Dubai Visa for US Citizens in 2026
US citizens get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You can stay up to 30 days per entry. For stays over one month, request an extension in the UAE or obtain an appropriate visa (e.g., multi-entry tourist visa) in advance.
Data checked on September 29, 2026 and may have changed. Confirm on the official site before you travel.
Checked September 29, 2026 against US Department of State · How we check
Dubai visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens with a regular passport get a free visitor visa on arrival for up to 30 days. There is nothing to apply for before travel.
Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE, and entry rules are the same for all of them. Only the visa authority differs: GDRFA in Dubai, ICP in the other emirates.
| Entry type | Visa on arrival |
|---|---|
| Length of stay | up to 30 days |
| Extension | possible: on request to UAE immigration, at the officers' discretion |
| Cost | free |
| Processing time | no confirmed data |
| Where to apply | travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab) |
Checked September 29, 2026 against US Department of State.
How to get a visa on arrival
- Make sure your regular US passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival and has an M or F sex marker (X-marker and 12-page emergency passports are not accepted).
- Carry a confirmed return or onward ticket.
- Arrive at any UAE port of entry; the visa is stamped at passport control free of charge.
- Stay up to 30 days; for longer, request an extension from UAE immigration before expiry.
You don't need to apply for anything in advance: the visa is stamped free of charge at passport control. Sites selling a “visa” for this trip are intermediaries.
Dubai entry requirements
- Passport validityRequired
Passport must be valid at least 6 months from arrival; emergency (12-page) and X-marker passports not accepted. US Department of State
- Return or onward ticketRequired
Confirmed round-trip or onward ticket listed by UAE mission 'to ensure entry'. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (archived copy)
- Proof of fundsNo confirmed data
- Travel medical insuranceNo confirmed data
- Digital arrival cardNo confirmed data
- Accommodation bookingNo confirmed data
“Required” means an official source says so; “May be asked” means the source allows a check or it is an airline requirement; “No confirmed data” means we found no official answer, which does not mean there is no requirement.
Add Dubai entry to your trip checklist
- Visa on arrival: have the fee ready or apply for the e-VOA in advance
- Passport valid for at least 6 months on entry
- Return or onward ticket
The checklist keeps only the text of each item, never passport numbers or other personal data. Sign-in required to save.
Dubai visa for US citizens: FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for Dubai?
US citizens get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You can stay up to 30 days per entry. For stays over one month, request an extension in the UAE or obtain an appropriate visa (e.g., multi-entry tourist visa) in advance.
Can US citizens visit Dubai without a visa?
No. You need a Visa on arrival. It allows a stay of up to 30 days.
How do I apply for a Dubai visa?
Apply yourself on the official site travel.state.gov: fill in the form, upload a photo and passport scan, pay the fee by card and wait for the result by email. Step-by-step instructions are above. Paid filing services are intermediaries, not the official portal.
How much does a Dubai visa cost?
The official fee is free. Processing time: no confirmed data.
What documents do I need at the Dubai border?
According to official sources: passport validity: required; return or onward ticket: required. Details and sources are in the entry requirements section.
Is a Dubai visa the same as a UAE visa?
Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE, and entry rules are the same for all of them. Only the visa authority differs: GDRFA in Dubai, ICP in the other emirates.
Sources and last checked
Every field is backed by its own source: first the official portal of the destination country (immigration service, e-visa portal), then travel.state.gov and the country's embassy. We recheck every 30 days. If more than 60 days have passed since the last check, the page shows a warning. When a source is silent, we say “no confirmed data” rather than guess.
| Field | Source | Source date | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry type | US Department of State | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Length of stay | US Department of State | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Extension | US Department of State | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Cost | US Department of State | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Official portal | US Department of State | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Passport validity | US Department of State | — | September 29, 2026 |
| Return or onward ticket | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (archived copy) | — | September 29, 2026 |
This page is for reference only. Entry rules can change without notice, and the border officer has final discretion. Always confirm current requirements on the official government site before you travel.
