UAE tourist visa fees in 2026 are set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) and range from AED 50 for a transit visa to AED 1,000 for a 60-day multiple-entry tourist visa. This page is a complete fee schedule covering all tourist visa types, fee differences by nationality, hidden charges that push the total cost higher, and fee comparisons across the main application channels. For guidance on the application process, visa on arrival eligibility, and overstay fines, see our companion guide at UAE visit visa cost and process guide.
UAE Tourist Visa Fee Schedule 2026: All Types at a Glance
| Visa Type | Government Fee (AED) 2026 |
| 30-Day Single-Entry Tourist Visa | AED 250 to AED 350 |
| 30-Day Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa | AED 600 to AED 700 |
| 60-Day Single-Entry Tourist Visa | AED 500 to AED 600 |
| 60-Day Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa | AED 900 to AED 1,000 |
| 96-Hour Transit Visa | AED 100 |
| 48-Hour Transit Visa | AED 50 |
| Express Processing (add-on) | AED 100 to AED 200 |
| Visa Extension (30 days) | AED 600 to AED 800 |
The fees above are the base government fees set by ICP. When you apply through an airline, travel agent, or hotel partner, additional service charges apply on top of these government rates. The true total cost is covered in the hidden fees section below.
UAE Visa Fees by Nationality 2026: Indian, Pakistani, European and More
While the base ICP fees are the same across nationalities, the total amount paid and the conditions differ significantly. Here is how fees break down for the major traveller groups:
Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and South Asian Nationals
South Asian nationals must pre-apply for a UAE tourist visa before travelling — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Standard fees apply as per the ICP schedule above: AED 250-350 for 30-day single entry, AED 500-600 for 60-day single entry. When applying through a travel agent (the most common channel for South Asian travellers), service fees of AED 100-300 are added. Indian nationals holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may be eligible for a paid visa on arrival at AED 50-100 — confirm current eligibility on the ICP portal before travelling as these conditions change.
European, American, Australian and GCC Nationals
Citizens of EU member states, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several other countries receive a free 30-day visa on arrival with no pre-application required. This visa can typically be extended once from within the UAE at a cost of AED 600-800 for a further 30 days through the ICP portal. If you choose to pre-apply before travelling for a longer duration (60 days), standard fees apply. GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) enter the UAE without any visa fee or requirement.
Other Nationalities: Check Current Eligibility
Visa fee conditions and visa-on-arrival eligibility are subject to bilateral agreements between the UAE and other countries. The UAE regularly updates its visa-free and visa-on-arrival agreements. Nationalities not covered by visa-on-arrival must apply through the ICP portal or a licensed UAE visa agent before travelling. For the authoritative current list of eligible nationalities, visit the ICP website under the visa services section. The table above shows the correct government fee schedule that applies to all pre-application visa categories regardless of nationality.
Hidden Costs of UAE Tourist Visa: What Fees Beyond the Visa Cost?
The government fee is only part of your total visa cost. Most applicants end up paying significantly more than the base government rate when all applicable charges are included. Here is a complete breakdown of additional fees that commonly apply:
- Health insurance — AED 30 to AED 80 for a 30-day trip, more for 60 days. UAE requires all visit visa holders to hold valid health insurance covering UAE medical expenses. Some travel agents include this in their package; others charge it separately
- Service / processing fee — AED 50 to AED 300 depending on the agent or airline. Charged on top of the government fee for processing your application. Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and licensed agents all charge service fees
- Typing / documentation fee — AED 50 to AED 150 at some offline visa typing centers. Charged for preparing and organizing your application documents
- Express processing premium — AED 100 to AED 200 extra for 24-48 hour approval instead of the standard 3-5 working days
- International transfer fee — If paying from outside the UAE, your bank may charge a card processing or currency conversion fee of 1-3% on the transaction
| Cost Component | Typical Range (AED) |
| Base government visa fee | 250 to 1,000 |
| Agent service fee | 50 to 300 |
| Health insurance | 30 to 80 |
| Typing/documentation (if offline) | 50 to 150 |
| Express processing (optional) | 100 to 200 |
| Total realistic range (30-day visa) | AED 430 to AED 730 |
The total cost for a 30-day single-entry UAE tourist visa, once all applicable charges are included, typically ranges from AED 430 to AED 730 rather than the AED 250-350 headline government fee. Budget accordingly and ask for an all-inclusive fee quote from your agent before confirming.
UAE Tourist Visa Fee Comparison: ICP Portal vs Airline vs Travel Agent
The same UAE tourist visa costs different amounts depending on which channel you use to apply. Here is how the main channels compare for a standard 30-day single-entry tourist visa in 2026:
| Channel | Typical Fee (AED) | Notes |
| ICP Portal (government direct) | AED 250 to AED 350 | Lowest cost. No service fee. Requires self-service application. Processing 3-5 days |
| Emirates / Etihad (airline) | AED 350 to AED 500 | Service fee added. Convenient if booked with flight. Same processing time |
| Air Arabia / budget carrier | AED 300 to AED 450 | Lower service fee than major carriers |
| Licensed travel agent (online) | AED 350 to AED 600 | Full service including document checking. Best for complex applications |
| Offline visa typing center | AED 400 to AED 650 | Face-to-face service. Higher cost due to physical service overhead |
| Hotel booking partner | AED 400 to AED 700 | Most expensive. Convenience premium. Some include insurance |
The ICP government portal consistently delivers the lowest total fee. If you are comfortable with the self-service application process and have straightforward documentation, applying directly through ICP saves AED 100-350 compared to agent channels. Licensed agents are worth the premium if your nationality has complex requirements, you need Arabic translation assistance, or you are applying for multiple family members simultaneously.
