Is a visa on arrival the same as the e-Visa?

No. A visa on arrival is granted at the border to eligible nationalities, while the e-Visa is arranged online before you fly and is issued electronically. The e-Visa is the right route when your nationality needs a pre-arranged visa, when you want a longer or multiple-entry stay, or when you prefer the certainty of approval before departure. We confirm which applies to you.

How much is the UAE e-Visa?

You pay one all-inclusive price. It covers the government fee paid to the UAE Federal Authority that issues the e-Visa and our service preparing your application in your language and reviewing it before submission; the government portion is itemised on your receipt. The government fee is non-refundable; our service fee is refunded in most denial scenarios outside your control. The exact government fee depends on your nationality, so the amount on your receipt may be adjusted.

How long does the UAE e-Visa take?

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security typically issues e-Visas within 1 to 5 business days. Our Rush tier reviews your application within one business day, and Super Rush ships it the same day with status tracking, though the authority's own decision time still applies. Applying a few days before travel is sensible.

How long is the UAE e-Visa valid?

The e-Visa is valid for up to 60 days, with 30-day and 60-day options on single-entry or multiple-entry visas. A multiple-entry visa allows several visits within the validity window. The validity is the period in which you may enter; your permitted stay follows the option you choose. Sponsored visas through an Emirates resident follow a different procedure.

Should I choose the 30-day or the 60-day option?

Choose the option that matches your trip. The 30-day visa suits a standard holiday or short business visit, while the 60-day visa gives more room for an extended stay or a multi-Emirate itinerary. Either is available as single-entry or multiple-entry, and our wizard helps you pick the right combination before you apply so you are not caught short.

What are the UAE e-Visa photo requirements?

You provide a recent colour passport photograph against a plain light background, with your full face clearly visible and no hat or non-medical sunglasses. Our wizard explains the size and framing the UAE authority expects and flags a photo that is too dark, blurred or cropped, so a common reason for delay is caught before your application is submitted.

Is VisitPass official, and how does this work?

VisitPass is an independent service, not a government website. We prepare and review your application in your language, then submit it to the official UAE authority and track it for you. The government fee goes to the UAE Federal Authority that issues the e-Visa; our service fee covers the preparation and review of your application before submission.

Is the e-Visa valid for all Emirates?

Yes. The UAE federal e-Visa is valid for entry through all UAE airports and ports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the others, and lets you travel freely between the seven Emirates once you are admitted. There is no separate visa for each Emirate for a normal visit.

Can I extend my UAE e-Visa or stay longer?

Extensions are handled inside the UAE by the immigration authorities, not through this application, and are not guaranteed. If you already know you need more time, it is usually better to apply for the 60-day option or a multiple-entry visa from the start. For long-term stays, work or study, a separate UAE visa or residence permit applies.

Do I need an e-Visa for a transit or stopover in Dubai?

If you only connect airside without passing immigration, you generally do not need an entry visa, though a dedicated transit visa exists for longer layovers where you wish to leave the airport. If you plan to exit the terminal or stay overnight, you need the right entry permission. Our wizard confirms what your itinerary requires.

What happens if my UAE e-Visa is refused?

A refusal usually means the visa type or the supporting information was not right for that trip, and the UAE authority does not always give a detailed reason. Where a refusal is outside your control our service fee is refunded; the government fee is paid to the authority and is non-refundable. We review your application carefully beforehand to reduce avoidable refusals.

How can I avoid having my UAE e-Visa refused?

Most avoidable problems come from small data errors: a name spelled differently from the passport, a wrong passport number or expiry, or a blurry photo. Keep your passport valid for the whole trip and make your details match it exactly. We review your application for completeness and obvious mistakes before it reaches the authority, so it is submitted correctly the first time.

Do I need to show proof of funds or a hotel booking for the UAE?

