Passport validity to enter UAE in 2023
When planning foreign trips, it is necessary to take into account not only visa conditions, but also the requirements of different countries for identity documents. Let us consider the requirements that apply to documents at the Emirates’ border.
Rules for Visa-Free Entry to the UAE
Residents of several countries visiting the UAE for tourism purposes do not need to make visa arrangements in advance, as they are eligible for a visa-free entry. However, the duration of such a trip cannot exceed 30 or 90 days, depending on the country of origin. Most holiday-makers easily fit into this period.
Upon arrival at Dubai Airport, residents of selected countries will need to present their international passport at the border control. A visa on arrival is issued electronically. You will be stamped and issued an entry permit. All of these procedures are free of charge.
If you want to spend more time in the country than is granted by a visa on arrival, we advise you to apply for a visa in advance. The «visa run» common in some countries, when you leave the country only to immediately re-enter it, will not work in the UAE, since at least 180 days must pass between these two events (exit and re-entry).
International Passport Requirements and Additional Documents
The validity of an international passport for the Emirates must expire no earlier than 6 months from the date of departure from the UAE. For example, if you are leaving Dubai on 15 April 2023, then your passport must be valid through 16 October 2023.
Validity of an international passport for entry into the UAE: more than 6 months before the date of the planned departure.
Sometimes immigration officers may ask you to show documents confirming hotel reservations and health insurance for the duration of your stay in the country.
These documents are usually included in the package price if you are purchasing a tour to the UAE. However, this task can be easily handled by independent travellers as well. For example, health insurance for 2 weeks in the amount of 50,000 euro will cost about 20 US dollars, and it is quite easy to get it online.
Officials are particularly picky about single women visiting the country. They should prepare in advance for additional questioning, so that it does not become an unpleasant surprise.
As of February 2023, all COVID-19 restrictions for tourists have been lifted in the UAE. Tests and vaccination certificates are no longer required to enter the country.
Features of Entry into the UAE for Children
To obtain a visa on arrival in the Emirates, children must have their own international passports. It does not matter whether it is a little child or a teenager. The validity of a passport for the entry of a child into the UAE is the same as for adults: at least 6 months before the time of departure from the country.
If the child’s surname is different from their parent, both the original and an English translation of the child’s birth certificate are required in order to obtain a visa on arrival. The translation must be notarised.
If the child is travelling with a grandmother, other relatives or guardians, the following documents will be required:
- child’s birth certificate: both the original and a notarised translation;
- child’s international passport;
- both the original of a parental travel consent form and a notarised English translation. This document must clearly indicate the duration of the minor’s stay in the UAE.
The age of majority in the UAE is 21. What is the legal status of youth from 18 to 21 years old? They can enter and leave the country on their own, without additional documents. However, under the UAE laws, persons under 21 years of age may be denied rental housing, purchase of alcohol, self-check-in at a hotel or car rental.
Is the consent of the other parent required for a child to enter the Emirates?
We asked this question to Tranio’s relocation and real estate expert in Dubai, who herself lives in the Emirates with her family.
Other parent’s consent is needed only for trips to the countries that require a visa in advance. Moreover, it is required during the process of obtaining such a visa and not at the country’s border. So, for example, a package of documents for obtaining a Schengen visa must include a notarised consent of the other parent. However, this document is not requested at the border entry.
It is the same with the UAE: for entry into the Emirates for tourism purposes, the notarised consent of the other parent is not required. However, it may be needed during the process of obtaining a UAE residence permit.
Penalties for Violating Entry and Exit Rules
From 2022, exceeding the validity of a tourist or visitor visa faces a fine of 50 dirhams per day. Residents who have exceeded their stay limit after their work or study visa expires will also be required to pay 50 dirhams per day.
The fine for an expired passport will cost 2,000 US dollars plus an additional 45 US dollars for each day of delay. It will also impose a ban on entry into the country. The existence of such a ban, as well as its duration, can be found at the consulate of your country.
Fines can be paid at the customer service centre, on the website or through the mobile app. The waiting period from the moment of filing the application is included in the delay period.
Features of Staying in the UAE (Rules of Conduct)
The Emirates’ authorities may impose fines for reasons other than visa violations. This is a Muslim country; so many things that are familiar to citizens of other countries may be illegal in the UAE.
The country does not encourage:
- overly revealing women’s clothing with bare legs, a deep cut neckline, etc.;
- public displays of affection, such as kisses, hugs;
- drinking or being under the influence of alcohol in public;
- smoking tobacco, drug use;
- being in metro cars designated for the opposite gender;
- eating and drinking in public places during the month of Ramadan;
- crossing the threshold of the mosque;
- taking pictures of military installations;
- wearing swimwear outside of the beach areas.
Read more about the rules of conduct in our UAE safety for tourists article.
FAQ
Yes, you will. Even Israeli citizens can visit the UAE visa-free. Starting from 10 October 2021, all Israeli passport holders have visa exemptions to enter the United Arab Emirates. All the previous restrictions are lifted.
No, you cannot. However, this procedure is completely safe.
The visa can be extended for another 30 calendar days. When contacting the Migration Service, you must specify the extension period and the personal number that you received when you first applied for a visa in order to complete the application process.
Yes, you can. Most UAE residents and visitors pay late fees when leaving the country via airports, ports and land borders in any of the seven emirates. There are well-trained immigration officers working at every point of entry into the country, and the process for collecting late fees is well-established to make your exit as hassle-free as possible.
Yes, there is. You can calculate the approximate fee amount at the UAE visa days calculator website.
We will send you a content digest not more than once a week
Marbella, Spain real estate for sale
Malaga, Spain real estate for sale
Cost of property in Barcelona, Spain
Buy property in Algarve, Portugal