Over 80 nationalities can enter the UAE visa-free — check whether yours is included.
Dubai: Planning a trip to the UAE? Citizens of more than 80 countries can enter the UAE visa-free, without applying for a visa in advance. To help travellers check their status, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE (MOFA) has launched a dedicated online visa eligibility tool.
Here’s how to check whether you qualify for visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or need to apply for a tourist visa in advance:
How to check UAE visa eligibility online
- Visit the official MOFA visa exemption page: www.mofa.gov.ae/en/visa-exemptions-for-non-citizen
- Scroll to the search bar or use the interactive map to select your country
- View your eligibility status, which will show one of the following:
- Visa free — no advance visa required
- Visa required — visa must be obtained before travel
The tool provides a quick way for international visitors to confirm entry requirements before planning their trip.
UAE visa-free entry: How long can you stay?
If your country is eligible for visa-free travel or a visa on arrival, the permitted duration of stay varies depending on nationality:
- 30-day visa on arrival
- 90-day visa on arrival
The exact length of stay depends on the traveller’s nationality and the applicable entry rules.
UAE visa on arrival for Indian passport holders: Who qualifies?
Indian citizens and their family members holding ordinary passports may be eligible for a visa on arrival at all UAE entry points if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Hold a valid tourist visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States
- Hold a valid tourist visa or residence permit issued by an EU country or the United Kingdom
- Hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada
Eligibility depends on possessing valid supporting travel or residency documents from the listed countries.
Not eligible for visa-free entry? Here’s how to apply for a UAE tourist visa
If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you can still visit the UAE by applying for a tourist visa through several approved channels:
- Apply via a UAE-based airline such as Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, or Air Arabia
- Book through a UAE-licensed travel agency or tour operator
- Obtain sponsorship from a UAE resident (family member or friend)
Tourist visas are generally issued for 14, 30, or 90 days, depending on the application route and purpose of travel.
Where to find official UAE visa information
To confirm your visa type, duration of stay, and application process, travellers should refer to official government and tourism portals:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security: icp.gov.ae
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae
- Visit Dubai: visitdubai.com
- Visit Abu Dhabi: visitabudhabi.ae
Summary: Do you need a visa to enter the UAE?
- Check eligibility using the MOFA online visa tool
- Over 80 nationalities can enter visa-free or with visa on arrival
- Indian passport holders with certain third-country visas may qualify for visa on arrival
- If required, visas can be obtained through airlines, travel agencies, or sponsors
Travellers are advised to verify the latest entry requirements before booking, as visa policies may be updated periodically.
