Different visa rules apply to each nationality visiting the UAE. Some of them get visa-on-arrival, while others have to apply prior to flying to the country. Citizens of approximately 70 countries receive a visa on arrival in the UAE while other nationalities will have to obtain a visa before their departure.
Based on information sourced from Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways websites, passport holders of around 20 countries or territories get a 30-day visa on arrival free of charge. They are:
Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong (China), Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau (China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine and Northern Ireland, USA, and Vatican City.
90-day visa
While a 90-day multiple entry visit visa is issued to nationals of over 50 countries or territories. This visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and visa holders can stay in the UAE for 90 days in total. The countries are:
Argentina, Austria, Bahamas Islands, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, Nauro, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Uruguay.
180-day visa
Travelers holding a Mexican passport are eligible for a multiple entry 180‑day visit visa that’s valid for six months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.
Nationals of all other countries from Asia and Africa are required to have a UAE visa prior to their departure.
However, Indian nationals holding a visit visa or green card issued by the USA, which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a UK or EU residence, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a certain fee. They can also apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days for a certain fee.
