The 60-day single-entry UAE tourist visa is the longer cousin of the popular 30-day permit. For travellers planning an extended family visit, an Emirati winter season, or a slower business trip, the 60-day option often beats stitching together two 30-day visas — but not always. Here is the 2026 cost-and-rules breakdown.
What the 60-day tourist visa is
This is a single-entry visit visa allowing the holder to remain in the UAE for up to 60 consecutive days from the date of first entry. The visa itself has a 60-day validity window before entry, so the total planning horizon is up to 120 days from issuance to last day of stay.
Like the 30-day visa, it is a tourist permit. It does not allow paid employment in the UAE. It is intended for tourism, family visits, conferences, short business engagements, and medical care.
Who qualifies
- Nationalities not covered by visa-free entry to the UAE.
- Travellers with a passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Travellers with a confirmed sponsor — airline, hotel, UAE-resident family, or accredited service provider.
- Visitors who can demonstrate financial means or a hosting arrangement for the duration of stay.
Cost comparison: 60-day visa vs two 30-day visas
| Scenario | Government fee (AED) | Total approx. (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| One 60-day single-entry visa | 650 | 800 – 950 |
| One 30-day visa + one 30-day extension | 350 + 650 | 1,150 – 1,400 |
| Two separate 30-day visas (with one re-entry) | 350 + 350 + flight cost | 1,500 + flight |
| One 30-day visa, no extension | 350 | 450 – 600 |
For any stay longer than 30 days, a single 60-day visa is almost always the cheapest option. The exception is when the traveller is willing to leave and re-enter on a fresh 30-day, in which case a short trip to Oman or a near-by destination can break the stay legally.
When 60 days makes sense
- Family stays of 5 to 8 weeks. Common during summer breaks and winter visits.
- Medical treatment. Patients undergoing extended treatment in Dubai's healthcare clusters.
- Property hunting and relocation prep. Buyers and incoming residents sometimes need 6 to 8 weeks to view properties, set up banking, and complete relocation logistics.
- Long business projects. Consultants, auditors, and project managers on engagements of 6 to 8 weeks.
- Slow tourism itineraries. Travellers exploring multiple emirates without rushing.
When 30 days is enough
- Standard 1 to 3-week holidays.
- Short business trips and conferences.
- Travellers planning to extend only if a specific milestone (a deal, a wedding, a hospital appointment) requires it.
- Travellers from visa-free countries who only need to confirm a hotel booking on arrival.
Step-by-step process
- Confirm your nationality is eligible to apply for the 60-day visa.
- Choose a sponsor — airline, hotel, UAE-resident family, or accredited service provider.
- Submit the passport copy, photo, and travel itinerary through the sponsor's portal.
- Pay the AED 650 government fee plus service charges.
- Receive the e-visa within 1 to 3 working days.
- Travel within 60 days of issuance; the 60-day stay clock starts at the entry stamp.
Documents required
- Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- Recent passport photo, white background.
- Confirmed return flight ticket.
- Hotel booking or UAE host's address.
- Bank statements covering the planned stay (sometimes requested).
- Travel insurance (recommended).
Extension rules
The 60-day single-entry visa can be extended once for an additional 30 days from inside the UAE, allowing a total stay of up to 90 days on a single permit. The extension fee is around AED 850. After the 90-day mark, the visitor must exit the UAE before re-applying. Overstaying triggers a fine of AED 50 per day starting from the day after expiry.
Common mistakes
- Booking a one-month return flight and then realising the 60-day visa was unnecessary.
- Trying to extend on day 60 — extensions must be filed before expiry, ideally with a 7-day buffer.
- Assuming the 60-day visa is multi-entry. It is single entry. To re-enter you need a fresh visa.
- Choosing two 30-day visas with a forced exit when a single 60-day would have been cheaper and simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a multi-entry 60-day visa?
Multi-entry visit visas are typically issued for longer durations (1 year, 2 years, 5 years) and have different eligibility. The standard 60-day visa is single entry.
Is the 60-day visa available to all nationalities?
Most nationalities that require a pre-arranged visa to enter the UAE can apply for either the 30-day or the 60-day. A few specific nationalities have restrictions. Always check with your sponsor before booking flights.
Can I work part time during my 60 days?
No. The 60-day visa, like the 30-day, is a tourist permit. Paid work requires a separate permit through MOHRE.
Does the visa cover all emirates?
Yes. The 60-day visa is valid throughout the UAE.
What is the overstay penalty after 60 days?
AED 50 per day from the first day of overstay. Fines can be paid at airport immigration on departure or in advance via ICP smart services.
Can children come on the same 60-day visa?
No. Every traveller needs an individual visa, including infants.
How we help
Visa Simplified issues both 30-day and 60-day tourist visas via GDRFA and ICP, with same-day express options. Visit our 60-day tourist visa service for live pricing. For longer stays, see our 5-year multi-entry visa guide.
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.