Visa Requirements for Visiting the UAE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information on UAE Response
 
In response to the global outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), UAE public health authorities are taking action to protect the safety and well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors.    
 
Travelers to the UAE

Travelers planning to visit the UAE from the UK and other countries are encouraged to consult their home government's guidance on international air travel.

For guidance regarding travel to the UAE (including testing requirements), please contact Fly Emirates or Etihad Airways.  
UAE airlines' websites have constant updates on flight schedules as well as information on what to expect upon arriving in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority is also providing updates on air travel to and from the UAE.

As a precaution, many events in the UAE have been postponed or cancelled. If you have plans to attend an event or conference in the UAE, please contact the event's organizers for guidance.

If you have further questions you can contact the UAE directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs costumer call centre 0097143139999
Livechat and email: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/form/contact-us

UAE Nationals in the United Kingdom

For UAE nationals currently residing in or visiting the United Kingdom, the UAE Embassy and Consulates are available to assist.
For all inquiries, please contact the Embassy on: 00442075811281 (during working hours), and 009718004444 (after the working hours).

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The UAE embassy in London does not issue or process visitor / tourist visas. If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival, please contact a visa agent to arrange your visa. You can either look for an agent yourself online, or you can contact your airline or your hotel and they may recommend one for you. The embassy does not recommend visa agents.

Carrying Medication to the UAE FAQ
 
I am transiting through the UAE (not leaving the airport), do I need approval for me medication?

Transit passengers who are not leaving the airport do not need prior approval for their medication from MOHAP (providing the medication is not prohibited, please check the answer below for how to check the list of controlled medication). Simply carry a copy of your prescription and letter from your doctor.
 
Does my medication need prior approval before travelling to the UAE?

Please note that not all medication require the process of approval. Please contact the UAE MOHAP costumer service line quoting the names of your medication to enquire whether you need to apply for approval before travel or not. Tel: 00971 42301000. Live Chat: http://www.mohap.gov.ae
You can also check the controlled medication list by visiting this website (under the condition and requirements heading): http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/Pages/361.aspx
Please note that if your medication is on the list of controlled substances then you must apply for approval prior to travel.
 
How do I apply for approval to take my medication to the UAE?

Please follow these steps:

• Visit this link:  http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/Pages/361.aspx
  
  
• Click on "go to the e-service"
  
  
• Create an account
  
  
• Fill in the required details and attach the requested documents
  
  
• Submit the request

You will receive a reply within 5 days
 
I am travelling urgently and I have not received a reply from MOHAP regarding my medication, what should I do?

Contact the MOHAP via the customer service telephone, livechat or email quoting your application reference number
Tel: 00971 42301000
Livechat: http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en
Email: info@moh.gov.ae
 
My application for taking my medication has been rejected, what should I do?

Contact the MOHAP via the customer service telephone or email quoting your application reference number
Tel: 00971 42301000
Livechat: http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en
Email: info@moh.gov.ae
 
I am having technical difficulties submitting my medication application online, what should I do?

Please note that the embassy does not receive nor process medical application. All applications are processed via MOHAP. Please contact them directly if you have any technical difficulties:
Tel: 00971 42301000
Livechat: http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en
Email: info@moh.gov.ae
 
Any other Queries regarding medication

Please note that the embassy does not receive nor process medical application. All applications are processed via MOHAP. Please contact them directly if you have any further queries:
Tel: 00971 42301000
Livechat: http://www.mohap.gov.ae/en
Email: info@moh.gov.ae
 

British Passport Holders Visa Information

Holders of full British passports (travel documents are not accepted) will be granted a free of charge visitor/tourist visa upon arrival in the UAE. No application in advance of travel is needed. Your passport will be stamped with the visa as you pass through Immigration at any of the International airports in the UAE. The visa issued at the airport for British passports holders is valid for 30 days – plus a 10 day grace period. If you wish to stay longer, you may make a request with the Immigration Officer at the airport or contact the local General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs at least three days prior to the expiry date (chargeable services).

Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
Important: British Overseas Territory passports require visas to be arranged before travel for entry to the UAE

 
Nationalities who do not require visa to be arranged before travel to the UAE

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals do not require a visa to enter the UAE.

Passport holders of the countries listed below will be granted a free of charge 30 day visa on arrival in the UAE. No application in advance of travel is needed. Your passport will be stamped with the Visit Visa as you pass through Immigration at any of the airports in the UAE.

Andorra
Australia
Brunei
Canada
Hong Kong
Ireland
Japan
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Monaco
New Zealand
People's Republic of China
Russian Federation
San Marino
Singapore
South Korea
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States of America
Vatican City

Passport holders of the countries listed below will be granted a free of charge 90 day multiple entry visit visa on arrival in the UAE, valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 90 days in total. No application in advance of travel is needed. Your passport will be stamped with the visit visa as you pass through Immigration at any of the International airports in the UAE.
 
Austria
Barbados
Brazil
Belgium
Bulgaria
Chile 
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Hungary
Honduras
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Montenegro
Mexico
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Republic of Kiribati
Seychelles
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
Uruguay
 
Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
 
Nationalities that require a visa to be arranged before travel to the UAE

Important: The UAE embassy in London does not issue Visitor / Tourist visas.
 
