Dubai Entry Requirements 2025: What You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Dubai? The first thing on your checklist should be the entry rules. Since the UAE updates its policies regularly, the 2025 guidelines are a mix of visa options, passport standards, and health checks. Knowing these basics saves you time at the airport and keeps your travel stress‑free.

Visa Options and How to Apply

Most visitors need a visa unless they come from a visa‑free country. The UAE offers a few easy routes:

• Tourist visa (30‑ or 90‑day): Apply online through the official eVisa portal or ask your airline to arrange it. Processing usually takes 3‑5 business days.
• Visit visa (short‑term): Sponsored by a UAE resident or hotel. It’s perfect for a quick weekend or a business meeting and lasts up to 14 days.
• Transit visa (48‑hour): Free for travelers with a layover longer than 8 hours, but you must stay in the airport area unless you have a hotel reservation.

Fees range from 100 AED for a short visit visa to 350 AED for a 90‑day tourist visa. Payment is done online, and you’ll receive a PDF that you print or store on your phone.

Passport, Health and Practical Tips

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you land in Dubai. If you’re from a country with a low‑risk travel rating, the visa can be issued on arrival, but the passport rule still applies.

Health checks are minimal now. The UAE no longer requires a COVID‑19 test for fully vaccinated travelers, but you should carry proof of vaccination just in case. A negative PCR test within 72 hours is still needed for unvaccinated visitors.

Here’s a quick checklist to avoid surprises:

1. Check passport expiry – six months minimum.
2. Choose the right visa type and apply at least a week ahead.
3. Save the eVisa PDF on a device or print it.
4. Carry vaccination proof or a recent PCR test if you’re not vaccinated.
5. Know your entry point – most flights land at Dubai International Airport (DXB) where immigration officers will scan your visa and passport.

Customs in Dubai is straightforward. You can bring up to 15 kg of duty‑free alcohol and a reasonable amount of tobacco. Anything over that, or restricted items like e‑cigarettes, may be confiscated.

Getting through immigration is usually quick if your documents are in order. The officers ask basic questions about the purpose of your visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and keep a calm tone – it helps the process move faster.

Once you’re through, you’ll find plenty of transport options: the metro, taxis, and ride‑share apps are all set up to take you straight to your hotel or the Palm Jumeirah area. Remember to have some cash or a credit card handy for the metro card or taxi fare.

Bottom line: a valid passport, the correct eVisa, and up‑to‑date health proof are all you need for a smooth entry into Dubai. Follow the steps above, double‑check everything before you leave, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the city’s luxury, beaches, and nightlife without a hitch.