The UAE is one of the most accessible major destinations in the world. Dubai International Airport handles over 90 million passengers annually, the world's busiest by international traffic. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah airports add millions more. The combination of geographic positioning between Europe, Africa, and Asia; world-class airport infrastructure; sophisticated visa categories; and pathways that simplify entry for holders of major Western visas makes the UAE a top destination for tourism, business, family visits, employment, and stopovers.

The UAE visa system is one of the most varied globally. A single tourist visa can be issued for 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, or as a 5-year multiple-entry instrument. Visa-on-arrival is available for holders of US, US Green Card, UK residence, and EU residence visas at AED 100 (~USD 27). Family visit visas are sponsored by UAE residents. Work visas are sponsored by UAE employers with two-stage processing. And the new long-term residence visas (Golden Visa, Green Visa) offer 5-10 year stays for qualifying professionals, investors, and high-skilled workers.

This hub brings together every guide Atlys has on UAE visas, every visa category, every fee, every processing reality, and the specific pathways that simplify entry depending on your existing visa profile. Atlys operates a full UAE office at M16 - Al Makateb Building, Al Quoz 3, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, supporting both inbound applications and outbound visas from UAE residents. To check what your passport gives you in terms of UAE access, see the Atlys Passport Index.

Apply for your UAE visa through Atlys, every tourist visa category supported (30-day single, 30-day multiple-entry, 60-day single, 60-day multiple-entry, 5-year multi-entry), express processing for short-notice trips, document review, real-time tracking, and money-back protection on supported categories.

Why the UAE Visa Has the Most Pathways of Any Major Destination

Beyond standard tourist visas, the UAE offers a wider range of entry pathways than almost any other major destination:

• Visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, visa-free entry for around 70 passports; VOA at AED 100 for holders of US/UK/EU/Green Card visas from many other nationalities

• 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa: introduced 2023, refined since; allows multiple entries over 5 years with up to 90 days per stay (extendable for another 90 days)

• Tourist visa categories in 30-day and 60-day variants, single and multiple-entry

• Family visit visa sponsored by UAE residents

• Work visa with two-stage processing (entry permit then residency stamping)

• Student visa for UAE-based institutions

• Long-term residence: Golden Visa (10-year) for investors and exceptional talent; Green Visa (5-year) for skilled workers and freelancers

• Job exploration visa introduced 2022, allows entry for job-seeking purposes for 60/90/120 days

The variety means there's almost always a route that fits a specific traveller's situation. The challenge is identifying the right route, since UAE visa pathways can be confusing for first-time applicants.

Apply for your UAE visa with Atlys →

What's New for UAE Visas in 2026

A summary of the most relevant changes:

• Multi-entry 60-day tourist visa expanded: broader eligibility for repeat travellers

• Golden Visa eligibility expanded to include broader categories of skilled professionals, scientists, healthcare workers, and outstanding students

• Green Visa categories refined: 5-year residency without employer sponsorship for skilled workers, freelancers, investors, and self-employed

• Job exploration visa continues, 60/90/120-day entry without employer sponsorship, for the purpose of finding work or exploring business opportunities

• VOA pathway for US Green Card holders remains streamlined, AED 100 (~USD 27) at airport for 14-day stay

• Pre-arrival registration and online visa applications simplified, most categories now fully online via UAE government portals (ICA, GDRFA Dubai)

• Emirates ID required for residency-linked visas, continues as standard

UAE Visa Categories at a Glance

A summary of every UAE visa category for inbound travellers, with fees, validity, and best-fit profile:

• Tourist Visa (Single-Entry 30 Days): AED 300 (~USD 82); processed in 3-7 working days; 30-day stay; best for standard tourist trips

• Tourist Visa (Multiple-Entry 30 Days): AED 800 (~USD 218); processed in 3-7 working days; 30 days per entry; best for frequent business travellers

• Tourist Visa (Single-Entry 60 Days): AED 600 (~USD 163); processed in 3-7 working days; 60-day stay; best for longer family or business trips

• Tourist Visa (Multiple-Entry 60 Days): AED 1,500 (~USD 408); processed in 3-7 working days; 60 days per entry; best for established frequent visitors

