What Type of UAE E-visas South African Citizens Can Apply For?

South African citizens can apply for several types of UAE electronic visas (e-Visas), depending on their travel purpose, intended length of stay, and eligibility. Options include tourist visas, transit visas, and certain visit permits. However, not every South African passport holder needs to apply for a visa in advance.

Since June 25, 2026, eligible South African ordinary passport holders with qualifying foreign residence permits can also access the UAE's expanded visa-on-arrival scheme. Understanding these options can help you choose the right entry permission before traveling. Source: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1. UAE Tourist E-Visa

A tourist e-Visa is suitable for South African citizens visiting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates for holidays, sightseeing, or leisure. Depending on eligibility and the issuing authority, available options may include:

30-day tourist visa: For a shorter holiday or visit.
60-day tourist visa: For travelers planning a longer stay.
Single-entry visa: For one entry during the visa's permitted validity.
Multiple-entry visa: For eligible travelers who need to enter the UAE more than once.
Five-year multiple-entry tourist visa: A longer-term option that allows eligible visitors to enter repeatedly, subject to the visa's conditions and permitted stay limits.

The exact options depend on the application channel and the applicant's circumstances. Tourist visas can generally be arranged through authorized travel agencies, hotels, or participating airlines.

2. UAE Transit Visa

South African travelers passing through a UAE airport may need a transit visa if they plan to leave the airport and are not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival.

The UAE offers two main transit visa durations:

48-hour transit visa
96-hour transit visa

These visas must be arranged and approved before entry, typically through a UAE-based airline. They are single-entry permits and cannot be extended. Travelers should confirm eligibility and arrangements with their airline before departure. Official transit visa guidance.

3. UAE Visit Visa for Family or Business Purposes

South African citizens visiting relatives, friends, or business contacts may need a suitable visit visa or entry permit. The application route and supporting documents depend on the purpose of travel and the sponsor.

A UAE-based resident, company, hotel, or other eligible organization may be able to arrange the appropriate permit. A tourist visa should not be assumed to authorize employment or other activities that require separate permission.

4. Visa-on-Arrival Options for Eligible South Africans

Under the UAE's June 2026 update, South African ordinary passport holders may qualify for a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival if they hold a valid qualifying residence permit from the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.

The 14-day option may be extended once, subject to the rules, while the 60-day option is not extendable. Eligible travelers should verify current requirements before departure. If you do not meet these conditions, you may need to arrange a visa in advance.

Choose the Right UAE Visa Before Traveling

Choosing the appropriate visa depends on your nationality, residence status, travel purpose, and intended length of stay. If you need a pre-arranged UAE visa, uaevisa.ae offers online visa application services to help you explore the available options and prepare your application.

Visit our UAE visa application page to review the available services and begin your application. If you have already submitted an application through UAEvisa.ae, you can contact our support team directly for assistance with your application and guidance on the next steps.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

All information entered on this form will be kept strictly confidential and subject to our privacy policy once received by us. Your transaction will be secured using SSL/TLS encryption.