PRESS 
Dubai welcomes over 17 million tourists every year. For travellers from many countries, entering is simpler than expected — thanks to the Dubai Visa on Arrival system, which allows eligible passport holders to receive an entry permit directly at the airport with no advance application required.
Eligibility depends strictly on passport nationality. The rules — including fees, validity periods, and extension options — vary based on your country of citizenship. This 2026 guide covers everything: eligible nationalities, exact fees, the Indian VOA rules, the new conditional VOA for six additional nationalities, the step-by-step airport process, extension procedures, and the overstay fine framework.
Updated June 2026: The UAE has expanded its Visa on Arrival programme to six new nationalities — Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa — under a qualifying permit scheme. Jump to the new rules →
In this guide
- Quick reference by nationality
- What is Dubai Visa on Arrival?
- Dubai Visa on Arrival eligibility
- Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders
- New June 2026: VOA for Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya & South Africa
- Documents required for Dubai Visa on Arrival
- Which UAE airports offer Visa on Arrival?
- Step-by-step airport process
- Dubai Visa on Arrival fees — full breakdown
- Validity and extension rules
- Overstay fines and penalties
- Visa on Arrival vs pre-arranged Dubai Visitor Visa
- Common reasons for VOA denial
- Dubai Transit Visa — different from VOA
Quick reference: Dubai Visa on Arrival by nationality
| Nationality category | Visa type | Duration | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) | Free entry stamp | Unrestricted | Free |
| 30-day VOA countries (USA, UK, Australia, Japan, etc.) | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Free |
| 90-day VOA countries (most European + selected others) | Visa on Arrival (multiple entry) | 90 days within 6 months | Free |
| Mexico | Visa on Arrival (multiple entry) | 180 days within 6 months | Free |
| Indian nationals with qualifying permit (USA, UK, EU, AU, CA, JP, NZ, SG, KR) | Visa on Arrival (single entry) | 14 days (+14-day extension available to 28 days) | AED 100–253 (channel-dependent — see fee note) | AED 100 (14-day) / AED 253 (28-day) |
| New June 2026: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, South Africa — with qualifying permit (USA, UK, EU, AU, CA, JP, NZ, SG, KR) | Visa on Arrival (conditional) | 14 days (+14-day extension); or 60 days | AED 100 (14-day) / AED 250 (60-day) |
| All other nationalities | Pre-arranged visa required | 30 or 60 days | Varies |
What is Dubai Visa on Arrival?
A Dubai Visa on Arrival (VOA) is an entry permit issued by UAE immigration authorities at the airport after you land. Eligible travellers do not need to apply for a visa before travelling — the visa is stamped directly into your passport at the immigration counter.
Key facts to know: The VOA is available at UAE air entry points, including major airports. If you plan to enter by land or sea, verify the latest entry requirements with UAE immigration or your airline before travelling. Entry is not guaranteed even for eligible nationalities, as UAE immigration officers retain final discretionary authority to approve or refuse entry.
Dubai Visa on Arrival eligibility
Dubai visa on arrival eligibility depends on passport nationality — not your country of residence, your employment status, or any other visa you hold (except for conditional VOA categories such as the Indian VOA and the newly added six nationalities, which have their own qualifying permit conditions).
A person holding a US Green Card but travelling on an Indian passport, for example, falls under Indian VOA rules — not US rules.
GCC nationals — no visa required
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not need any visa to enter the UAE. They receive a free entry stamp and may stay for extended periods under UAE-GCC bilateral agreements. This is not a visa on arrival — it is a separate visa-free entry arrangement.
GCC countries eligible for free entry: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
30-day Dubai Visa on Arrival — eligible countries
Citizens of the following countries receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, stamped at immigration with no advance application. The 30-day visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days before it expires.
| # | Country | # | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andorra | 12 | Monaco |
| 2 | Australia | 13 | Mongolia |
| 3 | Brunei | 14 | New Zealand |
| 4 | Canada | 15 | Republic of Ireland |
| 5 | China (People's Republic) | 16 | San Marino |
| 6 | Hong Kong SAR | 17 | Singapore |
| 7 | Japan | 18 | South Korea |
| 8 | Kazakhstan | 19 | United Kingdom & Northern Ireland |
| 9 | Macau SAR | 20 | United States of America |
| 10 | Malaysia | 21 | Vatican City |
| 11 | Mauritius |
Important rules for 30-day VOA holders: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your UAE entry date. A confirmed return or onward flight ticket is required. Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds may be requested. There is no grace period — overstay fines begin on day one after expiry.
