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JPY (¥)The United Arab Emirates is one of the Middle East’s most captivating destinations. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi dazzle with futuristic skylines and world-famous landmarks, the UAE also offers rugged mountains, sun-soaked beaches, coral-fringed islands, and unforgettable desert adventures. For travelers planning a combined Jordan and Dubai trip, understanding UAE visa requirements is a key part of the journey. So, do you need a visa to visit the UAE? In this article, we provide you with everything you need to know before you travel.
Last updated: February 23, 2026
Traveling to Dubai: UAE Visa Requirements
Ultimately, UAE law states that all visitors must have a valid entry permit or visa. However, many travelers qualify for visa-free entry or can obtain a visa on arrival, so they do not need to apply in advance for short tourist stays. If your nationality is not eligible, you’ll need to secure a visa before traveling.
Citizens of several countries, including the US, the UK, the EU, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others, can enter the UAE without applying for a visa in advance, receiving either visa-free entry or a visa on arrival. Depending on nationality, visitors can obtain permits for short-term visits of up to 30 or 90 days. However, the permitted length of stay and eligibility vary by country, so it’s important to check before you travel. In all cases, travelers must hold a passport that’s valid for at least six months from their intended arrival date.
Visitors from most African and South Asian countries must apply for a UAE visa in advance, either through the nearest UAE embassy, consulate, or an authorized sponsor, like an airline, hotel, or travel agency. Some nationalities from these regions may qualify for simplified entry options, such as visa-on-arrival, if they hold valid visas or residence permits from certain other countries.
Jordanian citizens, for example, are required to obtain a UAE tourist visa before travel. Fortunately, the process is generally straightforward, and you can often complete the application online or through your airline when booking your travel.
Planning to kick off your journey in Jordan? For inspiration, be sure to check out our Jordan travel resources to discover the 10 best tours in Jordan, a list of remarkable Jordan World Heritage Sites, and recommendations on where to indulge in the best coffee in Amman.
Visa-Free Travel For the Gulf States
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can enjoy visa-free access to the UAE, making travel between neighboring Gulf states incredibly convenient. Travelers don’t need to apply for a visa and can enter without a passport. In fact, these citizens may use a valid national ID card for admission.
The GCC includes the UAE and five of its regional neighbors: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. Thanks to this agreement, GCC nationals can move freely across borders, whether for business, leisure, or short weekend getaways.
Do You Need a Visa for a UAE Layover?
According to current UAE visa requirements, transit passengers do not need a visa if they aren’t leaving the airport. For instance, if you’re connecting through one of the UAE’s major airports, such as Dubai International Airport, you won’t need a visa, as long as you stay within the airport’s transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket. As long as you book your ticket ahead of time and check your luggage through to your final destination, this applies regardless of the airline you fly with.
If you have a long layover and would like to leave the airport, you may qualify for a short-term transit visa (typically 48 or 96 hours), depending on your nationality and eligibility. However, you must arrange the visa before your trip through your airline or a UAE sponsor, and you usually need to provide proof of onward travel and a confirmed hotel reservation. According to current UAE visa requirements, transit passengers do not need a visa if they remain within the airport’s international transit area and do not pass through immigration. For example, if you connect through a major UAE hub like Dubai International and the airline checks your bags through to your final destination, you can stay airside without a visa
If your layover is long and you’d like to leave the airport, you may be able to obtain a short-term transit visa (typically 48 or 96 hours), depending on your nationality and eligibility. These transit visas must be arranged in advance through your airline or a UAE sponsor and usually require proof of onward travel and a confirmed hotel reservation. It’s important to check with your airline when booking, as transit visa availability and requirements can vary by nationality and carrier.
UAE Visa Application Process Explained
If you’re not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival, you must apply for a UAE tourist visa in advance. Visa requirements differ depending on your nationality, and in some cases, additional documentation may be needed, such as for solo female travelers in Jordan and the UAE, where certain rules may differ. Always check the most up-to-date guidelines for your specific passport before finalizing your travel plans.
In most cases, a local sponsor is required to obtain a UAE visa. If you’re traveling for leisure, your airline can often act as your sponsor, especially when flying with Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia, or certain partner carriers like Turkish Airlines, Air Astana, and IndiGo. Visa arrangements can typically be handled when booking tickets.
A standard 30-day single-entry tourist visa generally costs between USD 80 and USD 120, depending on your provider and nationality. Application review usually takes 2-5 business days, making it a relatively straightforward step in organizing your UAE vacation.
Other UAE Visa Options
The UAE also operates a Golden Visa program for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals seeking long-term residency. Unlike tourist visas, the Golden Visa provides 5 or 10-year residency with multiple benefits. However, it is not related to short-term tourism. If you’re pondering extended stays or business opportunities, review the UAE Golden Visa requirements to see if you qualify.
Make Your Middle East Adventure Effortless
Whether you’re exploring the ancient wonders in Petra or the dazzling Dubai marina, combining Jordan and the UAE in a single vacation guarantees an unforgettable contrast of history and innovation. With straightforward visa processes and excellent regional flight connections, traveling between these two incredible destinations has never been easier. If you’re seeking inspiration for your journey, be sure to review our UAE Culture Travel Guide and recommendations on what to do in Dubai.
Our Jordan & UAE Package Tours, available in a 10-day version, are crafted to make your trip seamless from start to finish. We handle the logistics, including comfortable accommodations, exciting activities, expert tour guides, and smooth transfers, so you can focus on discovering the rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class attractions each country has to offer.
