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UAE Tourist Visa — Explore Dubai & the Emirates

UAE tourist visa guide: 30-day, 60-day, and 5-year multiple-entry options for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all Emirates. UAE tourist visas are outside the services OraVisa provides; contact us and we will point your enquiry in the right direction.

What is a UAE Tourist Visa from Dubai?

A UAE tourist visa allows international travellers to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all Emirates for tourism. Options include 30-day single entry, 60-day single entry, and a 5-year multiple-entry visa allowing 90 days per visit. Citizens of 50+ countries receive visa on arrival, while others need a pre-arranged e-visa through an airline, a sponsor, or a UAE visa provider. GDRFA Dubai publishes a 48-hour service standard for a single-entry tourist visa; UAE tourist visas are outside the services OraVisa provides.

About the UAE Tourist Visa

Planning a trip to Dubai or the UAE? A UAE tourist visa allows you to explore Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all seven Emirates for tourism, sightseeing, shopping, or attending events. It is available as a 30-day or 60-day visa or as the 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, and is obtained through an airline, a hotel or UAE-based sponsor, or a UAE visa provider. UAE tourist visas are outside the services OraVisa provides; this page explains which option fits which trip and nationality and which documents are needed, and if you contact us we will point your enquiry in the right direction. GDRFA Dubai publishes a 48-hour service standard for a single-entry tourist visa; the decision and its timing rest with the UAE authorities.

What You Need to Know About Your UAE Tourist Visa

Multiple visa durations: 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, and 5-year options
We point your enquiry in the right direction for the application itself
GDRFA Dubai's published service standard: 48 hours for a single-entry tourist visa
Valid for all seven Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)
Extension available without leaving the UAE
Guidance on visa-on-arrival eligibility for your nationality
Single and multiple entry — ideal for frequent visitors to Dubai

What Documents Do You Need for a UAE Tourist Visa?

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
  • Confirmed return flight ticket
  • Hotel booking or proof of accommodation
  • Valid health/travel insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
  • Completed visa application form

How a UAE Tourist Visa Is Obtained

  1. Check Your Eligibility

    Check whether you need a tourist visa or qualify for visa on arrival based on your passport nationality; if you are unsure, contact us and we will point your enquiry in the right direction.

  2. Submit Documents

    The documents you need — passport scan, photograph, travel details — are checked against the UAE requirements by the channel you apply through.

  3. Filing

    Your chosen channel submits the application to the UAE immigration authorities. GDRFA Dubai publishes a 48-hour service standard for a single-entry tourist visa.

  4. Receive Your E-Visa

    Your approved tourist visa is emailed as a PDF. Print it or save it on your phone — you will need it at check-in and immigration.

Key Takeaways

  • UAE inbound visas are outside the services OraVisa provides — contact us and we will point your enquiry in the right direction
  • We respond within 30 minutes during business hours
  • This page explains the route, the documents and the timing
  • Direct WhatsApp contact

Have a Question About Your UAE Visa?

UAE inbound visas are outside the services OraVisa provides — contact us and we will point your enquiry in the right direction.

AAR

Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid

Senior Visa Consultant

B.A. International Relations

Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience

Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Tourist Visa from Dubai

How much does a UAE tourist visa cost?▼

UAE tourist visa pricing depends on the duration (30-day, 60-day, or the 5-year multiple-entry visa), nationality, and the channel you use. Government fees are set by GDRFA; service charges vary by channel.

Do I need a tourist visa to visit Dubai?▼

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of GCC countries enter visa-free. Citizens of around 50+ countries (UK, US, EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) receive a free visa on arrival for 30-90 days. Most other nationalities need a pre-arranged tourist visa.

What is the 5-year UAE tourist visa?▼

The UAE 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa allows tourists to enter the UAE multiple times over 5 years, with each stay lasting up to 90 days (extendable to 180 days per year). It is self-sponsored and available to all nationalities. Ideal for frequent visitors to Dubai.

Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?▼

Yes. Tourist visas can be extended for 30 or 60 additional days through GDRFA or Amer centres. Extensions must be applied for before the visa expires.

Can I work in the UAE on a tourist visa?▼

No. A tourist visa does not permit employment. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can lead to fines, deportation, and entry bans. If you intend to work, you need a separate employment visa sponsored by a UAE employer.

How long can I stay in the UAE on a tourist visa?▼

Standard tourist visas allow stays of 30 or 60 days. The 5-year multiple-entry visa allows up to 90 days per visit. Extensions of 30-60 days are available. Overstaying incurs daily fines of AED 50 plus administrative charges.

Do I need health insurance for a UAE tourist visa?▼

Yes. The UAE requires valid health insurance for all tourist visa holders. Coverage must be active for the entire duration of your stay.

Is a UAE tourist visa valid for Abu Dhabi and other Emirates?▼

Yes. A UAE tourist visa is valid for all seven Emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. There is no separate visa needed for each Emirate.

What is the difference between standard and express UAE visa processing?▼

The visa itself is identical either way; "express" refers to the handling speed of the channel you use, not a different visa. GDRFA Dubai publishes a 48-hour service standard for single-entry tourist visas; how quickly the authorities decide is not something any agent controls. OraVisa does not handle UAE visa files.

Related Visa Services

Have a Question About Your UAE Tourist Visa?

UAE inbound visas are outside the services OraVisa provides — contact us and we will point your enquiry in the right direction. We respond within 30 minutes during business hours.