Your e-Visa covers the entry authorisation, but a border officer may still ask to see your return or onward ticket, where you are staying, and that you have enough money for the trip. It helps to carry a hotel reservation and a card or recent statement. We tell you what to have ready and prepare your application so the entry side is in order before you fly.

Which nationalities need a UAE e-Visa rather than a visa on arrival?

Many Western passport holders enter on a visa on arrival for short stays, while travellers from a long list of other countries arrange an e-Visa before flying, and some longer or specific trips need one too. The rule for your nationality can change, so our wizard checks your current requirement and prepares the right application in your language.

When should I apply for the UAE e-Visa?

Apply once your travel dates are firm and your passport is valid for the whole trip. The UAE Federal Authority usually decides within 1 to 5 business days, so a week or two before departure leaves a comfortable margin. Busy travel periods and holidays can add time, so do not leave it to the last days. For short-notice travel, Rush and Super Rush tiers are available.

United Arab Emirates e-Visa

Overview

The UAE e-Visa is the United Arab Emirates' online entry visa for visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates for tourism, business meetings or a family visit. It is arranged before you fly and is issued electronically, linked to the passport you apply with, so there is no stamp to collect beforehand and no embassy appointment to attend. The tourist e-Visa is valid for up to 60 days and comes in 30-day and 60-day options, on a single-entry or multiple-entry basis; a multiple-entry visa lets you leave and re-enter within the validity window, which suits a regional trip with a side journey to a neighbouring country.

It covers visits only, not paid employment, study toward a qualification or long-term residence, which follow separate UAE procedures. Entry requirements vary by nationality: travellers from many countries can enter on a visa on arrival for short stays, while others need a pre-arranged e-Visa, and longer or specific-purpose trips may call for one as well. The route that applies to your nationality is confirmed first, then your application is prepared in your own language and every answer is checked before it is submitted to the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, so you reach your destination with the right authorisation fully in order before you set off.

At a glance

The key facts for a United Arab Emirates e-Visa application.

Visa type: e-Visa
What you need: Your passport
Validity: Up to 60 days
Maximum stay: 30 or 60 days
Entry type: Single or multiple

Who can apply

The main eligibility conditions for this destination, and who can apply.

The UAE e-Visa is the online entry visa for visiting the United Arab Emirates for tourism, business or a family visit, valid up to 60 days with 30- or 60-day single- or multiple-entry options. Requirements vary by nationality; the application is prepared in the traveller's own language and reviewed for completeness before it is submitted to the authority.

What you'll need

Have these ready before you begin your application. Requirements can vary by nationality and trip purpose.

Passport with at least six months validity
Recent digital passport photograph
Confirmed return flight booking
UAE accommodation address (hotel reservation or host invitation)
Email address for e-Visa delivery
Payment method (one all-inclusive price)

Requirements in detail

The e-Visa asks for less than an embassy visa, but every detail has to match your travel documents exactly. You need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry, with a clean, fully readable photo page. You also upload a recent digital passport photograph against a plain background, framed to the UAE specification, and a clear scan or photo of your passport page.

Some visa types ask for supporting documents, such as a confirmed return flight booking, your hotel reservation or a host's address in the Emirates, and for certain categories proof of funds or sponsorship; only what the chosen visa actually requires is requested. Have your passport number, issue and expiry dates and a valid email address to hand, since the decision is delivered electronically. The single most common avoidable error is a name or passport number that does not match the passport itself: one mistyped character can lead to a rejected application or a problem at the airport, so the entries are checked against the document before submission.

You pay one all-inclusive price, with the government portion itemised on your receipt.

Government processing time

What the issuing authority typically takes once the application is submitted.

Government processing: the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security decides in 1 to 5 business days. VisitPass review: Standard 1-3 business days; Rush 1 business day; Super Rush less than 6 hours. The application is checked for completeness, submitted to the authority, and the confirmation issued. When to apply: start once your travel dates are firm and your passport is valid for the whole trip. A week or two ahead is comfortable for the Standard tier, and the Rush and Super Rush tiers exist for short-notice trips, though no service can promise the exact hour a government grants entry.

