Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai?
BRITS love to escape to exotic locations - with Dubai often top of the list.
But before jetting off on your hols, make sure you have the correct documents and visas. Here's the rules on entering Dubai.
Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai?
A visa is an official document allowing the traveller to enter a particular country.
You normally need to apply for one before arriving there - so make use you get the right one for your visit, whether a tourist, work, or student.
However, the good news is that as a British passport holder you will not need to apply for a visa in advance of travelling as a tourist to Dubai.
On arrival, you will be granted a tourist visa for free and this will be through a stamp on your passport.
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The visa is valid for 30 days.
You will however need to prove you have had the Covid-19 vaccine with a QR code dated within 30 days of departure.
This is the same for all areas of the United Arab Emirates.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country.
If you wish to work in Dubai you must get a work permit, and must cancel it when leaving the country permanently.
A residence visa requires a blood test.
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Who can enter Dubai without a visa?
As Dubai is a key tourist hub, it is keen to have many visitors from all over the world
As such, passport holders of the following countries can stay for a 30-day visa-free visit on entry:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brunei
- Canada
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Vatican City
Do I need a visa for a short trip to Dubai?
Dubai has a range of visa options depending on the nature of travel.
If you are a passport-holder of a country that isn't on the list above, you will need to get a visa - even if it's just for a short trip.
For those in Dubai only for a short period, a transit visa is available.
This is for a very short stay not exceeding 96 hours.
There is a 14 day visa if you are planning to come for a short period of time, such as a conference or a holiday.
There is also a 30 day visa which is ideal for going to catch up with friends and family.
For a medium term under two month stay, a 60 day visa is recommended.
For a long term visit, the 90 day visa would be your best option.
All of these visa types have a single entry and multiple entry option allowing you to explore other countries and being able to return without paying again (except the transit visa which is single entry only).
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When applying for a visa, a clear copy of your passport will be required as well as a clear front-facing photograph.
The passport must have six months validity remaining and it should take 24 to 72 working hours to process.