Note that iPhone devices from Mainland China aren’t eSIM compatible. Also iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macao aren’t compatible (except for iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XS)
Visa-Free Entry: Who Qualifies
Citizens of the following nationalities can enter the UAE without any advance visa arrangement for tourism visits of up to 30 or 90 days depending on nationality:
30 days visa-free (extendable): Citizens of EU member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, and several other nationalities. This covers the majority of Western and developed-nation travelers.
90 days visa-free: Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar (GCC nationals), plus citizens of a select group of countries with specific bilateral arrangements.
On arrival, a free-of-charge visa stamp is issued automatically at immigration. There is no online application required, no fee, and no documents to prepare beyond your valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Tourist Visa on Arrival: Additional Nationalities
Nationals of countries not on the visa-free list but classified as lower-risk by the UAE government can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at UAE airports (Dubai International, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.). This includes citizens of several Eastern European, Central Asian, and Latin American countries.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days and costs AED 100-150 (approximately USD 27-41). Payment is made at arrival – cash or card accepted at the counter.
Check the UAE government’s official visa portal (uaevisa.ae) for the current list of nationalities eligible for visa on arrival, as this list is reviewed and updated periodically.
Tourist Visa Before Arrival: How to Apply Online
Nationalities not covered by visa-free or visa on arrival must apply for a UAE tourist visa before travel. The application is made through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) online portal or through authorised airlines and travel agents.
Standard Tourist Visa: 30 Days
The most common category for short-stay tourism. Single or multiple entry options available. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. Apply at least one week before travel to allow for processing. Cost: approximately AED 300-350 (USD 82-95) for single entry.
Tourist Visa: 60 Days
A longer-stay tourist visa introduced to support extended visits and digital nomads. Valid for 60 days from entry. Single entry only. Cost: approximately AED 400-450 (USD 109-122).
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: 5 Years
A long-term multiple entry option allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit over a five-year validity period. Available to nationals of select countries. Cost: approximately AED 650 (USD 177). Best suited to frequent visitors to the UAE.
Key 2025-2026 Changes to UAE Entry Rules
The Green Visa – introduced in 2022 and now established, the Green Visa allows skilled workers, freelancers, and investors to reside in the UAE for 5 years without an employer sponsor. Relevant for travelers considering extended stays or relocation rather than short tourism.
Expanded visa-free access – the UAE has continued expanding its visa-free agreements with additional countries through 2025. Nationalities that previously required visa applications may now qualify for visa-free or visa on arrival entry. Check the current list at the time of travel.
Digital entry cards – the UAE has implemented digital advance information requirements for some nationalities arriving at certain airports. Check the specific requirements for your nationality and entry point before travel.
Common Situations That Cause Confusion
Israeli passport holders – the UAE and Israel normalised relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. Israeli nationals can now enter the UAE visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days, a significant change from the previous complete prohibition.
Indian and Pakistani nationals – these nationalities do not have visa-free or visa on arrival access but can apply for UAE tourist visas through the online portal. Processing is typically 2-5 days. Indian and Pakistani nationals holding valid US, UK, EU, or other specified visas or residency permits may qualify for visa on arrival – check current eligibility rules.
Transit passengers – transiting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport for less than 24 hours does not require a UAE visa for most nationalities. Transits over 24 hours may require a transit visa. Check with your airline before booking connecting itineraries.
Heading to Dubai or the UAE?
Get your Voye eSIM before you fly – navigate Dubai’s Metro, stay connected from DXB arrival to wherever you go
Getting a UAE eSIM: Why Voye Is the Smart Choice
Dubai has one of the best mobile networks in the world – 5G coverage across the city, reliable 4G everywhere else in the UAE, and connectivity standards that match or exceed most European capitals. International roaming in the UAE is expensive from most carriers. A Voye eSIM for the UAE gives you a fast local data connection from the moment you clear immigration at Dubai International (DXB), without airport SIM queues.
Set up your plan through the Voye app before you leave. Scan the QR code, activate on arrival, and your primary number stays live alongside it.
Key Benefits
- Instant digital delivery – activate before you fly, data starts the moment you land at DXB or AUH
- Unrestricted hotspot – share your UAE connection with travel companions from one plan
- Keep your home number active – calls, messages, and banking codes continue normally
- 24/7 multilingual support throughout your trip
- Website and app in 13 languages
Use Cases in Dubai and the UAE
- Navigating Dubai’s Metro Red and Green Lines between the airport, Downtown, and the Marina
- Using Careem (UAE’s dominant ride-hailing app) from the moment you land
- Booking restaurant reservations – Dubai’s dining scene requires advance reservations and most use online platforms
- Navigating Abu Dhabi for Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visits
- Connecting during Dubai Desert Safari excursions where guides communicate via WhatsApp
- Sharing Dubai’s skyline, the Burj Khalifa observation deck, and the desert in real time
Practical Things That Catch Travelers Off Guard
Alcohol rules – alcohol is available in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants but not in public spaces or unlicensed venues. Drunkenness in public is illegal and can result in arrest. This applies to tourists.
Dress code in public – outside hotel pools and beach areas, conservative dress is expected in shopping malls, souks, and public spaces. Shoulders and knees should be covered. This is not strictly enforced everywhere but is a matter of cultural respect.
Cash vs card – Dubai is extremely card-friendly and most transactions can be made by card. However, the Dubai Spice Souk and Gold Souk and smaller independent shops operate on cash. Having some UAE Dirhams (AED) available is sensible.
VPN restrictions – VoIP calls (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime audio/video) are restricted in the UAE. Standard messaging over WhatsApp works. Video calling requires a licensed UAE telecom operator package.
Navigate Dubai with reliable local data
Dubai Metro to the desert to the Marina – your Voye eSIM covers the whole UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Dubai in 2026?
No. UK citizens can enter the UAE, including Dubai, visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. A free visa stamp is issued on arrival at Dubai International Airport. No advance application is required.
Can I get a UAE tourist visa on arrival?
Nationals of certain countries not on the visa-free list can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at UAE airports for a fee of approximately AED 100-150. Eligibility depends on nationality – check the current list at uaevisa.ae before travel.
How long can I stay in Dubai as a tourist?
Most nationalities on the visa-free list can stay up to 30 days per visit. This can typically be extended once for another 30 days at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). GCC nationals can stay up to 90 days. Online tourist visa holders are subject to the terms of their specific visa category.
Is an eSIM better than roaming in Dubai?
Yes, significantly. International roaming in the UAE is expensive for most carriers. A Voye eSIM provides local UAE network access at local rates, activates before you land, and gives you data from the moment you step off the plane – including to navigate from DXB and book your first Careem.
The Bottom Line
The UAE’s visa system is a genuine model for travel accessibility – one of the most open entry systems in the world for the nationalities that benefit from it, and a clear, functional online process for those who need to apply. The complexity most travelers imagine around UAE visa requirements does not usually reflect the actual experience of getting there.
Check your nationality’s current status at uaevisa.ae, sort your Voye eSIM before you fly, and land in Dubai with data already running and nothing between you and the city.
Get your Voye eSIM for the UAE
Instant activation · Unrestricted hotspot · Use VOYE15 for 15% off your first order
Seamless Mobile Data Everywhere
Voye Global — Your Trusted eSIM Partner for Secure & Reliable Travel.
English