Visas & Passports for Travel to the UAE
General Information
All Americans with US passports valid for more than six months are welcome to enter the UAE, and no longer need to obtain a visa to enter the country if the duration of stay is less than one month. This includes US citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries.
- The Embassy does not issue visas on travel documents or re-entry permits.
- The Embassy accepts money orders or cashier's checks only, made payable to: The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.
Online Visa Application Now Available
As of September 2009, US citizens, US residents, diplomats, and officials can apply for a visa online and receive interim approval. Original supporting documents must be mailed in for final approval and entry stamp.
Visa Process
- Visit the “Do you need a visa?” table below to check if you need a visa.
- If the answer is “Yes”, Apply for a Visa by visiting the Web page listed and following the steps described there.
- The Embassy will review your application, and if necessary, request an interview.
- The Embassy will notify you of the decision, and issue a visa if approved.
- When you arrive in the UAE, UAE Immigration officers have the right to change the visa, so check your passport when you go through the airport.
Visa Requirements
- Requirements for US Citizens
- Requirements for Non-US Citizens
- Requirements for Diplomatic and Official Visas
Have you applied for a visa online?
Do you need a visa?
| Passport Country | Length of stay | Do you need a visa? | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | Less than 1 month | No. You will receive a visa upon arrival. |
|
| US | More than 1 month | Yes. or In Person (View Requirements) | Visit Requirements for US Citizens. |
| Diplomatic / Official Government Business / Laissez Passer | N/A | Yes. or In Person (View Requirements) | Visit Requirements for Diplomatic and Official Visas. |
| Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Canada Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malaysia Monaco New Zealand Norway Portugal San Marino Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands UK Vatican | Less than 1 month | No. You will receive a visa upon arrival. | Your passport must be valid for 6 months from time of arrival in the UAE. E.g., if you will arrive in the UAE on August 1, 2009, your passport must be valid through February 1, 2010. |
| Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Canada Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malaysia Monaco New Zealand Norway Portugal San Marino Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands UK Vatican | More than 1 month | Yes. Apply Through Your Sponsor or Host (Fastest Option), or In Person (View Requirements) | Visit Requirements for Non-US Citizens. If non-US citizens apply through the Embassy, the processing time is much longer and involves interviews and approvals from UAE authorities. |
| Countries not listed above | Any | Yes. Apply Through Your Sponsor or Host (Fastest Option), or In Person (View Requirements) | Visit Requirements for Non-US Citizens. We recommend that you ask the sponsor (host) to process a visa from the UAE. This takes only 4 working days, then ask the Sponsor (host) to fax a copy of the visa to you before departure. The original visa will be waiting for you when you arrive at the UAE airport. This will save you time and effort and the need to apply at the Embassy. If non-US citizens apply through the Embassy, the processing time is much longer and involves interviews and approvals from UAE authorities. |
