Visa on Arrival for UAE: Who Is Eligible in 2025?
Planning to visit the United Arab Emirates in 2025? Great news! Many travelers do not need to apply for a visa before arriving. The UAE offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) to passport holders of select countries, making travel more convenient.
In this guide, we explain who is eligible for UAE visa on arrival in 2025, what documents you need, how long you can stay, and important things to remember.
🛬 What Is a Visa on Arrival?
A Visa on Arrival means you don’t need to apply for a tourist visa before traveling. Instead, you get a visa stamped at the airport when you arrive in the UAE.
This option saves time and paperwork, but is only available for certain nationalities under specific conditions.
🏳️ Countries Eligible for UAE Visa on Arrival in 2025
Here’s the updated list of nationalities eligible for UAE Visa on Arrival as of 2025:
✅ 30-Day Visa on Arrival (Extendable)
Citizens of these countries can stay for 30 days and extend once for another 30 days:
- India (only if they have a valid US visa or green card, UK or EU residency)
- China
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Mexico
- Maldives
- Kazakhstan
✅ 90-Day Visa on Arrival (Non-Extendable)
These countries can stay in the UAE up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
- All EU Countries
- United Kingdom
- Argentina
- Chile
- Brazil
- Uruguay
- South Korea
✅ 180-Day Visa on Arrival
- Mexico passport holders are allowed 180 days stay in a calendar year.
✅ Multiple Entry – 90 Days (Valid for 6 Months)
- USA passport holders get a multiple-entry visa on arrival, valid for 6 months, allowing up to 90 days total stay.
Keyword: UAE visa on arrival countries list 2025
📄 Requirements for Visa on Arrival
Even if your country is eligible, you must meet these basic requirements:
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Passport | Valid for at least 6 months |
Return Ticket | Confirmed round-trip flight |
Hotel Booking | Proof of stay or contact address |
Travel Insurance | Recommended but not always required |
Funds | You may be asked to show sufficient funds |
If you’re Indian and eligible, you must show:
- Valid US visa, UK/Schengen visa, or residency
🛂 Where Do You Get the Visa on Arrival?
You’ll receive the visa at the following UAE entry points:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- Sharjah Airport
- All land borders and sea ports
It’s completely automated at most major airports. Just head to immigration, present your documents, and your passport will be stamped.
⏱️ How Long Can You Stay?
Country Group | Stay Duration | Extendable? |
---|---|---|
30-Day VOA | 30 days | Yes (once) |
90-Day VOA | 90 days in 180 | No |
USA | Multiple entries, 90 days | Yes |
Mexico | 180 days/year | No |
Tip: Always check how many days are left in your stay period if you’re visiting multiple times.
💵 Fees for Visa on Arrival
- Most visa-on-arrival options are free of charge
- In some cases, a small fee (approx. AED 100–120) may apply for extension
Check with your airline or the UAE immigration site before travel for updated fees.
🚫 Who Is NOT Eligible for Visa on Arrival?
If your passport is not on the list, you need to apply for a pre-approved UAE tourist visa before travel.
This includes travelers from:
- Pakistan (unless with UK/US visa)
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Iraq
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Most African countries (except Seychelles and Mauritius)
✅ Key Takeaways
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Eligible Countries | USA, UK, EU, India (with visa), South Korea, more |
Stay Duration | 30, 90, or 180 days depending on country |
Cost | Usually free or small extension fee |
Documents | Passport, return ticket, hotel info |
Not Eligible | Must apply for visa in advance |
📢 Conclusion
Getting a visa on arrival in the UAE in 2025 makes traveling easier than ever — but only if you qualify. Be sure to check your country’s eligibility, carry the right documents, and know how long you can stay. With proper planning, your entry into the UAE will be smooth and stress-free.
❓FAQs – UAE Visa on Arrival 2025
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Can I get a visa on arrival in UAE as a US citizen? | Yes, for 90 days, multiple entry. |
Can I extend my visa on arrival? | Only 30-day visas can be extended once. |
Is visa on arrival available at Dubai Airport? | Yes, and at all UAE international airports. |
Do I need travel insurance? | Not mandatory, but highly recommended. |
Can Indian citizens get visa on arrival? | Only with valid US/UK/Schengen visa or residency. |