The UAE visit visa system covers multiple visa types for tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers, with fees that vary by duration, entry type, and processing speed. In 2026, the most common UAE visit visas range from AED 50 for a transit visa to AED 900-1,000 for a 60-day multiple-entry visa. This guide gives you a complete, current cost breakdown, covers which nationalities qualify for visa-on-arrival, explains the overstay fine structure, and walks through the application process for 2026.
UAE Visit Visa Cost 2026: Quick Reference Table
| Visa Type | Cost (AED) 2026 |
| 30-Day Single-Entry Visit Visa | AED 250 to AED 350 |
| 30-Day Multiple-Entry Visit Visa | AED 600 to AED 700 |
| 60-Day Single-Entry Visit Visa | AED 500 to AED 600 |
| 60-Day Multiple-Entry Visit Visa | AED 900 to AED 1,000 |
| 96-Hour Transit Visa | AED 50 to AED 100 |
| 48-Hour Transit Visa | AED 50 |
| Express Processing (add-on, 24-48hr) | AED 100 to AED 200 |
| Visa on Arrival (eligible nationalities) | Free or AED 50 to AED 100 |
All fees above are standard government and service fees. Prices may vary slightly between application channels (ICP portal, airline partners, approved travel agencies). Always confirm current fees on the official ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal before applying.
UAE Visit Visa Types Explained for 2026
The UAE issues visit visas through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Your choice of visa type depends on how long you intend to stay and whether you plan to re-enter. Here are the main options:
- 30-Day Single-Entry Visa (AED 250-350) – Allows one entry into the UAE and a stay of up to 30 days. Non-renewable from within the UAE — you must leave and re-enter if you need more time. Suitable for short holidays and family visits
- 30-Day Multiple-Entry Visa (AED 600-700) – Allows multiple entries into the UAE over a 30-day validity period. Each entry permits a stay of up to 30 days per visit. Suited to business travelers making short back-to-back regional trips
- 60-Day Single-Entry Visa (AED 500-600) – Allows one entry and a stay of up to 60 days continuously. The standard choice for extended leisure stays, medical visits, or business meetings requiring a longer presence
- 60-Day Multiple-Entry Visa (AED 900-1,000) – Allows multiple entries over a 60-day validity. Higher cost reflects the flexibility of re-entering without applying for a new visa
- 96-Hour Transit Visa (AED 50-100) – For passengers with a layover of up to 96 hours transiting through a UAE airport. Allows you to leave the airport and explore the UAE during the stopover. Available through Emirates, Air Arabia, and other UAE carriers for eligible nationalities
Note on insurance: From 2023, the UAE has required all visit visa holders to hold valid health insurance for the duration of their stay. Basic travel insurance packages covering UAE medical treatment start from AED 30 to AED 80 for a 30-day trip. Confirm the requirement applies to your visa category before travelling.
UAE Visa on Arrival 2026: Which Nationalities Qualify?
Citizens of certain countries are eligible to receive a free visa on arrival when entering the UAE, without any pre-application. The eligible nationality list is managed by the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, and is subject to periodic updates by the UAE government.
Countries whose nationals typically receive a free UAE visa on arrival in 2026 include all European Union member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several other nations with longstanding UAE visa-free agreements. Nationals of these countries receive a 30-day visa on arrival that can typically be extended once for a further 30 days from inside the UAE.
Citizens of some other nationalities, including several South Asian countries, may receive a visa on arrival against a fee (typically AED 50 to AED 100) if they hold a valid residence visa or green card from the USA, UK, or EU member states. This provision changes periodically, and the conditions (residency visa validity period, passport validity, and return ticket requirements) must be verified before travel.
If your nationality is not on the visa-on-arrival list, you must apply for a UAE visit visa before travelling. Check the current eligible nationality list on the ICP portal or through your airline’s visa service before booking your flights.
UAE Visit Visa Overstay Fine 2026: What Happens If You Stay Too Long?
Overstaying your UAE visit visa is a serious compliance issue. The UAE enforces overstay fines strictly, and unpaid fines must be settled at the airport before you can depart. You will not be allowed to board your flight until all outstanding fines are cleared.
The UAE overstay fine structure in 2026:
- Standard daily overstay fine: AED 200 per day from the first day after your visa expiry
- For overstays discovered at immigration on departure: All accumulated daily fines plus a processing fee are collected at the airport. Overstays of several months can result in fines of several thousand AED payable before boarding
- Potential ban: Significant overstays may result in a UAE entry ban ranging from 1 to 10 years depending on the duration of the overstay and whether there are other compliance issues
- Impact on future UAE residence visa applications: An overstay record can complicate or delay future UAE residence visa applications, even if the fine has been paid
If you realize your visa is about to expire and you cannot leave in time, apply to extend your visa immediately through the ICP portal or through a licensed visa service. Gulf Corporate Services’ visa services team can assist with emergency visa extensions. Do not wait until your visa has expired before seeking help.
How to Apply for a UAE Visit Visa in 2026: ICP and Online Options
UAE visit visa applications in 2026 are primarily processed through two channels. Your choice affects processing time, cost, and convenience.
