UAE Visa Guide forPakistani citizens (2026)
Everything you need to know — from visa type and fees to the exact documents, real timelines, common mistakes, and what to do if your application is rejected.
Disclaimer: Visa information changes frequently. Verify all requirements at the official UAE embassy or immigration authority before travel.
⚡ What You Need to Know in 30 Seconds
- ✓Pakistani citizens need: eVisa
- ✓Apply: Online at official portal
- ✓Fee: AED 300 (≈ USD 82)
- ✓Processing: 24–96 hours (online application). Apply at least 4 days before travel.
- ✓Max stay: 30 days
- ✓Apply at: https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/services-catalogue/visit-visa-for-uae/
Visa Types Available for Pakistani citizens
Tourist eVisa
AED 300 (≈ USD 82)For leisure travel, visiting friends and family, tourism.
Maximum stay: 30 days
Business Visa
Higher than touristFor meetings, conferences, and short-term business activities.
Maximum stay: Typically 30–90 days
Transit Visa
Lower feeFor layovers requiring immigration clearance.
Maximum stay: Up to 96 hours typically
Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough
Many travelers don't realize that the order you prepare documents matters — some must be arranged before others (e.g., book accommodation before getting bank statement).
- 1
Visit the official portal
Go to https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/services-catalogue/visit-visa-for-uae/. Create an account with a valid email.
- 2
Fill in the application
Enter your personal information exactly as it appears in your passport. Any mismatch causes rejection.
- 3
Upload documents
Upload clear scans of: passport photo page, recent passport photo (white background), and any other required files.
- 4
Pay the visa fee
Pay AED 300 (≈ USD 82) via credit/debit card. Keep your payment reference number.
- 5
Wait for approval
Processing takes 24–96 hours (online application). Apply at least 4 days before travel.. You'll receive an email. Check spam. If delayed, use the portal's application status checker.
- 6
Print your eVisa
Print the approval email or save it on your phone. Present it at immigration on arrival.
Documents in Detail
Each document below has a purpose — understanding why it's needed helps you prepare it correctly.
Valid Pakistani Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the UAE. Scan of biographical page required for online submission.
Recent Passport-Size Photograph
Colour photograph with white background, full face visible, taken within the last 6 months. JPEG format required for online portal upload.
Return/Onward Flight Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from UAE. Required by the ICP portal for tourist visa applications from Pakistani nationals. Some airline portals (Emirates, Air Arabia) auto-populate this from the flight booking.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from UAE host. Required by some airline portals; ICP portal may not always require this at application stage, but border officers may ask.
Bank Statement or Proof of Funds
Not submitted during eVisa application (unlike Schengen). May be requested by border officer. Informal expectation: AED 3,000+ per month of stay. Carry for border crossing.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | AED 300 (≈ USD 82) |
| VAC service charge (if applicable) | USD 15–50 |
| Biometric fee (if applicable) | USD 10–20 |
| Travel insurance | USD 20–60 |
| Document notarization | Varies by country |
| Courier delivery (optional) | USD 10–30 |
| Estimated Total | AED 300 (≈ USD 82) + service fees |
* Exchange rates fluctuate. Check actual rates at time of application.
Real Timeline Expectations
8 weeks before travel
Check passport validity. Start gathering employment/income documents.
6 weeks before
Book accommodation (need confirmation for application). Check bank balance requirements.
4 weeks before
Submit eVisa application online.
24–96 hours (online application). Apply at least 4 days before travel. after submission
Expected decision. Check application status online if no response.
Approval received
Book non-refundable flights and make final travel arrangements.
1 week before travel
Print all documents. Check entry requirements haven't changed.
Day of travel
Carry all documents in hand luggage. Arrive airport early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✕ Booking before visa approval
Never book non-refundable flights until your visa is in hand. Rejection doesn't get you a refund.
✕ Not disclosing prior rejections
Failing to declare a previous visa rejection is misrepresentation — a worse outcome than the original rejection.
✕ Old or blurry document scans
Bank statements must be current (within 90 days). Scans must be clear — officers reject blurry uploads.
✕ Applying at peak season too late
Eid, summer, Christmas — processing times double. Apply 8 weeks out, not 2.
✕ Wrong visa category
Applying for tourist when you're doing business activities. Match your actual purpose.
✕ Insufficient funds shown
UAE officers calculate based on daily spend. Too little = instant rejection.
What to Do if Your Application is Rejected
A rejection is not necessarily permanent. Many travelers don't realize that a well-prepared reapplication — addressing the specific reason for refusal — succeeds on the second attempt.
Read the rejection notice carefully
The refusal letter states the reason. Understand it exactly before doing anything else.
Do not immediately reapply
Reapplying with the same documents will result in the same outcome. Address the specific reason first.
Strengthen your application
If it was financial: strengthen bank balance. If it was employment: get a stronger NOC. If it was incomplete docs: gather everything.
Consider an immigration consultant
For complex cases (prior overstays, multiple rejections), a licensed immigration consultant can identify issues you may miss.
Reapply with a cover letter
Acknowledge the previous rejection, explain what changed, and demonstrate you're a genuine visitor who will leave before visa expiry.
Official Sources
VisitPlane Editorial Team
Updated June 2026 · Verified against official embassy sources
This guide is compiled from official UAE immigration sources, embassy data, and community-verified traveler reports. We update it every 7 days. If you spot an error, use the correction link below — we act on all reports within 24 hours.
Report an error →Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for UAE?▾
Yes. Pakistani citizens require a eVisa to enter UAE. Apply online at the official portal.
How long can Pakistani citizens stay in UAE?▾
Pakistani citizens can stay in UAE for up to 30 days per visit. Overstays incur fines and can result in entry bans.
What is the UAE visa fee for Pakistani citizens?▾
The visa fee is AED 300 (≈ USD 82). AED 300 for 30-day single-entry (tourist visit). AED 650 for 60-day single-entry. AED 1,000 for multi-entry 6-month. Fees are approximate — exact amount shown at point of application on the ICP portal or airline portal. Service fee may be added by airline (e.g. AED 20–50). No visa stamp in passport — visa is issued electronically.
How long does UAE visa processing take for Pakistani citizens?▾
Processing typically takes 24–96 hours (online application). Apply at least 4 days before travel.. Apply at least 2–4 weeks before your travel date to avoid issues.
What documents do Pakistani citizens need for a UAE visa?▾
Essential documents: valid passport (6+ months), completed form, 2 passport photos, return ticket, accommodation proof, bank statement, and travel insurance.
Can Pakistani citizens get a UAE visa on arrival?▾
No. Pakistani citizens must apply for a eVisa before traveling to UAE.
What happens if a UAE visa application is rejected for Pakistani citizens?▾
If rejected, you'll receive a refusal notice. You can: (1) appeal if grounds exist, (2) reapply with stronger supporting documents, or (3) apply with help from a licensed immigration consultant. Don't book travel until you have an approved visa.
Where do Pakistani citizens apply for a UAE visa?▾
Apply online at https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/services-catalogue/visit-visa-for-uae/. No embassy visit needed.
Is travel insurance required for Pakistani citizens visiting UAE?▾
Not strictly required but strongly recommended for any international travel.
What are the common mistakes Pakistani citizens make when applying for a UAE visa?▾
Common mistakes: incorrect application form, submitting old bank statements, using unclear passport photo scans, not disclosing prior rejections, applying too late before travel, and not double-checking passport validity dates.