You will require a visa to be arranged before travel, if you hold a passport which is not stated in the lists above. The UAE embassy in London does not issue visitor/tourist visas. To submit a visa application you will need to contact one of the following sponsors:

• Visa Agents: Specialist visa agents are the primary providers of tourist/visitor visas. You may look for visa agents online yourself. Alternatively, you may contact your hotel or airline and they may recommend one for you. The embassy does not recommend visa agents
  
  
• Fly Emirates or Etihad Airways: Both Fly Emirates and Etihad Airways can assist their clients in applying for tourist/visitor visas. Please contact them and follow there relevant procedures. It is advisable to contact the airline before making a booking. 
  
  
• Friends/relatives residing in the UAE: Friends/relatives can apply for a visa as your sponsor through the local immigration office in the UAE.
    

Passport Validity

If you are flying to Dubai, please contact your airline for minimum passport validity to travel.
 
If you are flying to Abu Dhabi, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

UAE Residents

• If you have or are planning to overstay the allotted 180 day period outside the UAE, then please contact your sponsor or PRO and follow the relevant procedures. 
  
  
• Please contact your sponsor to apply for a UAE residency. The embassy does not issue or process residency applications. 
  
  

For any queries regarding UAE residents, please contact your sponsor or PRO.

Other Queries

• Holders of UK residency status

Those who hold UK residency status, but are nationals of a country not listed in the "nationalities that do not require a visa before travelling to the UAE" lists, will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to the UAE.

• Holders of Indian Passports

Those who hold Indian Passports with UK residency status (e.g. indefinite leave to remain, spouse visa) valid for more than 6 months are eligible for a 14 days visa costing 100AED upon arrival in the UAE. This visa can be extended for a maximum of another 14 days. You must carry your BRP card, or the passport which holds your residency sticker.
If your UK residency is in the form of a stamp, then please send us your query as well as a scan of the stamp to our email, and we will review it: Londonemb.visa@mofaic.gov.ae
Please note that this information is also available on the UAE directorate of residency and foreigner’s affairs website. You can contact them if you require further clarification: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en

• Holders of Travel documents

Holders of a UK "Travel Document" cannot apply for visa and are not eligible for a visa on arrival.

• Temporary Work

If you are going to be carrying temporary work in the UAE, you may be required to obtain a mission work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Please contact your sponsor or host company whether you need this type of visa.
 
Alternatively, you can contact MOHRE directly on:
Tel: 00971-68027666
Website (online chat service available): https://www.mohre.gov.ae/en/home.aspx

Diplomatic and High Commission Visa Requests

The requests for visas submitted by embassies and high commissions are received and processed by the consular section of the UAE embassy during the working hours: 9:00 - 16:00 or 10:00 - 15:00 during Ramadan, Monday to Friday

The following is require:

• A written request (Note Verbal) from the embassy or high commission stating the applicants: details, purpose and dates of travel
  
  
• A completed and signed application form for each applicant. Please request this form via email: LondonEMB.Visa@mofaic.gov.ae
  
  
• 1 recent passport size photo.
  
  
• A Passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of arrival.
  
  
• The applicants contact information (mobile, e-mail address).

Processing time is 4-6 working days. No charge is applicable for visas requested by embassies and high commissions.

 
Entry Permits for Lost Passports

NOTE: Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, this procedure has been suspended until further notice. Please send us an email for the latest procedures regarding entry permits for lost passports. 

Those who hold a UAE residents visa, and have had their passports lost/stolen are required to apply for an "Entry Permit" to enable re-entry to the UAE. This can be done through the Consular section at the UAE Embassy. The requests for entry permits are received and processed by the consular section of the UAE embassy.
 

• A completed and signed application form. Please request this form via email: LondonEMB.Visa@mofaic.gov.ae
  
  
• A copy of the old passport.
  
  
• A copy of the new passport. Important: The new passport must be a full passport valid for at least 5 years. Emergency passports are not accepted.
  
  
• A copy of UAE resident permit.
  
  
• A copy of UAE ID card.
  
  
• 1 passport sized photo.
  
  
• An application fee.
  
  
• A headed letter from your sponsor confirming your position and place of work
  
  
• Lost/stolen report: The report can be obtained from the following website: (https://www.reportmyloss.com//). Fill in the form and ensure you include the lost passport number. Once you  are issued with the report, follow these steps:

• Print the report
  
  
• Have the report notarized by a Notary Public
  
  
• Have the report attested by the British Foreign Commonwealth office (FCO). For further details on how to do this please visit the FCO website: https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised
  
  
• Translate the report into Arabic (does not have to be an official translation).

Please ensure you have all the above documents. The documents must be delivered to the consulate in person between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Processing time is 6-7 working days.

Contact Information

Contacting the UAE consulate

Please send us your query to our regularly monitored email londonemb.visa@mofaic.gov.ae

Please note that we may not answer all phone calls. We advise you to send us an email instead.