gov.ae Navigate to "Visa Services" → "Tourist Visa." You'll need to create an account.

Step 2: Select visa type Choose your visa type (30-day, 60-day, or multi-entry) and confirm the fee.

Step 3: Fill in the application Complete the online form with your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Any mismatch will cause delays.

Step 4: Upload documents Upload the required documents (see checklist below). All files must be clear, legible scans.

Step 5: Pay the fee Pay online using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable.

Step 6: Receive your visa Most eVisas are issued within 24–72 hours by email. Some applications require manual review and may take 5–7 business days.

Step 7: Print and travel Print your visa or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airport check-in counter.

Required Documents

📍 Your destination awaits

For Individual Tourist Visa (ICP Portal)

✅ Clear scan of your passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates)
✅ Passport-size photograph — white background, recent, good quality
✅ Return flight ticket (or onward travel itinerary)
✅ Hotel booking confirmation
✅ Travel health insurance (recommended, may be required for some nationalities)
✅ Bank statement showing sufficient funds

Additional Documents for Sponsored Visa

✅ Sponsor's Emirates ID (front and back)
✅ Sponsor's UAE residence visa copy
✅ Relationship proof (for family visits)
✅ Sponsor's bank statement (showing ability to support your stay)

UAE Visit Visa Fees in 2026

| Visa Type | Fee (Approx.) | |-----------|--------------| | 30-Day Tourist Visa | AED 350 (~$95 / ~PKR 26,500) | | 60-Day Tourist Visa | AED 650 (~$177 / ~PKR 49,000) | | 96-Hour Transit Visa | AED 50 (~$14) | | 5-Year Multi-Entry | AED 650 (~$177) |

Service charges apply when using third-party services (airlines, typing centres). Always apply directly through the ICP portal when possible to avoid inflated fees.

Processing Time

| Method | Typical Processing | |--------|--------------------| | ICP eVisa | 24–72 hours | | Emirates airline | 3–5 business days | | Hotel sponsor | 2–4 business days | | Manual review cases | 5–10 business days |

Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for any delays or document requests.

UAE Visa Extension

You can extend a UAE tourist visa without leaving the country:

30-day visa → extend for an additional 30 days (fee: AED 600)
60-day visa → extend for an additional 60 days (fee: AED 600)

Apply for extension through the ICP portal or at an Amer Centre in Dubai at least 2 weeks before your current visa expires.

What to Expect at Dubai Airport

UAE immigration is generally efficient. On arrival:

Proceed to the immigration hall and join the correct queue (e-Gate if you have a compatible biometric passport, or staffed counter)
Scan your passport — the officer will see your pre-approved visa
Biometrics (fingerprints) are taken at your first UAE entry
Stamp received — your UAE visit has officially begun

If arriving on a visa on arrival arrangement (check if your nationality qualifies), you'll be stamped through without prior application.

Tips for a Smooth UAE Visit Visa Approval

1. Apply online, not through third parties Typing centres charge AED 100–300 in extra fees and sometimes submit incorrect details. The ICP portal is straightforward — do it yourself.

2. Book flexible accommodation first You need a hotel booking to apply. Use flexible/refundable bookings until your visa clears.

3. Ensure your passport photo meets specs Blurry or non-compliant photos are the #1 cause of application delays. Use a white background, recent photo, no glasses.

4. Don't overstay Overstaying a UAE visa carries a fine of AED 50 per day plus AED 500 administrative fee. Repeat violations result in travel bans.

5. Get a SIM or eSIM on arrival UAE carriers (Etisalat/e&, du) offer prepaid SIMs at the airport. Or get an eSIM before you fly — Airalo offers UAE data plans from $5.

Related Visa Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does UAE visit visa take to process?

Most UAE visit visas issued through the ICP eVisa portal are processed within 24–72 hours. If your application is sent for manual review (which can happen for first-time applicants or certain nationalities), expect 5–10 business days. Always apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.

Can I get a UAE visa on arrival?

Citizens of 49 countries — including the US, UK, EU member states, Australia, Japan, and several others — receive a visa on arrival or visa-free entry to the UAE. Most South Asian, African, and Southeast Asian passport holders must apply in advance. Check the UAE visa requirements for your passport to confirm.

What is the maximum stay in the UAE on a tourist visa?

A 30-day tourist visa allows up to 30 days per entry and can be extended once for another 30 days, giving a maximum 60-day stay. A 60-day visa can be extended for another 60 days. The multi-entry visa allows multiple visits up to the total validity period.

Can I work in the UAE on a tourist visa?

No. Working in the UAE without a valid work permit is illegal and can result in deportation and a travel ban. Tourist and visit visas are for leisure or family visits only. If you intend to work, your employer must sponsor a UAE work and residency visa.

How much money do I need to show for a UAE visit visa?

There is no fixed official amount stated by the UAE government for tourist visa applications. As a practical guide, having at least $1,500–$3,000 equivalent in your bank account is advisable. Sponsored visas where a UAE resident is supporting you have different financial requirements.

What happens if I overstay my UAE visit visa?

Overstaying a UAE visa incurs a fine of AED 50 per day plus a one-time penalty of AED 500. Prolonged overstays can result in detention, deportation, and a UAE entry ban lasting 1 year or more. Always extend your visa or depart before expiry.

🛫

Check UAE Visit Visa Requirements

Get instant visa requirements, fees, and processing times — completely free.

Check Visa Requirements →

📋 Check Visa Requirements

Pakistan → United Arab Emirates Requirements →All Visa-Free for Pakistan →Full Requirements Matrix →Document Checklist →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a UAE visit visa take to process?▾

Most UAE visit visas issued through the ICP eVisa portal are processed within 24–72 hours. Manual review cases take 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.

Can I get a UAE visa on arrival?▾

Citizens of 49 countries receive visa on arrival or visa-free entry. Most South Asian, African, and Southeast Asian passport holders must apply in advance through the ICP portal.

How much does a UAE 30-day tourist visa cost?▾

The UAE 30-day tourist visa costs approximately AED 350 (~$95). A 60-day tourist visa costs AED 650 (~$177). Fees are paid online at the ICP portal.

What happens if I overstay my UAE visit visa?▾

Overstaying incurs a fine of AED 50 per day plus a one-time AED 500 administrative fee. Prolonged overstays can result in deportation and a UAE entry ban.

✅