Do US citizens need a visa to travel to the UAE?

It depends. US citizens with regular passports can visit the UAE for tourism for up to 30 days without a pre-arranged visa. However, a visa is required for longer stays, other travel purposes or if you hold a non-standard passport.

Tourist Visits:

• Short Stays (30 days or less): If you're a US citizen with a regular passport and plan to visit the UAE for tourism for 30 days or less, you do not need to obtain a visa in advance. You'll receive a free visa upon arrival at the airport.
• Longer Stays (more than 30 days): If you wish to stay in the UAE for longer than 30 days for tourism, you will need to apply for a tourist visa before your trip.

Other Travel Purposes:

Non-Tourist Purposes: If you're traveling to the UAE for purposes other than tourism, such as work, residency, or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa before your trip.

Special Passports:

Non-Standard Passports: If you hold a diplomatic, official, or emergency US passport, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling to the UAE, even for short tourist visits.

Key Takeaways:

• Visa on Arrival: Enjoy visa-free entry for short tourist visits as a US citizen.
• Plan Ahead: For longer stays or other travel purposes, apply for your visa in advance.

Related Articles

• Do I need a confirmed return ticket to apply?
• What are the current UAE overstay fines for tourists?
• How far in advance should I apply for a UAE visa?
• Can I use Uber or Grab in the UAE?
• Can I rent a car in the UAE? Do I need an international driving license?
• Which area in Dubai should I stay in for convenience?
• Do I need to show a return or onward ticket when entering the UAE on a tourist visa?
• Does the UAE require travel insurance? All you need to know
• What does UAE customs check upon entry?
• Can I enter the UAE multiple times with my eVisa?

View more