Do You Need a Visa for Dubai ? Main Countries & Tourist Visa Durations

Who Gets Visa-Free or Visa on Arrival, and How Long You Can Stay as a Tourist

Whether you need a visa for Dubai depends mainly on your passport. Some nationalities can enter visa‑free or get a visa on arrival, while others must arrange an e‑visa or sponsored tourist visa before travelling.[web:407][web:408][web:418] Understanding your category helps you avoid boarding problems and over‑staying fines.[web:409][web:411]

This guide focuses on short tourist stays: who gets visa‑free or visa on arrival access, typical tourist visa durations (30, 60, 90 days), and the main options if you need to apply in advance. Always double‑check the latest rules for your nationality, as visa policies can change.[web:411][web:420]

• 🌶️ Visa-Free and Visa on Arrival Nationalities
• 🌶️ Typical Tourist Visa Durations (30, 60, 90+ Days)
• 🌶️ Special Case: Indian Passport Holders
• 🌶️ Quick Checklist Before You Fly

Visa-Free and Visa on Arrival Nationalities 🌶️

Citizens who get 30‑day visa on arrival

Many passport holders receive a free 30‑day visit visa on arrival when they land in Dubai (no application in advance, just a passport stamp).[web:407][web:408] For example, this list includes countries such as Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, New Zealand, Monaco, Ireland, Singapore, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, among others.[web:408][web:412] These travellers simply show a passport with at least six months’ validity; their passport is stamped and they can stay up to 30 days, often with the possibility to extend for a fee.[web:407][web:408]

Citizens who get 90‑day visa on arrival

Citizens of many European and other countries benefit from a multiple‑entry 90‑day visit visa on arrival that is valid for six months from the date of issue.[web:408][web:418] Within those six months, the total stay cannot exceed 90 days. Examples include most EU/Schengen states (such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain), plus countries like Switzerland, Norway, South Korea and others listed by UAE authorities.[web:408][web:418] This suits people planning several trips to Dubai within half a year.[web:408]

Mexican passport holders

Mexican citizens are eligible for a multiple‑entry 180‑day visit visa, valid for six months from issue, with a total stay of up to 180 days.[web:408] That effectively makes Dubai and the wider UAE much easier to use as a medium‑term base for tourism or family visits.[web:408]

🌶️ Spicy Tip: If your passport is on a visa‑on‑arrival list, you still need at least six months’ validity and possibly proof of onward travel—check airline and official guidance before flying.[web:407][web:412]

Typical Tourist Visa Durations (30, 60, 90+ Days) 🌶️

30‑ and 60‑day tourist visas (single or multiple entry)

If you are not eligible for visa‑free entry or visa on arrival, you usually apply for a tourist visa in advance via airlines, travel agencies or official portals.[web:407][web:411][web:414] Common options include single‑entry or multiple‑entry tourist visas for 30 or 60 days, counted from the date of arrival or first entry.[web:408][web:416] According to major airlines and UAE government information, these visas can generally be extended twice, with each extension adding 30 days, up to a maximum stay of around 120 days in a year depending on the specific visa type.[web:408][web:409][web:416]

90‑day tourist visas

Some travellers can obtain 90‑day tourist or visit visas, which are useful for longer stays with family or extended travel.[web:413][web:414] These may be single‑entry or multiple‑entry and often require sponsorship by a UAE resident, hotel or travel provider.[web:413][web:416] As with other visas, there is usually a window (for example 58–60 days) in which you must enter the UAE after the visa is issued, otherwise it expires.[web:413][web:414]

5‑year multiple‑entry tourist visa

The UAE has introduced a 5‑year multiple‑entry tourist visa that allows tourists from any nationality to enter multiple times on self‑sponsorship and stay up to 90 days per visit, extendable for another 90 days.[web:411] This option is aimed at frequent visitors and people who want flexible long‑term access without constantly re‑applying.[web:411]

🌶️ Spicy Tip: When comparing visa options, look at three things: allowed stay per visit, total validity and whether you can extend without leaving the country.[web:408][web:409][web:411]

Special Case: Indian Passport Holders 🌶️

Visa on arrival for some Indian travellers

Certain Indian passport holders can obtain a Dubai/UAE visa on arrival if they also hold a valid visa or residence permit for the US, UK, or EU/Schengen, with at least six months’ validity.[web:409][web:412] In that case, they may receive a short stay visa on arrival (for example around 14 days), subject to meeting all criteria and paying the applicable fee at the border.[web:409][web:412] They must show their Indian passport, valid residence or visa, and onward or return tickets.[web:412]

Standard tourist visas for Indian nationals

Indian citizens who do not qualify for visa on arrival typically apply in advance for 30‑, 60‑ or 90‑day tourist/visit visas via approved channels.[web:413][web:414] These visas generally have an issue validity window (around 58 days) during which first entry must occur, and they can often be extended twice for additional 30‑day periods, within a maximum annual stay limit.[web:409][web:413]

🌶️ Spicy Tip: For Indian travellers, always check both the rules for your passport and any extra eligibility you might have through US/UK/EU visas—this can change whether you qualify for visa on arrival or need to apply in advance.[web:409][web:412]

Quick Checklist Before You Fly 🌶️

Key questions to answer

Before booking your ticket, confirm:

• What category your passport falls into: visa‑free, visa on arrival, or pre‑arranged visa.[web:407][web:408][web:418]
• How long you want to stay (7 days, 30 days, 60+ days).[web:409][web:411]
• Whether you might need to leave and re‑enter Dubai during your trip (multiple entries).[web:408][web:413]
• That your passport has at least six months’ validity and blank pages.[web:407][web:414]

Simple decision guide

🌶️ Spicy Tip: Always base your final decision on an official airline or UAE government source (not just blogs), and print or save your visa confirmation in multiple places before travelling.[web:407][web:408][web:411]

Ready to Check Your Dubai Visa Situation? 🌶️
Identify your passport category, choose the visa length that matches your stay, and verify details on an official UAE or airline site so you can land in Dubai with full peace of mind.
Explore More Practical Dubai Preparation Guides on Pickeenoo

📊 Article Information

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Last Updated: January 2026 | Category: Practical Life – Visas & Documents

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