Dubai Visa for US Citizens
Updated on February 03, 2025
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Table of Contents
Do US citizens need a Visa for Dubai?
It is quite a unique situation for US citizens, and it is easier than in other countries. As a visitor, you can get a visa on arrival that is valid for 30 days. In other words, you don’t need to apply for a visa before your trip. Upon arrival, you’re eligible for a 30-day visit visa.
If your purpose is to work there, then you’re eligible to come and work in the UAE, provided you have a valid work visa.
Am I eligible for a Visa on arrival?
The visa on arrival process is straightforward. You just need to hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. So, once you land in Dubai, proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visa.
Are there other types of Dubai visas for US citizens?
Yes, if you’re planning to stay for more than 60 days, there’s also the option of applying for a long-term visit visa Here are other Visa types for US citizens:
- Golden Visa: a long-term, renewable residence visa for investors, talents, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and related services.
- Residence Visa (for work): a residence visa allowing skilled workers on self-sponsorship. So, an employer is not required
- Residence Visa (for business): a residence visa for investors establishing or participating in commercial activities in the UAE.
- Transit Visa: For passengers who have an onward flight booking outside of Dubai from 48-96 hours. You need to have confirmed return flight tickets and hotel bookings ready.
Long-term Visas allow you to stay for up to 90 days and can be either single-entry or multiple-entry.
What is the application process for a Dubai Visa?
If you’re applying for a long-term visit visa, you’ll need to apply through the UAE consulate in the US or a reliable travel agency.
Additionally, for the long-term visit visa, you’ll need a completed visa application form, passport-sized photographs, a copy of your confirmed flight booking, and a copy of your passport. These requirements were recently added in 2025.
Some additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances.
How long would a Dubai Visa take?
The processing time for a Dubai visa varies depending on the type of visa. For the 30-day visa-on-arrival that US citizens get, the processing time is practically non-existent, as the visa is issued right when you land in Dubai.
However, for the long-term visit visa, it can take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks. It’s always a good idea to plan well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.
How much is a Dubai Visa?
The 30-day Visa on arrival is free. But other Visas have a fee in order to obtain. Here are the costs of some of the Dubai Visas:
|
Type of Visa |
Cost in AED |
Cost in USD |
|
Single-entry visa (30 days) |
AED 200 |
US$55 |
|
Single-entry visa (60 days) |
AED 300 |
US$82 |
|
Single-entry visa (90 days) |
AED 400 |
US$109 |
|
Multiple-entry visit visa (30 days) |
AED 300 |
US$82 |
|
Multiple-entry visit visa (90 days) |
AED 500 |
US$136 |
|
48-hour transit visa |
Starting at AED 50 |
Starting at US$14 |
|
96-hour transit visa |
Starting at AED 150 |
Starting at US$41 |
|
Golden visa |
AED 4,000 to 5,000 |
US$1,100 to US$1,370 |
|
Residence visa (for work/ business) |
AED 3,000 to 6,000 |
US$820 to US$1,640 |
|
Extension fee |
AED 550 to AED 1,200 |
US$150 to US$330 |
It’s always a good idea to check with the UAE consulate or a reliable travel agency for the most current prices.
How long is the length of stay on Dubai Visas?
With a Visa on arrival, you can stay for up to 30 days but some may also qualify for 90 days depending on the purpose of stay. A transit Visa has a 48-hour and 96-hour stay.
Long-term Visas, like the residency Visa, typically last 2 or 3 years, depending on the sponsorship type, and golden Visas have 5 to 10 years of validity that are renewable.
Planning a long-term move to Dubai? Let’s discuss your potential US tax obligations.
Are there Visa extension options?
Yes, you can choose to extend your visa or opt for other visa types on your next visit.
- 30-day extension: As mentioned earlier, you can extend your visa-on-arrival for an additional 30 days. You’ll need to apply at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai before your initial visa expires.
- 90-day visit Visa: If you’re planning for a longer stay, consider applying for the 90-day visit visa. This visa type is not extendable but gives you a more extended period to soak in Dubai’s magnificence without worrying about extensions.
- Long-term visit Visa: This visa option is available for those planning to stay even longer in Dubai. With a validity of 90 days, this visa can be extended twice, for 30 days each, meaning you can stay in Dubai for about half a year. Remember, though, there’s a fee for each extension.
- Multiple entry Visa: If you are planning to travel in and out of Dubai frequently, a multiple entry visa could be a smart choice. This visa is valid for six months, and it allows for multiple entries into the country, but each stay must not exceed 14 days.
The 30-day Visa on arrival can be extended for an additional 30 days for a nominal fee. To extend your visa, you would need to visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai before your initial visa expires.
Is travel insurance mandatory in Dubai?
It’s not necessarily a mandatory requirement for US citizens visiting Dubai. However, it’s highly recommended. Accidents can happen, flights can get canceled, and bags can go missing.
So, having comprehensive travel insurance can help safeguard you against unexpected issues. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run.
Are there health requirements for a Visa application?
For most travelers, no specific vaccinations are required for entry to Dubai. However, it’s always wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and your yearly flu shot.
But remember, staying healthy isn’t just about vaccines. Dubai can get scorching in the summer, so make sure to stay hydrated and take precautions against heatstroke. And don’t forget to pack any prescription medication you might need, along with a copy of your prescription just in case.
What happens if my Dubai visa application is rejected?
If your Dubai visa application gets rejected, it’s not the end of the road. The key is to identify why your application was rejected. The authorities usually provide the reasons for rejection, so make sure to address these issues when you reapply.
A common reason for rejection is inaccurate or incomplete information on documents.
Can I work in Dubai with a tourist visa as a US citizen?
The short answer is no. Dubai’s laws are stringent about working on a tourist visa. If you’re planning to work in Dubai, you’ll need to apply for an employment visa. The good news is that once you have secured a job, your employer should help you with the process.
Are there specific rules for US citizens?
Aside from visa and work considerations, you should be aware of specific rules or common restrictions.
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city but is also part of a country with a strong cultural heritage and conservative values. So, while exploring the city, remember to respect local customs and laws. This includes dressing modestly, particularly in places of worship and traditional areas, and refraining from public displays of affection.
It’s also important to remember that alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues, typically hotels, and it’s illegal to drink in public or be drunk in public. And, of course, there are severe penalties for drug offenses, including for substances that might be legal in other countries.
Is it possible to be sponsored for a UAE Visa?
Yes, sponsorship is a common pathway for obtaining various types of visas in Dubai and the UAE. Here’s a list of potential sponsors for you:
- UAE-based employers: For working Visa with a valid job offer.
- UAE residents: Such as your family members or your spouse
- UAE-based airlines, hotels, and travel agencies: For tourists
- Accredited educational institutions in the UAE: For students who are accepted into a full-time program at a university or college.