• 5-Year Multi-Entry Tourist Visa: AED 650 (~USD 177); processed in 2-5 working days; 90 days per entry, extendable for another 90 days; best for long-term frequent travellers

• Visa on Arrival (US/UK/EU visa or Green Card holders): AED 100 (~USD 27); issued at airport on arrival; 14-day stay; best for holders of eligible major visas

• Family Visit Visa (Single-Entry 30 Days): AED 300+ (sponsored by UAE resident); 5-10 working days; 30-day stay; best for family visits sponsored by UAE residents

• Family Visit Visa (Multiple-Entry): varies; 5-10 working days; 30+ days per entry; best for ongoing family visits

• Work Visa (Entry Permit + Residency): varies by employer; 2-4 weeks total; linked to contract duration; best for UAE employment (employer-initiated)

• Student Visa: varies by institution; 2-4 weeks; course duration; best for UAE-based study

• Job Exploration Visa: AED 1,500+ (depending on duration: 60, 90, or 120 days); processed in 5-7 working days; for entering UAE without an employer sponsor to seek work

• Golden Visa (10-year residency): extensive documentation; processed in 30+ days; 10-year multiple-entry; best for investors, exceptional talent, scientists, top-tier students

• Green Visa (5-year residency): varies; processed in 30+ days; 5-year residency; best for skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed without employer sponsorship

• Transit Visa (96-hour): AED 50 (~USD 14); issued for short transits; 96-hour stay; best for layovers requiring landside passage

Fees subject to revision. Always verify current rates on the Atlys application page.

Visa-free entry for around 70 nationalities, verify your eligibility on the Atlys Passport Index before applying for a visa. If you're visa-free, no application is needed.

The Visa-on-Arrival Pathway: A Powerful Shortcut

One of the UAE's most useful policies is the visa-on-arrival pathway for holders of certain major Western visas. For travellers from nationalities that would otherwise need a pre-arranged tourist visa, this dramatically simplifies a Dubai trip.

Who Qualifies for VOA at AED 100?

Travellers holding any of the following can typically obtain visa-on-arrival at Dubai International Airport for AED 100 (~USD 27), with a 14-day stay:

• Valid US visa (B1/B2 typically)

• US Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident)

• Valid UK residence visa

• Valid Schengen residence visa

• Valid Australian, New Zealand, or Japanese visa (varies)

Eligibility depends on your passport nationality, so verify your specific status on the Atlys Passport Index or directly with UAE government portals (ICA Smart Services, GDRFA Dubai).

Process at the Airport

1. Arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or other UAE international airport

2. Present your passport and the qualifying secondary visa (US, UK, EU, etc.) at immigration

3. Pay AED 100 (cash AED or credit card; AED ATMs available in the airport)

4. Receive a 14-day visa stamp/permit

The total airport processing typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on queue.

Strategic Value

For frequent travellers to the US/UK/EU who occasionally want to visit Dubai, the VOA pathway means a Dubai trip can be added to any US/UK/Europe itinerary with essentially zero additional preparation. No pre-arranged tourist visa, no documentation gathering, no waiting period, just show up.

Featured Guides

Tourist Visas & Apply Pages

Apply for a UAE Visa The complete UAE tourist visa application guide covering every category, 30-day single, 30-day multiple-entry, 60-day single, 60-day multiple-entry. Document requirements, fees, processing times.

UAE Visa Application, Apply on Atlys The Atlys application page for UAE visas, covering all tourist visa categories.

5-Year Multi-Entry Visa

UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa The complete walkthrough of the 5-year multi-entry tourist visa, eligibility, application process, fees, benefits, and why this is the most strategic UAE visa for frequent visitors.

Visa on Arrival

Dubai Visa on Arrival Who's eligible (US visa holders, UK residence visa holders, EU residence visa holders, Green Card holders), the process at Dubai International, fees, and the documentation needed at the airport.

Dubai Visa for US Green Card Holders Special pathways available for US permanent residents, VOA, online e-visa, and family-sponsored options.

Work Visa

Dubai Work Visa The complete guide to obtaining a UAE work visa, entry permit phase, employer sponsorship, residency stamping, Emirates ID, fees, and timelines.

Processing & Travel

Dubai Visa Processing Time Detailed processing times by visa type, plus what affects timelines (peak season, document gaps, business volume).