On arrival

Carry your approved e-Visa with you when you travel, either printed or saved on your phone, so you can show it at check-in and on arrival. Travel on the exact passport you applied with, because the visa is linked to that document electronically and the airline verifies it before boarding. Keep your hotel address or host details and a return or onward ticket within easy reach.

An approved e-Visa lets you board and request entry, but the final admission decision rests with the immigration officer at the UAE port of entry, who may ask brief questions about the purpose and length of your stay. Have clear answers ready and your supporting bookings available if requested.

Planning your trip

Dubai pairs landmark sights with desert escapes: the view from the Burj Khalifa, the gold and spice souks of Deira and Old Dubai, an abra ride across the Creek, and a dune drive or evening desert safari just beyond the city. Abu Dhabi rewards a slower pace, led by the white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, with the Corniche waterfront an easy stroll. Back in Dubai, Palm Jumeirah and the Marina promenade are pleasant at sunset, and a day trip north reaches the mountain hairpins of Jebel Jais. Sharjah adds heritage museums and the Blue Souk, while the east-coast beaches around Fujairah and Khor Fakkan offer calmer water and snorkelling. The mildest months run from November to March, ideal for outdoor sightseeing and the dunes; from June to September plan around indoor attractions and the cooler evening hours. Pack light, breathable clothing with modest cover for mosques and traditional districts, a layer for fierce air conditioning, sun protection, comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle.

One all-inclusive price

One price per visa with everything included. The government portion goes to the issuing authority and is non-refundable, itemised on your official receipt. Our service covers a full review of your application, secure handling and 24/7 email support.

From

$160.00

Standard tier, one all-inclusive price. You choose your processing speed at checkout, where the final price is confirmed.

Apply now See full pricing breakdown →

The government portion shown is an approximate USD equivalent of the issuing authority's official charge; the exact all-inclusive price is confirmed at checkout.

How to apply

Three steps from start to approval.

Complete the form
Answer the official questions online. Your draft is saved for 30 days, so you can finish once your documents are to hand.
Pay securely
You see the one all-inclusive price before you pay. We check your application for completeness before it reaches the government portal.
Receive by email
Your approved travel authorisation arrives by email. Bring it, or a copy, together with the passport you applied with when you travel.

Read the full United Arab Emirates e-Visa guide

Questions about this destination

Common questions specific to this visa. For broader topics see our help centre.