Applying Through the ICP Portal (Official Government Channel)
The ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal is the official UAE government channel for visit visa applications. It is the most direct option with government fee pricing. You will need to register for an ICP account, upload your passport copy (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel date), a recent passport photograph meeting UAE specifications, confirmation of accommodation in the UAE, and a return flight booking. Processing time through ICP is typically 3 to 5 working days for standard processing and 24 to 48 hours for express processing at an additional AED 100 to AED 200 fee.
Applying Through Airlines, Hotels and Licensed Agents
Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and other UAE-based carriers offer visa applications as part of their booking process for ineligible nationalities. This is convenient but typically adds a service fee above the base government rate. Licensed travel agents and visa service companies can also process UAE visit visas and often provide guidance on document requirements, which reduces the risk of rejection for first-time applicants.
Required documents across all channels: passport valid for at least 6 months, clear passport photo on white background, return flight ticket, hotel booking or host invitation letter (for sponsored visits), and proof of sufficient funds for the stay duration. Some nationalities may be asked for additional documentation; confirm requirements based on your passport before applying.
Can You Extend a UAE Visit Visa? Cost and Process 2026
Most UAE visit visas can be extended once from within the UAE before they expire. An extension gives you an additional 30 days of stay beyond your original visa duration.
Extension fee: AED 600 to AED 800 for a standard 30-day extension, applied through the ICP portal or through a licensed visa agent. Express extensions cost AED 100 to AED 200 more. The extension must be applied for before your current visa expires, not after. Once your visa has expired, you cannot extend — you must leave the UAE and apply for a new visa from outside the country, or face overstay fines.
Visa renewal by exit and re-entry (informally called a ‘visa run’) is technically possible but is increasingly scrutinized by UAE immigration. Repeatedly exiting and re-entering on short-term visit visas without a clear purpose of visit is flagged by the immigration system. UAE immigration officers have discretion to deny re-entry to visitors who appear to be using visa runs as a long-term residence strategy without a proper residence visa. If you need to stay in the UAE for more than 90 days in a 6-month period, you should be evaluating a formal UAE residence visa rather than a visit visa chain.
Conclusion
UAE visit visa costs in 2026 are well-structured and accessible for most nationalities, with fees ranging from AED 50 for a short transit to AED 1,000 for a 60-day multiple-entry visa. The key compliance points to plan for are: applying before travel for non-visa-on-arrival nationalities, holding valid health insurance, and returning or extending before your visa expires to avoid AED 200 per day overstay fines.
At Gulf Corporate Services, we assist individuals and businesses with UAE visa services including tourist and visit visa applications, UAE residence visa processing, PRO services for ICP coordination, business setup in Dubai for those converting to investor visas, and visit visa extension services. Contact us for a free consultation.
FAQs: UAE Visit Visa Cost 2026
How much does a UAE tourist visa cost in 2026?
A 30-day single-entry UAE tourist visa costs AED 250 to AED 350. A 60-day single-entry visa costs AED 500 to AED 600. Multiple-entry options are AED 600-700 (30 days) and AED 900-1,000 (60 days). Transit visas cost AED 50-100. Express processing adds AED 100-200 to any visa type.
What countries get a UAE visa on arrival?
Citizens of all EU member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several other countries receive a free 30-day UAE visa on arrival. Some other nationalities holding valid US, UK, or EU residence visas may also be eligible for a paid visa on arrival. Check the current list on the ICP portal before travelling, as the eligible nationality list is updated by the UAE government periodically.
How much is the UAE overstay fine in 2026?
The UAE overstay fine is AED 200 per day from the first day after your visa expires. All accumulated fines must be paid at the airport before you can board your departure flight. Significant overstays may also result in a UAE re-entry ban. If your visa is close to expiry and you cannot leave in time, apply for an extension immediately through the ICP portal or a licensed visa agent.
Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
Yes. Most UAE visit visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days at a cost of AED 600 to AED 800. The extension must be applied for before your current visa expires. Apply through the ICP portal or a licensed visa agent. Once a visa has expired, extension is no longer possible and you must leave the UAE to avoid overstay fines.
Do I need health insurance for a UAE visit visa?
Yes. The UAE requires visit visa holders to have valid health insurance covering the duration of their stay in the UAE. Basic single-trip travel insurance meeting UAE requirements starts from AED 30 to AED 80 for a 30-day trip. Some airlines and visa agents include insurance as part of their visa application package. Confirm the requirement with your visa agent before applying.
How long does UAE visit visa processing take?
Standard UAE visit visa processing through the ICP portal or licensed agents takes 3 to 5 working days. Express processing (available at additional cost of AED 100-200) delivers approval within 24 to 48 hours. Apply at least 5 to 7 working days before your planned travel date to allow for standard processing without needing to pay for express service.
Can I work on a UAE visit visa?
No. A UAE visit or tourist visa does not authorize the holder to work or earn income in the UAE. Working on a visit visa is a violation of UAE immigration law and can result in deportation and a ban from future entry. If you need to work in the UAE, you must obtain a UAE work permit and residence visa through a UAE-registered employer or your own business entity. UAE freelance permits and investor visas are available for those who want to work independently.
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, residence visa transitions, and ICP documentation management. Adil writes to give visitors and residents in the UAE the accurate, up-to-date visa information they need to travel and stay compliantly.
