It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries get a free UAE visa on arrival — a 30-day or 90-day stamp depending on your passport — while other nationalities must arrange a visit visa before flying. A flight booking does not include or guarantee a visa, so check the current Dubai visa requirements for your passport before you book and again before departure.
Visa on arrival
Dozens of nationalities — including most European, North American, East Asian and GCC passports — simply land and get stamped in at immigration. Depending on the passport, the stay is 30 or 90 days, and there is nothing to apply for in advance.
Pre-arranged visit visas
If your nationality is not on the on-arrival list, you will need a UAE visit visa issued before travel. These are usually arranged through an airline, a licensed travel agency or a UAE-based sponsor, and airlines will check for one before letting you board.
Passport validity and other checks
- Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months from arrival.
- Immigration or your airline may ask for an onward or return ticket.
- Short airside transits generally do not need a visa — but confirm for your specific route.
Rules change — verify before flying
UAE entry rules are set by the authorities and do change. Always confirm with official UAE government sources or your airline close to departure. If you are still planning, you can search flights to Dubai now — online ticketing opens shortly and you can join the waitlist from any flight result. More flight questions are answered in flights help, or ask us directly.