Dubai Visa on Arrival 2026: Eligible Countries, Rules & Application Guide

Dubai remains one of the world's most visited destinations, welcoming millions of international travelers annually. For eligible nationalities, the Dubai visa on arrival offers a convenient option to enter the UAE without applying for a visa in advance. However, understanding the rules, eligibility criteria, fees, and potential risks is essential before relying on this entry method.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Dubai visa on arrival 2026, including who qualifies, how much it costs, what documents are required, and what to expect at the airport.

What Is Dubai Visa on Arrival?

A visa on arrival Dubai is an entry permit issued directly at Dubai International Airport to travelers from eligible countries. Unlike pre-approved visas, this option does not require advance application or online submission. Passengers simply present their passport and supporting documents upon landing, and immigration officers process the visa on the spot.

While the Dubai airport visa on arrival is designed for convenience, it is not guaranteed for all travelers. Immigration authorities have the final say on approval, and certain conditions must be met to avoid rejection or delays.

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Dubai Visa on Arrival Eligibility

Not all nationalities qualify for the UAE visa on arrival. Eligibility depends on your passport and, in some cases, additional documentation such as residency permits or visas from other countries.

Who Can Get Dubai Visa on Arrival?

Travelers from specific countries are eligible based on bilateral agreements between the UAE and their home nations. The Dubai visa on arrival eligibility is divided into three categories based on visa validity:

• 30-day visa on arrival
• 90-day visa on arrival
• 180-day visa on arrival

Additionally, certain nationals holding valid visas or residency permits from the US, UK, or EU may qualify under special conditions.

Dubai Visa on Arrival Countries

The Dubai visa on arrival countries list includes nationalities entitled to receive entry permits directly at the airport. Below is the complete breakdown by duration.

30-Day Visa on Arrival

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a free Dubai 30-day visa on arrival, which is extendable once for an additional 30 days:

Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City.

90-Day Visa on Arrival

The Dubai 90-day visa on arrival is a multiple-entry visa valid for six months from the date of issue. Travelers can stay up to 90 days during this period.

Countries eligible for visa on arrival UAE under this category include:

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay.

180-Day Visa on Arrival

Citizens of Mexico are entitled to a 180-day multiple-entry visa, valid for six months from issue, with a maximum stay of 180 days.

Special Eligibility: Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders do not qualify for a standard Dubai tourist visa on arrival. However, they can obtain a 14-day visa at the airport if they hold:

• A valid US visa or Green Card, OR
• A valid UK or EU residence permit

This 14-day Dubai entry visa on arrival costs AED 120 and is extendable once for an additional AED 250.

GCC Nationals and Residents

• GCC Nationals (citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia) can enter the UAE visa-free and do not need a Dubai on arrival visa.
• GCC Residents (non-citizens holding valid GCC residency permits) must apply for a UAE visa online before travel and cannot use the visa on arrival option.

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Dubai Visa on Arrival Requirements

To qualify for the Dubai visa at airport, travelers must meet the following conditions:

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Dubai.

Return or Onward Flight Ticket

You must present a confirmed booking for a return or onward flight. Immigration officers may refuse entry if you cannot prove your intention to leave the UAE.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations, rental agreements, or host details may be requested during the immigration process.

Financial Means

In some cases, authorities may ask for proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

Additional Screening

Travelers may be subject to random eye-screening tests or additional questioning at immigration.

Dubai Visa on Arrival Documents

Ensure you carry the following documents for Dubai on arrival visa:

• Passport with minimum six-month validity
• Printed copy of your visa confirmation (if applicable; otherwise, a fee of AED 30 applies to print at the airport)
• Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel booking or sponsor details
• Proof of financial means (if requested)

Failure to provide these documents may result in delays or denial of entry.

Dubai Visa on Arrival Fees

The cost of a visa on arrival Dubai varies depending on nationality and visa type.

Free Visa on Arrival

Citizens eligible for the 30-day visa on arrival do not pay any fees upon entry. However, if you choose to extend your stay, an extension fee applies.

Paid Visa on Arrival

• Indian nationals with valid US/UK/EU visas pay AED 120 for a 14-day visa.
• Extension fees for Indian nationals: AED 250 for an additional 14 days.

Transit Visa Fees

• 48-hour transit visa: Free of charge (sponsored only by UAE-based airlines).
• 96-hour transit visa: AED 50 (must be arranged through your airline before arrival).

Additional Costs

If you do not have a printed copy of your visa confirmation, you will be charged AED 30 to print it at the airport.

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Dubai Visa on Arrival Duration & Validity

The Dubai on arrival visa duration depends on your nationality:

The Dubai on arrival visa validity for 90-day and 180-day permits allows multiple entries within the six-month window.

Dubai Visa on Arrival Process

Understanding the Dubai visa on arrival process helps you prepare for a smoother airport experience.

Step 1: Arrival at Dubai International Airport

Upon landing, proceed to the immigration counters designated for visa on arrival passengers.

Step 2: Document Submission

Present your passport, return flight ticket, and accommodation proof to the immigration officer.

Step 3: Biometric Screening

You may be required to undergo biometric scanning, including fingerprints and eye screening.

Step 4: Visa Issuance

If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. The entire Dubai airport immigration visa on arrival process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on queue length.

Step 5: Entry into Dubai

Once your visa is issued, you can proceed to baggage claim and exit the airport.

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Dubai Airport Visa on Arrival Rules

The UAE visa on arrival policy includes specific rules that travelers must follow:

• Visa on arrival is issued at the discretion of immigration authorities and is not guaranteed, even if you are from an eligible country.
• Processing times vary based on airport traffic and security checks.
• Random additional screening may be conducted.
• Overstaying your visa results in fines and potential deportation.
• Extensions must be applied for before your current visa expires.

Transit Visa Rules

If you are transiting through Dubai, you may qualify for a short-term transit visa:

48-Hour Transit Visa

• Free of charge
• Non-extendable
• Sponsored only by UAE-based airlines

96-Hour Transit Visa

• AED 50 fee
• Non-extendable
• Must be arranged through your airline before arrival

Countries exempt from transit visa: GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia) and Mexican citizens do not need a transit visa.

Risks of Relying on Visa on Arrival

While the Dubai visa upon arrival rules offer convenience, there are significant risks:

Long Queues and Delays

After a long-haul flight, you may face extended wait times at immigration, especially during peak travel seasons.

No Guarantee of Entry

Even if you meet all Dubai visa on arrival requirements, immigration officers have the authority to deny entry if they find any discrepancies in your documents or travel history.

Unexpected Rejections

Missing documents, unclear accommodation details, or insufficient financial proof can result in rejection, leaving you stranded at the airport.

Limited Validity

Some visa on arrival permits have shorter durations compared to pre-approved visas, which may not suit travelers planning extended stays.

Additional Fees

If you forget to print your visa confirmation, you will incur an extra AED 30 charge at the airport.

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Dubai eVisa vs Visa on Arrival

For travelers who want a more reliable and stress-free experience, applying for a pre-approved Dubai eVisa online is often a better option. Unlike the Dubai on arrival visa, a pre-approved visa guarantees entry (subject to meeting all requirements) and eliminates the uncertainty of airport processing.

For a smoother travel experience, ensure you meet all Dubai visa on arrival requirements before flying.

Apply Dubai Visa Center →