UAE Visa by Nationality: Requirements & Fees for Every Country

Whether you need a UAE visa depends on two things: your nationality and whether you hold a residence permit from a qualifying country. Some travellers enter visa-free, some receive a visa on arrival, and everyone else applies before travelling. This page tells you which group you’re in and where to go next.

Do I Need a UAE Visa?

There are three possibilities:

Visa-free entry — nationals of most Western countries and all GCC states enter without applying for anything. You receive an entry stamp on arrival.
Visa on arrival — available to many nationalities if you hold a valid residence permit from the US, UK, an EU member state, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore or South Korea.
Apply in advance — if neither of the above applies, you need a UAE visit visa approved before you travel.

Full eligibility details are in our UAE visa on arrival guide.

UAE Visa Requirements by Nationality

Find your nationality below for a summary and a link to the full guide.

Nationality	Entry route	Full guide
India	14-day visa on arrival with a qualifying visa or permit — otherwise apply in advance	UAE visa for Indians
Pakistan	30-day visa on arrival with a qualifying permit — otherwise apply in advance	UAE visa for Pakistanis
Egypt	30-day visa on arrival with a qualifying permit — otherwise apply in advance	UAE visa for Egyptians
Philippines	14 or 60-day visa on arrival with a qualifying permit (added June 2026) — otherwise apply in advance	UAE visa for Filipinos
South Africa	14 or 60-day visa on arrival with a qualifying permit (added June 2026) — otherwise apply in advance	UAE visa for South Africans
Lebanon	Generally apply in advance; visa on arrival may apply with a qualifying permit	UAE visa for Lebanese citizens
Australia	Visa-free — 90 days on arrival, no application needed	UAE visa for Australians

Eligibility can change without notice, and visa on arrival always remains at the discretion of UAE immigration. Verify your status with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) before booking travel.

Nationality Not Listed?

Most nationalities not covered above need to apply for a UAE visit visa before travelling — and that’s straightforward. You choose the duration and entry type that fits your trip, and we prepare and submit the application for you.

Find the right visa for your trip

All nationalities are welcome to apply. Compare 14, 30 and 60-day options, single or multiple entry, transit and long-stay visas — with transparent pricing and no sponsor required.

Compare visa types & prices →

What Every Applicant Needs

Regardless of nationality, a UAE visit visa application requires:

A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel
A recent passport-style photograph
Supporting documents appropriate to the visa type — see our document checklist

Two special cases worth knowing:

GCC residents. If you live in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain, you may qualify under a separate route — see the 30-day visa for GCC residents.
Frequent visitors. If you travel to the UAE several times a year, the 5-year multiple entry visa is usually cheaper than applying for a new visa each trip.

Frequently Asked Question

Does my nationality decide whether I need a UAE visa?

Partly. Nationality determines your baseline, but a valid residence permit from the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore or South Korea can qualify you for a visa on arrival even if your nationality alone would not.

Can I apply for a UAE visa if my country isn't on the visa-on-arrival list?

Yes. UAE visit visas are open to all nationalities. You apply before travelling and receive your e-visa once approved, typically within 1 to 3 working days.

Does the visa fee change depending on my nationality?

The visa fee is set by visa type — duration and entry type — not by nationality. Current prices for every option are on our visa types and prices page.

Is visa on arrival guaranteed if I qualify?

No. Visa on arrival is always granted at the discretion of UAE immigration at the point of entry. If your trip depends on certain entry, applying for a visa in advance removes that uncertainty.

Which UAE visa should I choose?

It depends on how long you’re staying and whether you’ll leave and re-enter. Short trips suit a 14 or 30-day single entry visa; longer stays a 60-day; trips with side travel a multiple entry visa. Compare all options on our visa types page.