Travellers planning a trip to Dubai should apply for a tourist visa prior to their visit. However, before doing so, they need to be aware of the UAE’s tourist visa rules and recent updates. This guide covers the types of tourist visas available, who requires a visa (and who is exempt), duration, extensions and penalties for overstaying. In this guide, we will help you understand the Dubai visa rules, enabling you to go on your Arabic journey with confidence. 

Dubai Visa Rules:

Here are some important rules to keep in mind if you are planning to visit Dubai: 

Visa-Exempt (GCC Nationals)

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE itself) do not require a visa or entry permit to visit Dubai. GCC nationals can enter with just their national ID or passport and do not need sponsorship.

Visa on Arrival (No Advance Visa Required)

Many nationalities are eligible for a tourist visa upon arrival in Dubai, meaning no prior application is necessary. You simply get a free visa stamp at passport control.

• 30-Day Visa on Arrival: Certain countries are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival, accompanied by a 10-day grace period for extension if needed. This category has historically included nationalities such as those from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ireland, Ukraine, and others. The visa on arrival is issued free of charge and can be extended once.

Here, you can check whether you are eligible for a 30-day Visa on Arrival or not.

• 90-Day Visa on Arrival: A larger group of countries enjoys a 90-day visa on arrival. This visa is typically a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months, allowing a total stay of 90 days (which can be used all at once or split across multiple visits within the 180-day period). As of recent updates, this 90-day on-arrival privilege covers most European nations (Schengen Area countries and others), as well as countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Argentina, and others.

Check whether you are eligible for a 90-day visa on arrival. 

Pre-Arranged Visa Required (Other Nationalities)

If you do not fall under a visa-exempt or on-arrival category, you must obtain a tourist visa before travelling to Dubai. This applies to many nationalities across Africa, Asia, and other regions. For example, citizens of India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and many other countries need to arrange a UAE visa in advance (unless they have specific residency status or visas that qualify them for on-arrival entry, as described next). Dubai’s tourist visa is available to eligible individual tourists worldwide who aren’t from visa-exempt countries.

Overstay Penalties and Travel Restrictions

It is crucial not to overstay your visa in Dubai. Overstaying means remaining in the UAE beyond the permitted duration of your visa (plus any grace period). The UAE imposes fines and other penalties for overstaying:

• Overstay Fines: Currently, the overstay fine is standardised at AED 50 per day for tourist/visit visas. This fine accumulates for each day you stay beyond your visa’s expiry. For instance, if you stay 2 days extra, that’s an AED 100 fine. The UAE government standardised overstay fines in recent years.

• Grace Period: Tourist visas on arrival (30-day) come with a 10-day grace period, and many pre-arranged visit visas also have a 10-day grace period beyond their expiry. During this grace period, you won’t be fined. However, not all visas have grace periods (for example, the 90-day on-arrival visa for the U.S./EU has no grace – it’s exactly 90 days). Always verify if your visa has a grace period. It’s safest to consider the visa expiry as your last day to avoid confusion.

• Consequences of Overstaying: Aside from fines, overstaying can lead to more serious issues if prolonged. If someone overstays their stay excessively (especially without communicating with the authorities), they may face an immigration blacklist or travel ban until fines are paid. In extreme cases, it may lead to detention or legal action; however, short overstays typically result in fines. Long or repeated overstays can negatively flag your record, potentially making future UAE visa applications more difficult. It’s reported that repeated offenders or those overstaying by many months may face an entry ban in addition to fines.

Travel Restrictions

While on a tourist visa in Dubai, you are not permitted to work (i.e., you cannot take up employment). Doing so is a violation of visa conditions and can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans if detected. Tourists must stick to tourism, business meetings, or other non-labour activities. Also, be aware that if you overstay and attempt to exit the country, you will be stopped by immigration to settle the fines first. You cannot simply slip out; the systems will flag an overstayed visa. Always pay any overstay fines. 

Visa Extension

According to the UAE’s latest rules, extensions are relatively straightforward and can be done from within the country (you don’t have to exit just to extend. An extension application is usually submitted online via ICP or GDRFA (or through the entity that sponsored your visa). You will typically need to provide your original passport and proof of a new return ticket when applying for an extension. Also, note that not all visas have a grace period, so it’s best to apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid fines.

Tip: If you realise you need more time in Dubai, it’s much better to extend your visa officially or do a visa run (leave and re-enter on a new visa if eligible) than to overstay. Overstaying even one day will incur a fine; therefore, plan your departure or extension before your visa expires. 

Financial Requirements

A bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months is required if you are applying for a multiple-entry 5-year tourist visa.

Final Thoughts

By keeping these visa rules in mind, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience during your visit to Dubai. Whether you're staying for a short getaway or planning an extended stay, understanding the visa categories, eligibility requirements, and legal obligations will help you avoid unnecessary fines or complications. In case you haven’t started the application process, then choose Atlys for your Dubai visa application. 

With the right preparation, your journey to Dubai can be as smooth as the city’s modern skyline, ready for discovery, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Safe travels!