✈ Real scenario: UK passport holder arriving at DXB
Situation: Sarah from London arrives at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 at 10 pm for a 3-week holiday.
What happens: She proceeds directly to the immigration hall and joins the queue for non-UAE residents. At the counter, she presents her UK passport (valid for 14 months) and her return flight ticket. The immigration officer stamps a free 30-day visa on arrival into her passport. No fee, no prior application needed. Total time at immigration: about 20 minutes.
What she should carry: Passport, return ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and a bank card as evidence of funds.
90-day Dubai Visa on Arrival — eligible countries
Citizens of the following countries receive a free multiple-entry 90-day visa on arrival, valid for 6 months from the date of first issue. Within that 6-month window, you may stay in the UAE for a total of 90 days across one or multiple visits.
| # | Country | # | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albania | 27 | Maldives |
| 2 | Argentina | 28 | Malta |
| 3 | Armenia | 29 | Montenegro |
| 4 | Austria | 30 | Nauru |
| 5 | Azerbaijan | 31 | Netherlands |
| 6 | Bahamas | 32 | Norway |
| 7 | Barbados | 33 | Paraguay |
| 8 | Belgium | 34 | Peru |
| 9 | Brazil | 35 | Poland |
| 10 | Bulgaria | 36 | Portugal |
| 11 | Chile | 37 | Romania |
| 12 | Colombia | 38 | Russian Federation |
| 13 | Costa Rica | 39 | Saint Vincent & the Grenadines |
| 14 | Croatia | 40 | Serbia |
| 15 | Cyprus | 41 | Seychelles |
| 16 | Czech Republic | 42 | Slovakia |
| 17 | Denmark | 43 | Slovenia |
| 18 | El Salvador | 44 | Solomon Islands |
| 19 | Estonia | 45 | Spain |
| 20 | Fiji | 46 | Sweden |
| 21 | Finland | 47 | Switzerland |
| 22 | France | 48 | Uruguay |
| 23 | Georgia | 49 | Uzbekistan |
| 24 | Germany | 50 | Honduras |
| 25 | Greece | 51 | Hungary |
| 26 | Iceland | 52 | Italy |
90-day VOA rules: This visa is generally issued as a multiple-entry visa and is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Eligible travelers can stay in the UAE for a total of up to 90 days within that 6-month validity period across one or multiple entries. Always monitor your cumulative stay days to avoid overstaying and verify the latest UAE immigration requirements before travel.
180-day Dubai Visa on Arrival — Mexico only
Holders of a Mexican passport are eligible for a special multiple-entry 180-day visa on arrival, valid for 6 months from the date of issue, allowing a total stay of 180 days within that period. This is issued free of charge at UAE airports.
Dubai Visa on Arrival for Indian passport holders
Indian nationals do not automatically qualify for Dubai Visa on Arrival. A conditional scheme allows eligible Indian passport holders — those separately holding a valid US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, Singaporean or South Korean visa or residence permit — to obtain a 14-day visa on arrival, extendable once to 28 days. For full eligibility rules, the current UK status, fee breakdown and the airport process, see our dedicated UAE Visa on Arrival for Indians guide.
Who qualifies — Indian VOA eligibility
An Indian passport holder can get a Dubai Visa on Arrival only if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the following countries, with at least 6 months' validity from their date of UAE entry:
| Qualifying country | Qualifying documents accepted |
|---|---|
| United States of America | Valid US visitor visa OR US Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) |
| United Kingdom | Valid UK residence permit (Biometric Residence Permit) OR valid UK visa |
| European Union / Schengen | Valid Schengen/EU residence visa or permit from any EU member state |
| Australia | Valid Australian residence permit |
| Canada | Valid Canadian residence permit or visa |
| Japan | Valid Japanese residence permit |
| New Zealand | Valid New Zealand residence permit |
| Singapore | Valid Singaporean residence permit |
| South Korea | Valid South Korean residence permit |
Important: Expired qualifying visas, residence permits, Green Cards, or residency documents do not qualify for UAE visa on arrival eligibility. The qualifying document must be valid on your date of arrival in the UAE and, where applicable, should have sufficient remaining validity as required by UAE immigration authorities. Travelers should verify all eligibility requirements before departure to avoid boarding or entry issues.
