As the Emirati embassies no longer issue a visa sticker before departure, the authorities of the United Arab Emirates have developed an electronic visa issuance system (e-Visa) for travelers who cannot benefit from obtaining a free visa at the time of departure or arrival for travelers already in the country wishing to extend their stay. The e-Visa, issued by the Emirati immigration authorities, allows international travelers to claim and pay for their visa online on the internet from anywhere and to visit the 7 emirates that make up the country, namely the unmissable Dubai, the federal capital Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain Ajman, and Fujairah. Now that the visa renewal Dubai system is here, the options will stretch.
Which nationalities are exempt from a United Arab Emirates visa?
International travelers from the following 5 countries, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), enjoy the freedom of movement in the United Arab Emirates :
- Bahrain
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Qatar
Which nationalities can get a free visa on arrival in UAE?
Free 180-day visa issued on arrival
Mexican nationals can obtain a 180-day multiple-entry visa, valid for 6 months, upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates.
Travelers eligible for a free visa on arrival (lists available above), who have used all of the 30 or 90 days allowed over a 6-month period can order a Dubai / UAE e-Visa, before departure or during their last days of stay in the United Arab Emirates (without having to leave the country).
Do French and European travelers need a Dubai / UAE e-Visa?
French travelers, and more generally European travelers, benefit from the free issuance of a visa on arrival in the United Arab Emirates for a period of 90 days (30 days for citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland) and valid for 6 months with several possible entries, meaning therefore that it is not necessary to carry out any visa formalities whatsoever before departure.
However, visa-exempt travelers, French for example, having used their 90-day “credit” over a period of 180 days and wishing to return or stay longer, in the United Arab Emirates must apply for an e-Visa online. Dubai / UAE, whether they are out or still in the country.
What purposes of stay are allowed with a Dubai / UAE e-Visa?
The following types of Dubai / UAE electronic visa (e-Visa) are issued online:
- Tourism
- Business
- Job
Can we visit the whole of the United Arab Emirates with a Dubai / UAE e-Visa?
Yes, the entire UAE territory can be visited with a Dubai / UAE e-Visa, namely the 7 emirates that constitute it: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain Ajman, and Fujairah.
What can arrival control points be used with a Dubai / UAE e-Visa?
Dubai / UAE electronic visa (e-Visa) holders can arrive in the United Arab Emirates from any official air, land, or sea control points, such as Dubai International Airports (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), or still from Sharjah (SHJ).
