Can I Get UAE Visa on Arrival in 2026?

Quick answer

Yes, citizens of 87 countries can get a UAE visa on arrival at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports. Most nationalities receive a free 30-day visa; a few can pay for a 90-day extension. Always check your passport validity and confirm your nationality on the ICP website before travel.

Who is eligible for UAE visa on arrival in 2026?

The UAE Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICP) publishes an updated list of 87 eligible nationalities. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the UAE. Citizens of the European Union, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, and many others qualify. Nationals from countries not on the list must obtain a visa in advance through airlines, hotels, or ICP-approved sponsors.

Visa duration and fees

Most eligible passports receive a complimentary 30-day single-entry visa. Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, and the USA can extend their stay for another 60 days by paying AED 600 through ICP or ICP Smart Services. The extension must be requested before the initial 30 days expire.

How to get your visa on arrival at Dubai Airport (DXB)

1. Complete the Emirates ID pre-arrival registration online (free) or fill out the immigration form on the plane.
2. Follow the “Visa on Arrival” signs after baggage claim.
3. Present your passport to the immigration officer; no payment is required for the 30-day visa.
4. Collect your stamped passport and proceed through customs.

Processing usually takes 5–15 minutes if your documents are in order. Travellers arriving after midnight may face slightly longer queues.

Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports compared

Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Sharjah (SHJ) use the same ICP rules as Dubai. Abu Dhabi offers automated smart gates for eligible nationalities, cutting wait times to under five minutes. Sharjah is popular with budget carriers; expect longer queues at peak times. All three airports accept the same passport nationalities for visa on arrival.

Common mistakes travellers make

• Assuming every passport qualifies—double-check the ICP list.
• Entering with less than six months passport validity—airlines may deny boarding.
• Forgetting to extend the 30-day visa on time—overstaying incurs fines of AED 50 per day.
• Using a one-way ticket—immigration may ask for proof of onward travel.

What if your nationality is not on the list?

You can apply for a 30- or 90-day tourist visa before travel through:

• Your airline (e.g., Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia) at time of booking.
• ICP-approved hotels or tour operators.
• ICP online portal or the ICP Smart Services app (processing 2–5 working days).

Visa fees range from AED 300 to AED 650 depending on duration and urgency. Always use official channels to avoid scams.

2026 updates to watch

ICP plans to expand the visa-on-arrival list to include five additional Latin American countries in Q2 2026. The new 60-day “multiple-entry” tourist visa pilot will also open for select nationalities; check the ICP website closer to your travel date for the final list and pricing.

Key takeaway

If your passport is on the approved list and valid for six months, you can land in the UAE and receive a 30-day visa on arrival at no cost. For longer stays or ineligible nationalities, apply for a visa in advance through ICP-approved channels to avoid fines and travel stress.