The 30-day single-entry UAE tourist visa is the workhorse of UAE travel — used by family visitors, short-stay tourists, business travellers, and anyone needing to spend up to a month in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate. In 2026 the application is fully online, processing is fast, and the cost remains predictable.
What the 30-day tourist visa is
This is a short-term entry permit issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) or by the Dubai-specific GDRFA / Amer system. It allows a single entry into the UAE for up to 30 days from the date of first entry. The clock starts on entry, not on issuance, so travellers have a 60-day validity window to use the visa.
It cannot be used for paid work in the UAE. It is intended for tourism, family visits, short business meetings, conferences, and medical consultations.
Visa-free vs paid: who needs to apply
The UAE divides nationalities into three groups:
- Visa-free for 30 or 90 days on arrival. EU member states, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others receive 30 or 90 days of visa-free entry stamped at the airport.
- Visa-on-arrival for a fee. A small group can obtain a 30- or 60-day visa at the airport for an additional charge.
- Pre-arranged visa required. The majority of nationalities — including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt, Nigeria, China, and many African and Asian countries — must obtain a 30-day tourist visa before travel.
Always check the latest list on the GDRFA / ICP portals; the schedule is updated periodically as new bilateral agreements come into force.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Government fee — 30-day single entry | 350 |
| Service fee (typical) | 100 – 200 |
| Express processing (24h) | + 200 |
| Refundable security deposit (some sponsors) | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Insurance (optional, recommended) | 50 – 150 |
| Extension (one-off, 30 days) | 650 – 850 |
The all-in cost for most travellers using a service provider falls between AED 450 and AED 650.
Step-by-step online application
- Choose a sponsor — an airline (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai), a UAE-resident family member, a UAE hotel, or an accredited service provider.
- Submit the passport copy, photo, and confirmed return ticket through the sponsor's portal.
- Pay the government and service fee.
- Receive the visa as a PDF by email within 1 to 3 working days (or same day for express).
- Print or save the e-visa and travel within 60 days of issuance.
- The 30-day countdown begins from the entry stamp at the UAE airport.
Documents required
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity from the entry date.
- Recent passport-size photo, white background.
- Confirmed return flight ticket.
- Hotel booking confirmation or address of host in the UAE.
- Bank statement or income proof (some sponsors request it).
- Travel insurance (recommended, sometimes required).
Sponsorship channels in 2026
- Airlines. Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai sponsor visas for passengers travelling on their flights. Pricing is consistent and processing is reliable.
- UAE-resident family. A family member can sponsor a visit visa via ICP smart services or GDRFA Amer. The salary and relationship rules apply.
- UAE hotels. Most 4- and 5-star hotels offer a visa as part of the room booking package. Best for tourists with confirmed accommodation.
- Accredited service providers. Independent firms that submit to GDRFA / ICP on the traveller's behalf. Useful for travellers without a UAE host or hotel partner.
Processing time
Standard processing is 1 to 3 working days. Express processing (where available) returns the e-visa within 24 hours and sometimes within 4 to 6 hours during business days. Do not book non-refundable travel until the e-visa is in hand.
Extension rules
The 30-day tourist visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days from inside the UAE, without needing to leave the country. The extension fee is AED 650 to AED 850 depending on the channel. Apply at least 7 days before the original visa expires to avoid overstay fines (AED 50 per day after the visa lapses).
Common mistakes
- Booking flights before the e-visa is approved.
- Confusing the 60-day validity window with the 30-day stay duration. The 60 days is the deadline to enter; the 30 days is how long you can stay once inside.
- Letting the visa expire and then trying to extend — extensions must be applied for before expiry.
- Using a passport with less than 6 months of validity. Airlines often refuse boarding even if the visa was issued.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on a 30-day tourist visa?
No. Paid employment requires a separate work permit. Even short freelance gigs paid by UAE clients are technically not allowed under tourist status.
Can I leave and re-enter on a single-entry visa?
No. Single entry means one entry. If you exit, the visa is consumed even if days remain. You would need a fresh visa to re-enter.
Is the visa valid for all seven emirates?
Yes. Whether issued by ICP federally or by GDRFA Dubai, the visa allows free movement throughout the UAE.
Can I apply directly without a sponsor?
You always need a sponsor. The most common are airlines, hotels, family, and accredited service providers. ICP does not currently issue tourist visas to applicants without a sponsor.
What if my flight is delayed and I arrive after the 60-day window?
You will be denied entry and your visa will lapse. You must apply for a fresh one. Plan to enter at least a week before the validity expires.
Is health insurance mandatory?
It is strongly recommended and often required by service providers, although it is not always enforced at immigration. Insurance is essential for medical emergencies, which can be very expensive in the UAE.
Can children be on the same visa as their parents?
No. Each traveller, including infants, requires a separate visa.
How we help
Visa Simplified processes 30-day tourist visas via GDRFA and ICP with same-day express options. See our 30-day tourist visa service for live pricing and turnaround. If you are weighing 30 days against 60, our 60-day visa comparison walks through the trade-offs.
Need help with this?
Our PRO consultants handle the full process end-to-end — documents, government submission, and delivery. Service fee is fully refundable pre-submission.