Indian VOA: key facts at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Single-entry |
| Duration | 14 days from date of entry (Day 1 = arrival day) |
| Fee | AED 100 (approx. USD 27 / ₹2,300) |
| Where to pay | Marhaba Services counter, before the main immigration area |
| Extension available | Yes — once, for an additional 14 days |
| Extension fee | AED 250 (approx. USD 68 / ₹5,700) |
| Maximum stay | 28 days total (14-day visa + 14-day extension) |
| Grace period | None — fines begin day one after expiry |
Step-by-step: how Indians get Visa on Arrival at Dubai Airport
- Land at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or another qualifying UAE airport.
- Do not proceed directly to the main immigration counters. Look for the Marhaba Services counter, located before the main immigration area.
- Present your Indian passport, your qualifying residency document (original, with 6+ months' validity), and your confirmed return flight ticket.
- Pay the AED 100 fee by credit or debit card. Cash in UAE Dirhams is also accepted.
- Receive your fee receipt — keep this with you throughout the airport.
- Proceed to the main immigration counter with your receipt and passport.
- The immigration officer verifies your documents and stamps your passport with the 14-day single-entry visa.
Processing time: Typically 10–20 minutes if all documents are in order.
✈ Real scenario: Indian passport holder with US Green Card arriving at DXB
Situation: Rahul from Mumbai holds an Indian passport and a US Green Card (valid for 3 more years). He's arriving at DXB Terminal 3 at 2 am for a 10-day Dubai holiday.
What he does: After deplaning, he follows signs to the immigration hall but stops at the Marhaba Services counter before the main queues. He presents his Indian passport + original Green Card + return ticket. He pays AED 100 by debit card and receives a receipt. He then joins the general immigration queue where his passport is stamped with a 14-day visa. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What he should NOT do: Go directly to the main immigration counter without stopping at Marhaba — his visa on arrival won't be processed there.
How to extend the Indian VOA
If you need to stay beyond 14 days, apply for the extension before your initial visa expires:
- Visit an Amer Service Centre in Dubai, or apply through the GDRFA Dubai portal
- Pay the extension fee of AED 250
- Maximum extended stay: 14 additional days (28 days total)
- No further extensions are permitted — if you need more than 28 days, you must exit and apply for a pre-arranged Dubai Visitor Visa
New June 2026: UAE Visa on Arrival for Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya & South Africa
Effective June 2026, the UAE announced a significant expansion of its conditional Visa on Arrival programme. Nationals of six additional countries — Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa — are now eligible for a UAE Visa on Arrival, provided they hold a qualifying residence permit from a specific list of countries.
This scheme mirrors the existing Indian VOA arrangement and is issued under the same qualifying permit conditions. The ICP has confirmed that eligibility applies to the passport holder and their accompanying family members, who must also hold valid qualifying permits.
Who qualifies — eligibility conditions
A passport holder of one of the six newly eligible nationalities can obtain a UAE Visa on Arrival only if they hold a valid residence permit from one of the following countries:
| Qualifying country |
|---|
| United States of America |
| United Kingdom |
| European Union member states |
| Australia |
| Canada |
| Japan |
| New Zealand |
| Singapore |
| South Korea |
Important: The qualifying permit must be valid at the time of UAE arrival. Expired permits do not qualify. Eligibility also extends to accompanying family members, who must likewise hold valid qualifying permits from the same list of countries. Verify current requirements with UAE ICP or your airline before travel.
Key facts: fees, durations and overstay rules
| Option | Duration | Fee | Extendable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short stay | 14 days | AED 100 | Yes — once, for 14 more days at AED 250 (28 days total) |
| Longer stay | 60 days | AED 250 | No — not extendable beyond 60 days |
An overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies to those who remain in the UAE beyond their permitted period. Fees are payable at the airport by card or UAE Dirhams cash.
💡 Which option is better value?
If you plan to stay for more than two weeks and hold a qualifying permit, the 60-day option at AED 250 offers significantly better value than the 14-day visa (AED 100) plus a 14-day extension (AED 250) — which would cost the same total of AED 350 for only 28 days. The 60-day option is not extendable, so plan your travel accordingly.
