UAE visas : exemptions, prearranged visas and sponsorship

Before travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), check whether you are visa exempt, eligible for a visa on arrival, or required to obtain a prearranged visa. Some carriers provide visa facilitation services to their passengers. This note covers: headline entry regimes, examples of eligible nationalities, required documents and practical rules to avoid issues at the border.

Visas on arrival (illustrative)

Holders of many passports can obtain a visa on arrival (30day free of charge or multiple entry 90day visas, depending on nationality). Examples include :

• 30day : Andorra, Brunei, Hong Kong (China), Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Ireland, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vatican City.
• 90day : USA, UK, Canada, Schengen/European states and many LATAM/APAC countries (per official tables).

Regimes are updated periodically : use airline/authority checkers before departure.

Special case : Indian nationals

From 7 January 2024, eligible Indian nationals holding residence permits for the US, UK, EU (and certain other jurisdictions) valid for ≥ 6 months may obtain a 14day visa on arrival (fee applies). Prearranged visas via carriers are also available (48h, 96h, 30/60day tourist, single/multiple entry).

Prearranged visas: common requirements

• Recent colour photo;
• Passport valid ≥ 6 months (machine readable);
• Application form (Arabic/English);
• Flight evidence (confirmed ticket with carrier code, return/onward sector on one PNR where required);
• Accommodation proof (hotel reservation or family tenancy);
• Family link proofs if sponsoring relatives (marriage/birth/family book).

Processing is typically 3–4 working days (faster in express). Fees vary by duration/entry and provider (e.g., VFS).

Rules and caveats

• Visa fees are usually nonrefundable, including on rejection.
• Originals may be required at immigration (e.g., eye screening). Bring paper copies.
• Final entry is at the discretion of UAE immigration (passport validity 6 months, trip purpose, ticket/accommodation consistency).
• A refundable deposit may be required when sponsoring friends/other relatives, refundable within specified timelines.

Examples of types and costs (via carrier)

Carriers often require travel on their flights (or specific codeshares) and application via Manage your booking. Extra conditions apply (single PNR, ticket issued, minimum lead times).

Between exemption, visa on arrival and prearranged visas, UAE entry depends on nationality, documents and itineraries. By checking status early, assembling evidence (passport, tickets, accommodation) and adhering to carrier/immigration rules, travellers reduce refusal risk and secure a smoother journey.

Our lawyers, who are experts in immigration law, are available to answer all your questions and provide advice. We offer face-to-face meetings or videoconferencing. You can make an appointment directly online at https://www.agn-avocats.fr/.

AGN AVOCATS – Immigration Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
09 72 34 24 72