Ensure visa eligibility before embarking on a trip to Dubai
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens 
Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa, permit, or sponsorship by a national or resident in the UAE. They simply need to present their GCC passport or national ID card at the airport.
Visa on arrival
Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a free visa on arrival
| Australia | Hong Kong | Poland |
| Austria | Hungary | Portugal |
| Belgium | Iceland | Russia |
| Brunei | Ireland | Romania |
| Bulgaria | Italy | San Marino |
| Canada | Japan | Singapore |
| China | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Croatia | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Cyprus | Lithuania | South Korea |
| Czech Republic | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Denmark | Malaysia | Sweden |
| Estonia | Malta | Switzerland |
| Finland | Monaco | The Vatican |
| France | Netherlands | United Kingdom |
| Germany | New Zealand | United States of America |
| Greece | Norway |
Getting a visa for Dubai
For citizens of countries not included in the above list, a visa is required to enter Dubai. Check the cost and procedure for applying for a UAE visa with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or for details, call 800 5111 from Dubai or +9714313999 from overseas.
Some visitors may also have to complete an eye scan when they reach passport control.
Visa rules are subject to change. Always confirm with respective airline, the GDRFA and The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updated information.
For questions about visas at the airport, visit the GDRFA visa office in Terminal 3 arrivals near Entrance 1. The centre is open 24/7.
Leaving Dubai
Check visa requirements as per the final destination. Guests may not be allowed to travel if they don't have the correct visa.
Smart Gates
Smart Gates are an advanced passport control system available at DXB and DWC. They allow guests arriving and departing the airport to pass through passport control swiftly, typically within seconds, thanks to their enhanced features and contactless process.
UAE and GCC nationals, UAE residents and visa-on-arrival guests with biometric passports can use the Smart Gates. First-time Smart Gates users are registered to use the Smart Gates when entering the immigration touchpoint upon arrival at DXB or DWC. If you’re registered for Smart Gates, you can pass through by simply looking at the green light without needing to scan a document. Remember to remove anything covering the face such as a masks, glasses, and hats and keep the passport and boarding pass ready in case they are needed.
People of Determination (individuals with disabilities or impairments) and guests with large strollers, families with children and guests under 1.2 meters in height are ineligible to use the Smart Gates.
TheGeneral Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)website allows guests to check eligibility to use the Smart Gate service.