Dubai Visa on Arrival documents required
For all VOA nationalities:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of UAE entry
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation — hotel booking confirmation or host's contact details
- Evidence of sufficient funds — bank card, cash, or bank statement
- Payment method (for Indian VOA and new 6-country VOA: card or UAE Dirhams cash)
For Indian VOA holders and the six new conditional VOA nationalities, additionally:
- Original qualifying residency permit with at least 6 months' validity from date of UAE arrival
- Accompanying family members must hold their own valid qualifying permits
For minors (under 18) travelling to Dubai:
- Child's valid passport
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Birth certificate in English or Arabic (or with certified translation)
- Documents of the accompanying parent or guardian
- If travelling with only one parent: a notarised No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the other parent
Which UAE airports offer Visa on Arrival?
Dubai Visa on Arrival is available at all UAE international airports:
| Airport | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Airport | DXB | Terminals 1, 2, and 3 — busiest hub |
| Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central) | DWC | South Dubai |
| Abu Dhabi International Airport | AUH | — |
| Sharjah International Airport | SHJ | — |
| Ras Al Khaimah International Airport | RKT | Indian VOA: card payments only at immigration — no cash |
| Al Ain International Airport | AAN | — |
| Fujairah International Airport | FJR | — |
Important: Visa on Arrival (VOA) is generally available through UAE air entry points, including major international airports. If you plan to enter the UAE by land or sea, verify the latest entry requirements with UAE immigration authorities, your airline, or your travel provider before departure.
Step-by-step: Dubai Visa on Arrival airport process
For all eligible nationalities except Indian passport holders and the six new conditional-VOA nationalities (who follow the separate Marhaba counter process above):
- Land at a UAE international airport and follow signs to the Immigration Hall.
- Proceed to the immigration counters for your nationality/visa type.
- Present your passport and required documents to the immigration officer.
- Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) may be collected at this stage.
- The officer verifies eligibility and stamps your passport with the VOA.
- Exit immigration and proceed to baggage claim.
Processing time: 15–45 minutes depending on queue length. Factor in extra time during peak travel periods (December–January, July–August).
Dubai Visa on Arrival fee — full breakdown
| Visa category | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30-day VOA (all eligible countries) | Free |
| 90-day VOA (all eligible countries) | Free |
| 180-day VOA (Mexico) | Free |
| Indian VOA — initial 14 days | AED 100 (≈ USD 27 / ₹2,300) |
| Indian VOA — 14-day extension | AED 250 (≈ USD 68 / ₹5,700) |
| New 6-country conditional VOA — 14 days | AED 100 |
| New 6-country conditional VOA — 14-day extension | AED 250 |
| New 6-country conditional VOA — 60 days (non-extendable) | AED 250 |
| 30-day VOA extension | Varies — check current fee via GDRFA Dubai portal before applying |
Fees are payable at the airport by credit card, debit card, or cash in UAE Dirhams. Currency exchange booths are available at all UAE airports.
Dubai Visa on Arrival validity and extension rules
30-day VOA: validity and extension
- Valid for 30 days from your date of arrival
- Eligible for a 30-day inside-country extension
- How to extend: Apply through the GDRFA Dubai portal or visit an Amer Service Centre before your current visa expires
- Extension can also be arranged through a licensed travel agency in Dubai
- No grace period — fines begin on day one after expiry
90-day VOA: validity and re-entry
- Multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months from the date of first issue
- You may stay for a total of 90 days within that 6-month window across any number of visits
- No formal extension needed — simply exit and re-enter while within your allowance
- If you fully use your 90 days, apply for a pre-arranged Dubai Visitor Visa
Indian 14-day VOA: validity and extension
- Valid for 14 days from entry (counting arrival day as Day 1)
- Extendable once for 14 more days (AED 250) — maximum 28 days total
- Apply at an Amer Service Centre or via GDRFA portal before expiry
- No further extensions — exit and apply for a new visa if needed
New 6-country conditional VOA: validity and extension
- 14-day option: Valid from entry, extendable once for 14 more days (AED 250) — 28 days maximum total
- 60-day option: Valid from entry, not extendable — plan your trip duration accordingly before choosing this option
- Apply for the 14-day extension at an Amer Service Centre or via the GDRFA portal before expiry
- No further extensions beyond either option — exit and apply for a pre-arranged visa if more time is needed
Dubai Visa on Arrival overstay fines and penalties
Overstay fines are calculated on a per-day basis from the first day after your permitted stay ends. The commonly reported fine is AED 50 per day — always verify the current rate through official channels (UAE ICP, GDRFA Dubai, or an Amer Service Centre) before your visa expires.