Travel to Dubai: Complete Guide End-to-end Dubai travel guide, visa, flights, accommodation, transit, and what to expect on arrival.

Cross-Country Context

Atlys Passport Index Check what visa-free, VOA, and visa-required entries are available for your passport, useful for understanding your UAE access options.

Atlys Rejection Recovery Structured recovery if your UAE visa application has been refused.

Visa Cover Letter Guide How to write a UAE-compliant cover letter for tourist visa applications.

Document Checklist: UAE Tourist Visa

A consolidated document list for the most common UAE tourist visa application:

Identity & Travel Documents

• Current passport (valid 6+ months from intended UAE entry, with 2+ blank pages)

• Recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, biometric specs)

• Previous passports (or copies) showing prior international travel, useful but not always required

Application Form & Photo

• Completed online application (handled by Atlys for supported applications)

• Digital passport scan

• Digital photo meeting UAE specifications

Travel Confirmations

• Confirmed return flight tickets

• Hotel booking confirmation for entire stay (or invitation letter if staying with family/friends)

Family Visit Specific (if applicable)

• Invitation letter from UAE-resident host

• Copy of host's UAE residence visa

• Copy of host's Emirates ID

• Copy of host's tenancy contract or accommodation proof

• Host's salary certificate (for sponsorship purposes)

• Relationship proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

Funds Evidence (when requested)

• Recent bank statements (typically last 3 months)

• Salary slips or employment proof

The UAE tourist visa is typically a streamlined application, bank statements are not always mandatory but are useful supporting evidence.

What Atlys Handles for UAE Visa Applications

When you apply through Atlys:

• All UAE tourist visa categories supported: 30-day single, 30-day multiple-entry, 60-day single, 60-day multiple-entry, 5-year multi-entry

• Express processing for short-notice trips

• Document review by visa specialists: completeness and consistency check before submission

• Photo compliance verification via the Atlys Photo Tool

• Family visit visa support: sponsor documentation handled correctly

• Real-time tracking: clear status updates throughout

• Money-back protection on supported categories: refund if your supported application is denied

• ~99.2% delivery prediction accuracy on supported categories

• Atlys Dubai office at M16 - Al Makateb Building, Al Quoz 3, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, for in-person support

• Exclusive MakeMyTrip flight partnership: once your visa is approved, flights are one click away

Apply for your UAE visa with Atlys →

When DIY Makes Sense

For UAE tourist visa applications, the official UAE government portals (ICA Smart Services and GDRFA Dubai) are reliable and reasonably user-friendly. For confident applicants with simple itineraries, standard tourist trip, no family visit sponsorship complications, no prior refusals, self-applying through these official channels is entirely workable.

For visa-on-arrival pathways (US/UK/EU visa holders), the process happens entirely at the airport, no advance application is needed.

DIY is less advisable for: 60-day multiple-entry applications (more complex), family visit visas (require careful host sponsor documentation), work visa applications (require employer initiation), Golden/Green Visa applications (require extensive supporting evidence), or anyone with prior refusals from any country.

Related Hubs

• Schengen Visa Hub: for travel to Europe (often combined with UAE stopovers)

• UK Visa Hub: for UK travel, particularly for UAE residents applying for UK visas

• US Visa Hub: for US travel, particularly for UAE residents applying for US visas

• Australia Visa Hub: for Australia travel and UAE residents applying for Australian visas

• Southeast Asia Visa Hub: for Asia travel from or via the UAE

Tools You Can Use

• Atlys Passport Index, check your passport's UAE access and global reach

• Atlys Rejection Recovery, structured recovery after any visa refusal

• Visa Photo Creator, UAE biometric-compliant photos in seconds

• Visa Requirements Checker, verify what visa you need

• Atlys Emergency Helpline, for urgent travel situations

Apply for your UAE visa with Atlys, every visa category supported, money-back protection on supported applications →

This hub is updated regularly. Information is current as of 6 May 2026. UAE visa rules and fees change, always check the latest ICA Smart Services or GDRFA Dubai guidance for your specific case. For personalised support, contact Atlys. Atlys Dubai office: M16 - Al Makateb Building, Al Quoz 3, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE.