Introduction (Updated for 2025)

Dubai remains one of the world’s most visited destinations, welcoming millions of tourists every year. Many nationalities can enter Dubai without applying for a visa in advance — they receive a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport.

In 2025, Dubai updated the list of eligible countries, stay duration, extension rules, and passport validity requirements. This guide explains the full list of visa-on-arrival countries, entry conditions, fees, extensions, and FAQs, so travelers can enter Dubai smoothly and legally.

SECTION 1 — What Is a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Dubai?

A Visa on Arrival allows travelers to enter Dubai without applying online before travel. Instead, the visa is issued:

✔ At Dubai International Airport
✔ At Sharjah Airport
✔ At Abu Dhabi Airport
✔ Or any UAE border

Travelers simply present their passport, and an entry visa is automatically stamped.

SECTION 2 — Dubai Visa on Arrival Countries List (2025)

⭐ 1. GCC Countries (No Visa Required)

Citizens of these countries can enter Dubai freely:

• Saudi Arabia

• Oman

• Qatar

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

⭐ 2. 30-Day Visa on Arrival (Free)

Nationalities eligible for a 30-day free VOA, extendable once:

• United Kingdom

• United States

• Australia

• Canada

• Japan

• Malaysia

• Singapore

• South Korea

• Kazakhstan

• Hong Kong

• Macau

• And more similar countries

⭐ 3. 90-Day Visa on Arrival (Free)

Citizens of these countries get 90 days free per entry within 180 days:

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Netherlands

• Sweden

• Norway

• Denmark

• Belgium

• Switzerland

• Austria

• Finland

• Greece

• Portugal

• Cyprus

• Mexico

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Chile

• Uruguay

⭐ 4. 180-Day Multiple Entry Visa on Arrival

Citizens of:

• Mexico

Receive a 180-day multiple-entry VOA.

⭐ 5. Countries Eligible With Schengen / UK / USA Visa

If you hold a valid US visa, UK visa, or Schengen visa, you may qualify for Dubai Visa on Arrival even if your nationality is not listed above.

Examples:

• Indian passport holders (with valid US/UK/Schengen visa)

• Filipinos with US visa

• Egyptians with Schengen visa

SECTION 3 — Dubai Visa on Arrival Requirements (2025)

To get Visa on Arrival, travelers must:

✔ Have a passport valid for 6 months
✔ Have a return/onward ticket
✔ Not be blacklisted or banned
✔ Have a valid visa (if required) for eligibility
✔ Show hotel booking (sometimes requested)

SECTION 4 — Dubai Visa on Arrival Fees (2025)

Most visa-on-arrival categories are free unless you apply for extension.

SECTION 5 — Can You Extend Visa on Arrival? (2025 Rules)

✔ 30-Day Visa on Arrival

• Extendable once for 30 more days

• Fee: 600–800 AED

✔ 90-Day Visa on Arrival

• Usually not extendable

• Must exit and re-enter after 90 days

✔ Mexico 180-Day Visa

• Multiple entries allowed

• Maximum 180 days per year

SECTION 6 — Step-by-Step Process (How VOA Works in Dubai 2025)

Step 1 — Arrive at Dubai Airport

Proceed to immigration counters.

Step 2 — Present Your Passport

Immigration officer checks VOA eligibility.

Step 3 — Visa Is Stamped

You receive a 30-day, 90-day, or 180-day stay — depending on nationality.

Step 4 — Collect Luggage & Enter UAE

You can now stay legally for the permitted duration.

SECTION 7 — Important Rules for Visa on Arrival (2025)

✔ Passport must not be damaged
✔ No criminal or immigration violations
✔ Overstay fine: 50 AED per day
✔ Travel insurance recommended
✔ Must exit before visa expires

If overstayed, you may require an exit permit.

SECTION 8 — FAQs (People Also Ask) — 2025

1. Can I convert Visa on Arrival to Work Visa?

Yes — an employer can apply for status change.

2. Do Indian citizens get Visa on Arrival?

Only if they hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa.

3. How long must my passport be valid?

Minimum 6 months.

4. Can I extend a 30-day VOA?

Yes — one time for 30 days.

5. Do I need travel insurance?

Recommended, sometimes required.

6. What happens if I overstay?

You must pay 50 AED per day, plus possible service fees.

Conclusion

Dubai's Visa on Arrival system in 2025 makes travel easy, fast, and convenient for millions of visitors. With updated eligibility lists, extended stay options, and simple entry requirements, Dubai continues to be one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in the world.

This guide helps you understand exactly how VOA works, who is eligible, and how to follow the rules to avoid fines.

👉 Explore more UAE Travel & Visa Guides on our website.