UAE Visit Visa Price Guide 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown

UAE visit visa pricing is not a single flat fee. The total cost is made up of several components, each charged by a different entity. Understanding this structure helps you compare prices accurately between different agencies and service providers, and ensures you are not overcharged for any individual component.

The government fee is the base cost set by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). This is a fixed, non-negotiable charge that every applicant must pay regardless of how or where they apply. On top of this, there are service charges from the application channel (typing centre, travel agency, or online platform), medical insurance premiums (mandatory for most visa types), and optional add-ons such as express processing or SMS notifications.

The table below shows the full cost breakdown for each UAE visit visa type in 2026. All prices include government fees but note that service charges from agencies or typing centres are listed separately as they vary by provider. The ranges reflect the difference between applying through an official channel versus a private agency.

These prices are based on standard processing times of 2 to 5 working days. Express processing, which delivers the visa within 24 to 48 hours, typically adds AED 100 to AED 250 to the total cost. During peak seasons (Eid, school holidays, major events), processing times may be longer and some agencies charge seasonal surcharges.

The choice between single-entry and multiple-entry visas is one of the most common questions applicants face. A single-entry visa allows one trip to the UAE — once you leave, the visa is cancelled regardless of remaining validity. A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit the UAE as many times as you want during the visa validity period, with each stay limited to the specified duration.

For a one-time visit with no plans to leave and re-enter the UAE, a single-entry visa is the cost-effective choice. The savings of AED 100 to AED 300 compared to a multiple-entry visa are meaningful if you know you will not need to re-enter. However, if you plan to take a day trip to Oman, travel to another GCC country and return, or if your travel plans are flexible, a multiple-entry visa avoids the cost of applying for a new visa each time.

Several factors can cause the price you pay to differ from the base government fee. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and avoid overpaying for services that should cost less.

• Sponsor type — visas sponsored by airlines, hotels, or tourism companies may have different fee structures than those sponsored by individuals or UAE-registered companies. Hotel-sponsored visas often include a premium for the sponsorship service.
• Application channel — applying through a typing centre directly connected to ICP is generally cheaper than using a travel agency, which adds its own markup. Online platforms may offer competitive pricing but verify they are authorised.
• Processing speed — express processing (24-48 hours) costs AED 100 to AED 250 more than standard processing (3-5 working days). Urgent same-day processing, where available, costs even more.
• Nationality — while the government fee is the same for most nationalities, some countries have bilateral agreements that affect visa pricing. Additionally, certain nationalities may require a security deposit.
• Season — peak travel periods (December-January, Eid, summer) may see agencies increase their service charges due to high demand. Government fees remain the same year-round.
• Insurance coverage level — basic medical insurance starts around AED 50, but comprehensive travel insurance with higher coverage limits and additional benefits can cost AED 150 to AED 300.

UAE visit visas can be obtained through several channels, each with different pricing and service levels. Choosing the right channel can save you money and time, while choosing poorly can result in unnecessary costs or delays.

Amer centres are the official government service centres operated by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). They offer the most competitive pricing as they charge only the government fee plus a minimal service charge. However, they require in-person visits and can have long queues during peak periods. GDRFA-approved typing centres located throughout Dubai offer a similar cost structure with more locations and shorter wait times.

Travel agencies and visa service companies add their markup to the base cost but provide convenience through document collection, form filling, and delivery. Many agencies also offer package deals that include insurance and typing services in a bundled price. When comparing agency prices, always ask for a breakdown to understand exactly what you are paying for — a headline price of AED 600 for a 30-day visa that includes insurance and typing may be better value than a seemingly cheaper AED 400 quote that excludes these mandatory extras.

Hotels and airlines can sponsor visit visas for their guests and passengers. Emirates, Etihad, and most major hotels offer this service. Hotel-sponsored visas are convenient but often carry a premium — the hotel effectively acts as both the sponsor and the processing agent. Airline-sponsored visas through Emirates or Etihad may be competitively priced as a value-add to your flight booking.

Beyond the standard fee components, several additional costs can arise during the UAE visit visa process. Being aware of these potential charges helps you budget accurately and pushback on any unjustified fees.

• Security deposit — some nationalities or first-time sponsors may be required to pay a refundable security deposit of AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 per visa. This is returned when the visitor exits the UAE before the visa expires.
• Overstay fines — if your visitor stays beyond the visa expiry or grace period, fines of AED 50 per day apply plus additional administrative charges. These costs accumulate quickly and must be settled before departure.
• Cancellation fee — if you need to cancel a visa before the visitor arrives, there may be a cancellation processing fee of AED 100 to AED 200 in addition to the non-refundable government fee.
• Delivery charges — some agencies charge AED 20 to AED 50 for delivering the visa by email or courier.
• Status change fee — if the visitor wishes to change their visa status (e.g., from visit visa to employment visa) while in the UAE, additional fees apply for the status change process.
• Amendment fees — correcting errors on the visa after issuance (such as a misspelled name) incurs a correction fee and may require a new application entirely.

The most significant hidden cost for many sponsors is the overstay fine. At AED 50 per day, a visitor who overstays by just 30 days accumulates AED 1,500 in fines — more than the cost of most visas. Combined with administrative charges, exit permit fees, and potential travel bans, overstaying is an expensive mistake. Always track the visa expiry date and begin the extension or departure process well in advance.

While government fees are non-negotiable, you can optimise the total cost of a UAE visit visa through strategic choices about duration, application channel, and timing. Here are practical ways to minimise your visa expenses without compromising the application quality.

1. 1Apply through a GDRFA-approved typing centre rather than a travel agency — the government fees are identical but typing centre service charges are typically AED 50 to AED 100 lower than agency markups.
2. 2Choose the right duration from the start — a 30-day visa that you extend for 30 more days costs more in total than applying for a 60-day visa upfront. Calculate your needs before applying.
3. 3Avoid express processing unless genuinely urgent — standard processing takes 3 to 5 working days and saves AED 100 to AED 250 compared to express.
4. 4Bundle insurance wisely — mandatory medical insurance is unavoidable, but compare providers rather than accepting the default option at the typing centre. Some insurance policies cost AED 40 while others charge AED 150 for similar coverage.
5. 5Consider the 5-year visa for frequent visitors — if a family member or business associate visits more than twice a year, the 5-year multiple-entry visa is significantly cheaper per visit than buying individual visas each time.
6. 6Sponsor through your company if possible — company-sponsored visas often have lower service charges than individual sponsorship, and some companies have negotiated rates with typing centres.

Navigating UAE visit visa pricing can be confusing, especially when different agencies quote different amounts without explaining the breakdown. OraVisa provides fully transparent pricing with an itemised breakdown of every fee component — no hidden charges, no surprise surcharges.

• Clear fee breakdown — every quote includes government fee, service charge, insurance, and any applicable extras listed separately
• Best-value recommendation — we advise on the most cost-effective visa type and duration based on your specific travel plans
• No unnecessary upselling — we recommend single-entry when it suits your needs, not the most expensive option
• Express processing available — when you need the visa urgently, we offer expedited processing at transparent rates
• Extension guidance — if your plans change and you need to extend, we handle the process and explain the costs upfront