Dubai Tourist Visa 2026: Planning a trip to Dubai? Before booking your flight or hotel, check whether you need a visa, which visa suits your travel plans and how much the application will cost. Dubai offers different entry options depending on your passport, travel purpose and length of stay.

For most travellers who require a visa in advance, the key questions are straightforward: What is the Dubai tourist visa fee? How long does approval take? Which documents are required, and can the visa be extended?

Dubai Tourist Visa 2026: Do You Need a Visa to Visit Dubai?

Visa requirements depend primarily on your passport nationality. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can enter the UAE without a visa, while eligible travellers from other countries may receive visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

Visitors who do not qualify for either option generally need to arrange a tourist visa before travelling. You can check the requirements for your nationality through the official UAE government visa eligibility page.

Important: GCC residents who are not GCC citizens generally need an appropriate entry permit before travelling. Holding UAE residence in another GCC country does not automatically provide visa-on-arrival eligibility.

Dubai Tourist Visa Types and Fees

Dubai offers tourist visas for different travel durations, including 30-day and 60-day options. Depending on the visa category, travellers may choose between single-entry and multiple-entry permits.

According to the published GDRFA Dubai service fees, the following charges apply to the listed tourist visa services.

Visa type Official service fee Including 5% VAT
30-day single-entry AED 200 AED 210
60-day single-entry AED 300 AED 315
30-day multiple-entry AED 300 AED 315
60-day multiple-entry AED 500 AED 525

These are published service fees, not guaranteed final prices for every application. Additional charges may apply depending on the application channel, the applicant's circumstances and other required services.

A single-entry visa is generally suitable for one visit, while a multiple-entry visa may be more convenient for travellers planning several trips during the permitted validity period.

Documents Required for a Dubai Tourist Visa

The exact requirements depend on your nationality, visa type and application channel. Common requirements include:

  • A valid passport, generally with at least six months of validity.

  • A recent passport-size photograph.

  • A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.

  • Valid health insurance for the UAE.

  • Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or residential address, where required.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant's circumstances. Check the relevant immigration service or authorised visa provider before submitting your application.

How to Apply for a Dubai Tourist Visa

Travellers who need a visa in advance can explore these application options:

1. Official Dubai immigration services: Visit GDRFA Dubai to find the relevant tourist visa service.

2. UAE airlines: Eligible passengers can check visa services offered by Emirates and flydubai. Each airline has its own eligibility and application conditions.

3. Authorised travel agencies and hotels: Some agencies and hotels can arrange tourist visas for eligible travellers. Confirm that the provider is authorised and ask for a breakdown of all fees before making payment.

Enter your passport details carefully, submit the required documents and retain your application reference so you can follow up if necessary.

Dubai Visa Processing Time

GDRFA lists an expected completion time of approximately 48 hours for its standard 30-day and 60-day tourist visa services. However, this is an estimate rather than a guarantee of approval within that period.

Processing times can differ when applying through an airline or travel agency. Incomplete applications, additional checks and individual circumstances may also cause delays.

Apply well before your departure date rather than relying on the shortest advertised processing time.

Can You Extend a Dubai Tourist Visa?

Extension eligibility depends on the visa category and the applicable immigration rules. Travellers should not assume that every tourist visa can be extended under identical conditions.

If you need to stay longer, check your visa expiry date and contact the issuing authority or authorised provider before your permitted stay ends. Confirm the extension fee and approval conditions before making plans.

You can find the relevant services on the GDRFA Dubai website or the ICP UAE website.

Five-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

Frequent visitors may also consider the UAE's five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. This option allows eligible travellers to make repeated visits without obtaining a separate tourist visa for every trip.

Applicants must meet the relevant financial, insurance and travel-document requirements. GDRFA's published requirements include a bank statement covering the previous six months and proof of a minimum bank balance of USD 4,000 or its equivalent.

The permitted length of each stay and extension conditions should be checked against the latest official rules before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dubai tourist visa cost in 2026?

GDRFA lists service fees starting at AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa and AED 300 for a 60-day single-entry visa, excluding 5% VAT and any additional applicable charges.

How long does a Dubai tourist visa take to process?

GDRFA lists an expected processing time of around 48 hours for the relevant services. Actual timelines may vary.

Can I get a Dubai visa on arrival?

That depends on your passport nationality and any additional eligibility conditions. Check the official UAE government portal before travelling.

Can I apply for a Dubai visa online?

You can access relevant immigration services through the GDRFA and ICP websites. Airline and authorised travel agency channels may also be available, depending on your circumstances.

What happens if my Dubai visa expires while I am in the UAE?

Contact the relevant immigration authority promptly to confirm your options and any applicable penalties. Do not assume that an extension or grace period will apply automatically.

Before travelling to Dubai, confirm your visa eligibility, check the total application cost and prepare all required documents. Visa fees, entry conditions and processing estimates can change, so use official immigration sources rather than relying solely on third-party advertisements.

For the latest requirements, start with the UAE Government Portal, GDRFA Dubai or Visit Dubai.