UAE Tourist Visa Fee Refund Policy: What If Your Visa Is Rejected?
UAE tourist visa applications can be rejected, and the refund policy is an important consideration before paying:
- Government fee: ICP does not refund the government processing fee if your application is rejected. The fee covers the processing cost, not the visa issuance
- Agent service fee: Most licensed agents do not refund their service fee on rejection, though some offer a partial refund or a free reapplication. Confirm the refund policy before paying
- Insurance premium: Travel insurance may be refundable if purchased separately; if bundled with the visa service fee, it is typically non-refundable
- Grounds for rejection: Common reasons include incomplete documents, inconsistency between passport details and application form, previously overstayed UAE visas, and security-related flags. If rejected, you can reapply after correcting the issue
For higher-risk applications (previous UAE overstay, complex travel history, or first-time applicants from countries with higher rejection rates), using a licensed visa agent reduces rejection risk by ensuring documentation is complete and consistent before submission.
Conclusion
UAE tourist visa fees in 2026 range from AED 50 (transit) to AED 1,000 (60-day multiple entry) for government base fees, with the realistic total cost including insurance and service fees ranging from AED 430 to AED 730 for the most common 30-day tourist visa. The cheapest channel is always the ICP government portal for self-applicants. Always confirm current fees on the official ICP portal before applying, as fees and nationality eligibility conditions are updated periodically.
For the complete UAE visit visa application process guide, covering visa on arrival countries, overstay fines, extension process, and the ICP application steps — see our companion guide. At Gulf Corporate Services, we support UAE visa services including tourist visa applications, UAE residence visa processing, and PRO services for ICP coordination. Contact us for a free consultation.
UAE Tourist Visa Fees FAQ 2026
What is the UAE tourist visa fee in 2026?
UAE tourist visa fees in 2026 range from AED 250 to AED 1,000 depending on visa type. The most common option (30-day single-entry) costs AED 250-350 in government fees. With service fees, insurance, and processing charges from an agent, total cost is typically AED 430-730. Transit visas cost AED 50-100.
How much is a UAE tourist visa for Indian nationals?
Indian nationals pay the standard ICP government fee: AED 250-350 for 30-day single entry, AED 500-600 for 60-day single entry, AED 600-700 for 30-day multiple entry. When applying through a travel agent (most common for Indians), total cost including service fee and insurance is typically AED 400-650 for a 30-day visa. Indian nationals holding valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may qualify for paid visa on arrival at AED 50-100.
Can I get a refund on a UAE tourist visa fee?
No. The ICP government fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. Agent service fees are also typically non-refundable, though policies vary by agent. Confirm refund terms before paying, particularly for higher-risk applications. If rejected, you can reapply with corrected documentation.
Is the fee the same through all application channels?
No. The ICP portal charges the lowest fee (base government rate only, no service fee). Airline channels (Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia) add service fees of AED 50-150. Travel agents add service fees of AED 100-300. Offline typing centers can charge AED 150-350 above the government fee. For the lowest total cost, apply directly through the ICP portal at icp.gov.ae if you can self-manage the application.
What additional fees should I budget for beyond the visa fee?
Plan for: health insurance AED 30-80 (mandatory), agent service fee AED 50-300 (if not applying directly via ICP), typing fee AED 50-150 (if using offline center), and express processing AED 100-200 (if needed). Total additional charges of AED 230-730 are realistic on top of the base government fee. Budget AED 430-730 total for a standard 30-day tourist visa through any agent channel.
How much does it cost to extend a UAE tourist visa?
A UAE tourist visa extension of 30 days costs AED 600-800 applied through the ICP portal or a licensed agent. The extension must be applied for before the current visa expires. Express extension processing costs AED 100-200 more. Only one extension is typically permitted per visa entry. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UAE and re-apply for a new visa from outside the country.
Are there any free UAE tourist visas?
Yes. Citizens of EU member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several other countries receive a free 30-day visa on arrival with no pre-application required. GCC nationals (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar) enter the UAE without any visa requirement. For all other nationalities, a paid pre-applied tourist visa is required. Check current eligibility on the ICP portal before booking flights.
About the Author
Adil Ahmad
Adil Ahmad is a business setup and visa services consultant at Gulf Corporate Services, based in Dubai. He advises individuals, families, and businesses on UAE visa applications, tourist visa processing, and ICP documentation management. Adil writes to give visitors to the UAE accurate, up-to-date visa fee information to plan their travel budgets correctly.
