🇺🇸UNITED STATES

🇦🇪UAEUS-AE

Do United States passport holders need a visa to visit UAE?

Q: How long can I stay in the UAE?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period on the multiple-entry visa on arrival, which is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

Q: How much does the visa on arrival cost?

It is free (AED 0) for US ordinary passport holders. You only pay if you opt for an eligible paid extension or incur an overstay fine.

Q: What passport validity do I need?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with at least one blank page. Emergency 12-page passports and 'X' marker passports are not accepted.

Q: Can I work in the UAE on this visa?

No. The visa on arrival is for tourism, family visits, and business meetings only. Working or studying requires an appropriate pre-arranged visa.

Q: What happens if I overstay?

A fine of AED 50 per day is charged for each day beyond your permitted stay. Exit on time or arrange an extension to avoid fines.

US ordinary passport holders get a free visa on arrival in the UAE — no advance application needed for tourism. United States citizens holding an ordinary passport do not need to arrange a visa before flying to the United Arab Emirates. On landing, immigration issues a free, multiple-entry visit visa permitting a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You simply need a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival, an onward or return ticket, and proof of accommodation/funds if asked. There is no fee for the on-arrival stamp itself, though overstays incur a daily fine (AED 50/day). This is a more generous allowance than the standard 30-day visa on arrival granted to many other nationalities.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

United States (Green Card)Living in United States as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa on arrival (free)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within 180 days

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

Free (AED 0)

consular fee only

Processing time

On arrival (immediate at the airport)

standard track

Validity

6 months from date of issue

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm passport validity

Ensure your US ordinary passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date in the UAE and has at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Note: 12-page emergency passports and passports with an 'X' sex marker are not accepted.

· 6 months validity· 1 blank page

/02

Book onward/return travel and accommodation

Hold a confirmed return or onward ticket and a hotel booking or host address. Immigration may ask for these and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

· Return ticket· Hotel booking

/03

Fly to the UAE

No advance visa application is required. You can travel directly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any UAE airport on a normal tourist itinerary.

· No pre-arrival visa

/04

Proceed to immigration on arrival

At the airport, go to passport control. As a US citizen you are issued a free multiple-entry visit visa on the spot, allowing up to 90 days of stay within 180 days.

· Visa on arrival· Issued at counter

/05

Complete biometrics and entry stamp

Eye/iris and facial scans may be captured. Your passport is stamped (or an e-stamp issued) recording the entry. Keep any printed confirmation if requested.

· Biometrics· Entry stamp

/06

Track your stay and exit on time

Count your days carefully — you may stay up to 90 days within the 180-day window. Overstaying triggers a fine of AED 50 per day. Exit before the limit or apply for a paid extension if eligible.

· 90/180 limit· AED 50/day overstay fine

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

8 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 8 complete

US ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival

required

At least one blank passport page

required

Confirmed return or onward ticket

required

Hotel reservation or host address in the UAE

recommended

Proof of sufficient funds for the stay

recommended

Travel/medical insurance covering the UAE

recommended

Not holding a 12-page emergency passport or 'X' marker passport

required

Contact details for accommodation/sponsor

recommended

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Visa on arrival (90-day visit visa)AED 0Free of charge for US ordinary passport holders

Optional paid extension~AED 600If eligible and you wish to stay beyond the granted period; at immigration discretion

Overstay fineAED 50/dayCharged per day beyond the permitted stay — avoid by exiting on time

Total estimateAED 0 — AED 0incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Visa on arrival

Immediate at airport

Issued free at the immigration counter on landing — no advance application or appointment.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Tourism and sightseeing

Visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates for leisure, landmarks, and shopping.

High

/02

Visiting family or friends

Short stays to see relatives or friends residing in the UAE.

Medium

/03

Business meetings and conferences

Attending short-term meetings, expos, or trade events (not paid employment).

Medium

/04

Transit and stopover

Stopping over en route to onward destinations and exploring the city.

Medium

/05

Layover leisure

Extended airport connections used for a quick visit into the city.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Present your passport and UAE entry permit or eVisa approval. The officer decides the final entry stamp and stay conditions.

/02

Customs

Declare restricted goods and large cash amounts when required. Keep medicines in original packaging with prescriptions.

/03

Connectivity

Airport SIM and eSIM options are widely available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi arrivals halls.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

United States to United Arab Emirates route verified

Confirmed via UAE Government Portal, U.S. State Department, and Emirates that US ordinary passport holders receive a free multiple-entry visa on arrival permitting up to 90 days within 180 days, valid 6 months from issue. No advance visa required.

/09 — The questions