UAE entry and visa rules by nationality (2026)
The first question most readers ask is simply whether they need a visa and for how long they can stay. The answer depends on your passport. The table below summarises the position for 2026; every row must be checked against ICP before you rely on it, because the lists were amended even within 2026.
Entry by nationality (check each row)
| Nationality | Entry | Duration | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCC (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar) | Visa-free | 30 days | National ID or passport |
| UK, US, Canada, EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea and others | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180 (verify — border officers may stamp a shorter period) | Passport only |
| India | Visa in advance, or visa on arrival | 14 or 60 days on arrival | Visa on arrival only with a valid visa or residence permit of the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore or South Korea |
| Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Nepal and others | Visa in advance, or visa on arrival | 30 days on arrival | Visa on arrival only with a valid visa or residence permit of the US, UK, EU, Australia or Canada |
| Philippines, Kenya, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, South Africa and others | Visa on arrival | 14 or 60 days | Added on 25.06.2026; requires a valid visa or residence permit of one of nine recognised countries — verify current conditions |
| Other nationalities | Visa in advance | 30 or 60 days | Sponsor: airline, hotel, licensed agency or a relative resident in the UAE |
What this means in practice
- A tourist or visit entry is not a residence permit: it does not give you the right to work in the UAE.
- Overstaying carries a daily fine; the amount is set by ICP and changes — check before your visa expires.
- If you plan to settle, you will need a residence visa, which is always tied to a reason (a job, a company, a property, study or family). See the pages Work & Jobs and Business & Tax.
Nationality lists, durations and on-arrival conditions change frequently (the on-arrival list was expanded on 25.06.2026). This is not legal advice. Only ICP, GDRFA and the official portal u.ae are authoritative.