Getting a
UAE visa
If you are already in the UAE and your resident visa has been cancelled or tourist visa has expired, you can apply for a Long Term Tourist Visa Single Entry. You can apply for the tourist visa whilst you are in the UAE to avoid any fines or legal implications. Once your visa is approved, you will need to complete the status change application at Etihad Airways Headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
Visa processing should take three to four days. All visa fees and charges are non-refundable.
All pre-arranged entry visas (including new residence visas) issued before 17 March 2020 have now been invalidated and will not be accepted for entry into the UAE.
If you’re planning to visit the UAE, you may be required to apply for a visa, even if you’re just transiting through Abu Dhabi. Explore the country we call home for up to 96 hours with a UAE Transit Visa or stay for up to 90 days with a UAE Tourist Visa. You can apply for your UAE visa quickly and easily online.
If you are from any of the countries or regions listed below, you do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the UAE. When you land in Abu Dhabi, simply make your way to immigration to receive a visa when you arrive.
The visa you need will depend on the length of your trip. All fees are shown in UAE Dirhams (AED) and are non-refundable. It takes approximately three to four days to process a UAE visa, subject to immigration approval.
For passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport for a period of between eight hours and four calendar days and travelling onward to a third destination.
Validity of entry: 14 days
Duration: 4 days
Number of entries: Single entry
Visa fee: AED 50
For passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport for a period of between eight to 48 hours and travelling onward to a third destination.
Duration: 48 hours
Visa fee: Free
Apply for a Tourist Visa before you travel. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months. This visa may be extended twice for 30 days, for AED 960 per extension. Guests below the age of 18 travelling alone are only eligible to apply for this type of visa when travelling with their parents holding the same visa type.
Validity of entry: 60 days
Duration: 30 days
Visa fee: AED 350
The Short-Term Multiple Entry Visa may be extended twice for 30 days each time, for AED 960 per extension. Guests below the age of 18 who are travelling alone are only eligible to apply for this type of visa when travelling with their parents holding the same visa type.
Duration: 30 days (starting from the date of first entry)
Number of entries: Multiple entry (within 30 days from the date of first entry)
Visa fee: AED 650
Applies to the following categories and accompanying families: Company manager’s representatives, sales managers, account auditors, company or establishment delegations required to carry out a commercial activity in the UAE, consultants requested by companies operating in the UAE that are required to carry out an urgent task.
Duration: 14 days
Visa fee: AED 400
The Long Term Tourist Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 30 days in the UAE. This visa may be extended twice for 30 days each time, for AED 960 per extension. Guests below the age of 18 who are travelling alone are only eligible to apply for this type of visa when travelling with their parents holding the same visa type.
Duration: 90 days
Visa fee: AED 1000
The Long Term Visit Visa - Multiple Entry is valid for 90 days. You may apply if you intend to stay longer and travel multiple times to the UAE. This visa may be extended twice for 30 days each time, for AED 960 per extension. Guests below the age of 18 who are travelling alone are only eligible to apply for this type of visa when travelling with their parents holding the same visa type.
Duration: 90 days (starting from the date of first entry)
Number of entries: Multiple entry (within 90 days from the date of first entry)
Visa fee: AED 2500
You can complete your UAE visa application quickly and easily online. Please submit a separate application form for each person travelling. Please note that extended passports are not accepted by UAE immigration for visa applications.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a Tourist Visa (short, long, single entry or multiple entry).
Mandatory requirements
Children
In addition to the mandatory requirements listed above, you must also submit a birth certificate for your child, in English or Arabic. Translated documents should be attested on the front page.
Dependents
Dependents are defined as a spouse, children below the age of 18 and parents above the age of 60. You must submit supporting documents that prove the status of the relationship, for example, marriage certificate or birth certificate.
Minors (under 18 years old)
For minors, including married females under the age of 18:
Submitting your visa application
Documents must be submitted in JPEG format only and must not exceed 1 MB.
Additional documents
Depending on your nationality, you may be requested to provide additional documents in support of their visa application. If these documents cannot be provided, the visa application may be rejected. The visa fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a Transit Visa. A Transit Visa is applicable if you are transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport for a period between eight hours and four calendar days.
Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a 48-Hour Transit Visa. A 48-Hour Transit Visa is applicable if you are transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport for a period between eight hours and 48 hours.
It is easy and convenient to apply for your visa online. Simply provide the required information, documents and pay the visa fee online without having to send documents by email or visiting the office in person. Once your visa application is approved, you will receive an approved e-Visa copy via email.
It usually takes 3 to 4 days to process your visa application subject to immigration approval. In the UAE, our working days are Sunday - Thursday inclusive. Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays are not included, so please be aware that your visa application will take longer if you apply on one of these days. It is advisable to apply for your visa in advance.
You can apply for both Single and Multiple Entry Visas.
There may be additional credit and debit card fees for online applications.
No. You do not have to travel with Etihad Airways to apply for one of these visas. They apply to all airlines and all airports in the UAE.
Yes. You can apply for a Transit Visa ONLY if you are travelling into Abu Dhabi Airport and onwards from Abu Dhabi Airport. However, your ticket does not have to be issued by Etihad Airways.
Yes. All types of Tourist Visas can be extended twice for 30 days each time, after you have entered the UAE. The cost of extension is AED 960 and you can complete your request online.
Your visa is valid for entry from the issue date.
Yes, you can. If your transit time is more than 24 hours, you must either arrange a confirmed hotel reservation or provide the Emirates ID card and UAE Residence visa copy of the person you will be staying with in the UAE.
The UAE immigration authorities do not reveal their reasons for the refusal of a visa.
You may face legal action and be required to pay a fine. You may also not be able to apply for a UAE visa in the future.
No. If you hold a Diplomatic passport, you must apply for a visa through the diplomatic channel. If you hold a Service passport or Emergency travel documents, please visit the UAE Embassy in your country of residence to apply for a UAE visa before you travel.
Your entry into the UAE is subject to the verification of your documents at the point of entry.
The UAE Immigration department requires all visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. If your passport is valid for less than six months, you will need to renew it before you can apply for a visa and travel to the UAE.
Etihad Airways sponsors your visa if you apply for one of the specified types, through our website.
When you travel with Etihad Airways, you are our Guest. This document uses the reference "Guests" by which we define "passengers".
We’re here to help.
+971 (0) 56 677 0326
visaonarrival@etihad.ae
Our offices are open daily from 8am until 5.30pm UAE time.
