Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world, and many travellers need a tourist visa before the trip. This guide explains the official rules simply and in order. The information comes from the official pages of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) and the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), checked on 24 October 2026.
Who issues the visa
- The tourist visa is applied for by establishments active in the UAE's tourism sector; they are the traveller's host or sponsor.
- GDRFA Dubai states that only licensed tourism offices in the emirate of Dubai can issue this kind of visa.
- The final decision on issuing the visa always rests with the UAE authorities, not with the tourism office.
Types
- single entry, 30 or 60 days;
- multiple entry, 30 or 60 days.
For some tourist visas, the ICP also has a five-year multiple-entry type with separate conditions. The article "Types of UAE visit visa" compares these types.
The main conditions
- a valid passport with at least six months' validity;
- a ticket to continue the journey or leave the UAE;
- health insurance valid in the UAE.
Documents
- a colour personal photo with a white background;
- a copy of the passport;
- for nationals of some countries, including Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the national identity card or identity document of the country of origin is also needed.
Processing time and entry deadline
- GDRFA gives the expected processing time as 48 hours after the documents are complete.
- The ICP says the visa is sent by e-mail and can be downloaded once issued.
- According to the ICP, the holder of an entry permit must enter the UAE within 60 days of its date of issue.
Extension
The ICP says most visas can be extended once or more, at its discretion, provided the total does not exceed that visa type's maximum. GDRFA Dubai has a separate service for extending the tourist visa.
Overstaying
The ICP states the fine for overstaying or entering on an expired visa as AED 50 per day. Before the visa expires, either leave or apply for an extension.
Fees
Official government fees differ by visa type, emirate and application channel and may change. See the current fees on the official GDRFA or ICP page. The price of Royal Golden's visa service is shown in full in the visa section of the site before payment.
Applying with Royal Golden
- Eligibility check: nationality, passport, residence and trip.
- Create an account: one account for you and your family.
- Traveller details: as in the passport, in Latin letters.
- Upload the documents: a first quality check and then a specialist review.
- Review and terms: check everything and read the terms before paying.
- Secure payment: a locked, itemised price.
- Official application: through a licensed tourism partner.
- Result and visa: the official visa is placed in your account.
This article is general information and not legal advice. Decisions on issuing visas and on entry rest with the UAE authorities.
Sources
- GDRFA Dubai, issuance of a single-entry tourist visa — https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/f9e586fe-0642-11ec-0320-0050569629e8 (checked on 24 October 2026)
- GDRFA Dubai, issuance of a multiple-entry tourist visa — https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/services/f9e586fb-0642-11ec-0320-0050569629e8 (checked on 24 October 2026)
- ICP UAE, issuance of a visa (entry deadline, extension, fine) — https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e60 (checked on 24 October 2026)
- ICP UAE, FAQ — https://icp.gov.ae/en/faq/ (checked on 24 October 2026)