Important: Overstaying a Dubai Visa on Arrival can lead to fines and immigration-related complications.
- Overstay fines may apply from the day after your permitted stay expires, subject to current UAE immigration regulations.
- Extended or repeated overstays may affect future UAE visa or entry applications.
- Immigration records are maintained by UAE authorities, and previous overstay history may be reviewed during future applications.
- Outstanding immigration fines or unresolved visa issues may need to be cleared before departure or before applying for a new UAE visa.
Dubai Visa on Arrival vs pre-arranged Dubai Visitor Visa
| Feature | Visa on Arrival | Pre-arranged Dubai Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Citizens of select approved countries | Almost all nationalities |
| Application timing | No advance application needed | Apply 3–14 days before travel |
| Approval status at departure | Not confirmed — decided at airport | Confirmed before you fly |
| Risk of denial at airport | Yes — officer's discretion | Very low (pre-approved) |
| Available durations | 14, 30, 60, 90, or 180 days (by nationality) | 14, 30, 60 days (your choice) |
| Entry type | Single or multiple (by nationality) | Single or multiple (your choice) |
| Cost | Free for most; AED 100–250 for conditional VOA categories | Varies by type and processing speed |
| Best for | Short spontaneous trips by eligible nationals | All nationalities; planned travel; certainty |
✈ Visa on Arrival
- No advance planning needed
- Free for most nationalities
- Decided at airport — not confirmed before travel
- Available to select nationalities only
- Risk of denial at immigration
🛡 Pre-arranged Visa Recommended
- Approval confirmed before you fly
- Available to all nationalities
- Choose your own duration (14/30/60 days)
- Reduces stress and eliminates airport risk
- Strongly recommended for non-VOA nationalities
If you are not eligible for visa on arrival — or want certainty before leaving home — apply for a Dubai Visitor Visa online with options from 14 days to 60 days Visa, single or multiple entry.
Common reasons for Dubai Visa on Arrival denial
Even if your nationality appears on the eligible list, entry is not guaranteed. Immigration officers can deny entry at their discretion. The most common reasons include:
- Passport valid for less than 6 months from the date of entry — the single most common and preventable denial reason
- No confirmed return or onward ticket — immigration may ask to see it on your phone or as a printout
- No proof of accommodation — especially for first-time visitors; carry your hotel booking confirmation
- Insufficient funds — no evidence of financial means to support your stay
- Previous UAE overstay history — flagged permanently in the ICP/GDRFA database
- Previous UAE visa violations — including cancelled visas not properly closed
- Suspected intention to work without a permit
- Indian VOA / new 6-country VOA: expired or ineligible qualifying document — e.g., permit from a country not on the qualifying list, or fewer than 6 months' validity remaining; family members without their own valid qualifying permits
- Damaged or tampered passport — immigration may reject passports with missing pages or heavy wear
- Security-related flags — any match to watchlists results in immediate escalation
Important: If entry is refused on arrival, the traveler may be required to remain at the airport and return on the next available flight to the departure point. Pre-booked hotels, tours, or onward travel may not be refundable. If you are unsure about your eligibility or cannot afford travel uncertainty, applying for a pre-arranged Dubai visa before departure is the safer option.
Dubai Transit Visa — different from Visa on Arrival
Many travellers confuse the Visa on Arrival with the Dubai Transit Visa. These are entirely separate entry categories.
If you have a layover in Dubai and want to exit the airport to explore the city, you need a transit visa — not a visa on arrival:
| Transit visa type | Maximum stay | Can leave airport? |
|---|---|---|
| 48-hour Dubai Transit Visa | 48 hours | Yes |
| 96-hour Dubai Transit Visa | 96 hours | Yes |
| Airside transit (no visa) | Duration of layover | No — terminal only |
Not Eligible for Dubai Visa on Arrival?
Apply for a pre-arranged Dubai Visitor Visa online and get your approval confirmed before you travel. Choose from 14-day, 30-day, and 60-day visa options based on your trip plan.
Apply for Dubai Visitor Visa →
