United Arab Emirates

UAE Visa & Immigration System

UAE visa system offers complimentary visa on arrival for many nationalities with varying duration allowances. U.S. State Department confirms U.S. citizens holding standard passports with M or F markers can obtain complimentary visitor visas upon arrival for stays not exceeding 30 days. UK Foreign Office states UK citizens receive complimentary visitor/tourist visa upon arrival stamped in passport, permitting up to 90 days over 180-day period beginning from date of first entry. Allowance can be used continuously or across multiple visits provided total time stays within 180-day window per UK Foreign Office. Passport requirements: U.S. State Department specifies passport valid for at least six months beyond date of entry required. UK Foreign Office requires British passport valid minimum 6 months beyond arrival date for standard visits, 3 months minimum if holding UAE residence permit, and 3 months minimum for transit passengers not passing through immigration. Sex marker restriction: U.S. State Department notes UAE government does not accept 12-page emergency passports or passports with X sex marker, accepting only those bearing Male or Female designations. Visa extensions: U.S. State Department notes those planning to remain longer than authorized period may request visa extensions at immigration officials' discretion. UK Foreign Office notes to extend stay, contact General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai or Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in other emirates. Overstay fines: UK Foreign Office warns travelers face accumulating fines for exceeding authorized stay, with penalties compounding daily. Work and study visas: U.S. State Department confirms individuals intending to work or study must secure appropriate visas beforehand, noting employment or educational visas require different processing than tourist visas. UK Foreign Office states entering on visit visa to work requires probationary work permit valid for up to 3 months from Ministry of Labour, warning working without proper authorization risks fines, imprisonment, and deportation. Diplomatic/official passports: U.S. State Department notes those traveling on diplomatic or official credentials must obtain visas before arrival, confirming even transit passengers cannot bypass this requirement and non-compliance results in entry denial. Medical examinations: U.S. State Department confirms work and residence permits mandate comprehensive medical examinations after arrival including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, leprosy, and pregnancy screening, noting previous medical exams completed outside UAE not recognized. Exit controls: U.S. State Department states UAE maintains tight exit controls and individuals with outstanding legal or financial cases face travel bans. UK Foreign Office warns risk of arrest upon returning if having outstanding debts, unresolved legal issues, or uncanceled previous work visas. U.S. State Department confirms previous visa cancellation through proper channels mandatory before obtaining new visas. Land border exit fee: U.S. State Department notes travelers departing by land must pay 35 UAE dirham fee (GCC citizens exempt). Yellow fever: UK Foreign Office confirms certificate required if traveling from countries with yellow fever transmission risk. Customs: UK Foreign Office notes prohibited items include pork products and pornography, warning weapons, ammunition, and controlled medications require prior government approval.