Do US citizens or other nationalities need a UAE e-Visa?
It depends on your passport. Several nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Canadian and Australian travellers, can enter on a visa on arrival for short stays, while others need a pre-arranged e-Visa, and longer or specific trips may require one too. Our wizard confirms your nationality's current requirement and prepares the right application, so you arrive with everything in order.
Is a visa on arrival the same as the e-Visa?
No. A visa on arrival is granted at the border to eligible nationalities, while the e-Visa is arranged online before you fly and is issued electronically. The e-Visa is the right route when your nationality needs a pre-arranged visa, when you want a longer or multiple-entry stay, or when you prefer the certainty of approval before departure. We confirm which applies to you.
How much is the UAE e-Visa?
You pay one all-inclusive price. It covers the government fee paid to the UAE Federal Authority that issues the e-Visa and our service preparing your application in your language and reviewing it before submission; the government portion is itemised on your receipt. The government fee is non-refundable; our service fee is refunded in most denial scenarios outside your control. The exact government fee depends on your nationality, so the amount on your receipt may be adjusted.
How long does the UAE e-Visa take?
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security typically issues e-Visas within 1 to 5 business days. Our Rush tier reviews your application within one business day, and Super Rush ships it the same day with status tracking, though the authority's own decision time still applies. Applying a few days before travel is sensible.
How long is the UAE e-Visa valid?
The e-Visa is valid for up to 60 days, with 30-day and 60-day options on single-entry or multiple-entry visas. A multiple-entry visa allows several visits within the validity window. The validity is the period in which you may enter; your permitted stay follows the option you choose. Sponsored visas through an Emirates resident follow a different procedure.
Should I choose the 30-day or the 60-day option?
Choose the option that matches your trip. The 30-day visa suits a standard holiday or short business visit, while the 60-day visa gives more room for an extended stay or a multi-Emirate itinerary. Either is available as single-entry or multiple-entry, and our wizard helps you pick the right combination before you apply so you are not caught short.
What are the UAE e-Visa photo requirements?
You provide a recent colour passport photograph against a plain light background, with your full face clearly visible and no hat or non-medical sunglasses. Our wizard explains the size and framing the UAE authority expects and flags a photo that is too dark, blurred or cropped, so a common reason for delay is caught before your application is submitted.
Is VisitPass official, and how does this work?
VisitPass is an independent service, not a government website. We prepare and review your application in your language, then submit it to the official UAE authority and track it for you. The government fee goes to the UAE Federal Authority that issues the e-Visa; our service fee covers the preparation and review of your application before submission.
Is the e-Visa valid for all Emirates?
Yes. The UAE federal e-Visa is valid for entry through all UAE airports and ports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the others, and lets you travel freely between the seven Emirates once you are admitted. There is no separate visa for each Emirate for a normal visit.
Can I extend my UAE e-Visa or stay longer?
Extensions are handled inside the UAE by the immigration authorities, not through this application, and are not guaranteed. If you already know you need more time, it is usually better to apply for the 60-day option or a multiple-entry visa from the start. For long-term stays, work or study, a separate UAE visa or residence permit applies.
Do I need an e-Visa for a transit or stopover in Dubai?
If you only connect airside without passing immigration, you generally do not need an entry visa, though a dedicated transit visa exists for longer layovers where you wish to leave the airport. If you plan to exit the terminal or stay overnight, you need the right entry permission. Our wizard confirms what your itinerary requires.
What happens if my UAE e-Visa is refused?
A refusal usually means the visa type or the supporting information was not right for that trip, and the UAE authority does not always give a detailed reason. Where a refusal is outside your control our service fee is refunded; the government fee is paid to the authority and is non-refundable. We review your application carefully beforehand to reduce avoidable refusals.
How can I avoid having my UAE e-Visa refused?
Most avoidable problems come from small data errors: a name spelled differently from the passport, a wrong passport number or expiry, or a blurry photo. Keep your passport valid for the whole trip and make your details match it exactly. We review your application for completeness and obvious mistakes before it reaches the authority, so it is submitted correctly the first time.
Do I need to show proof of funds or a hotel booking for the UAE?
Your e-Visa covers the entry authorisation, but a border officer may still ask to see your return or onward ticket, where you are staying, and that you have enough money for the trip. It helps to carry a hotel reservation and a card or recent statement. We tell you what to have ready and prepare your application so the entry side is in order before you fly.
Which nationalities need a UAE e-Visa rather than a visa on arrival?
Many Western passport holders enter on a visa on arrival for short stays, while travellers from a long list of other countries arrange an e-Visa before flying, and some longer or specific trips need one too. The rule for your nationality can change, so our wizard checks your current requirement and prepares the right application in your language.
When should I apply for the UAE e-Visa?
Apply once your travel dates are firm and your passport is valid for the whole trip. The UAE Federal Authority usually decides within 1 to 5 business days, so a week or two before departure leaves a comfortable margin. Busy travel periods and holidays can add time, so do not leave it to the last days. For short-notice travel, Rush and Super Rush tiers are available.

Specialist review on every file

We look at your file for the small errors that get applications refused, before any government does. Real reviewers, not AI form-fillers, not outsourced clerical work.

We don't quote specialist headcounts. Our commitment is simple: a real person reviews every file.

United Arab Emirates help desk

Have questions about your e-Visa? Email the United Arab Emirates desk and we reply within 24 hours.

uae@visitpass-online.com

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