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Visa requirements for United Arab Emirates

Who can enter United Arab Emirates, by nationality. Tourism. Data as of October 19, 2026.

Passport holders from 138 countries can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa in advance. All 138 enter visa-free on a valid passport. Everyone else needs a visa, or an e-visa where one is offered, before travelling.

138 visa-free
0 on arrival
0 eTA
0 e-visa
104 visa required

242 nationalities

Visa-free entry

138 nationalities

Visa required in advance

104 nationalities

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates has 3 sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)
Jabal Al Fayah
Wadi Wurayah

Source: Wikidata, community-maintained and not the official UNESCO count.

Nearby destinations

Qatar Bahrain Oman Saudi Arabia Kuwait Iran

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit United Arab Emirates?

It depends on your passport. 138 nationalities can enter United Arab Emirates without arranging a visa in advance (visa-free, on arrival, or eTA); everyone else needs a visa or e-visa. Use the tables below to check a specific passport.

What is the best time to visit United Arab Emirates?

November, December, based on Abu Dhabi's climate normals: mild temperatures and below-average rainfall for the year.

What currency is used in United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). 1 USD is approximately 3.67 AED.

What side of the road does United Arab Emirates drive on?

United Arab Emirates drives on the right.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does United Arab Emirates have?

3: Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas), Jabal Al Fayah, Wadi Wurayah.

What is the emergency number in United Arab Emirates?

112 / 997 / 998 / 999.

What time zone is United Arab Emirates in?

Dubai (UTC+4).

What is the nearest airport to Abu Dhabi?

Zayed International Airport (AUH), about 28 km away.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.

About United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), also known simply as the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, situated at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a federal semi-constitutional monarchy made up of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi serving as its national capital. The UAE borders Oman to the east and northeast, and Saudi Arabia to the south and southwest. It shares maritime borders with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran in the Persian Gulf, and with Oman in the Gulf of Oman. In 2024, the UAE had an estimated population of over 11 million. Dubai is the country's largest city. Islam is the state religion. Arabic is the official language while English remains the most spoken language and the language of business.

CapitalAbu Dhabi

RegionWestern Asia

Population11.5M

Area83,600 km²

CurrencyUnited Arab Emirates dirham (1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED)

LanguagesArabic

Calling code+971

Drives on theright

TimezoneDubai (UTC+4)

Nearest airportZayed International Airport (AUH), 28 km

Emergency number112 / 997 / 998 / 999

UNESCO sites3

Income levelHigh income

GDP per capita$50,274 (2024)

Tourist arrivals8.1M (2020)

Climate in Abu Dhabi

Warmest July, coolest January, driest May, sunniest May. Best time to visit: November, December.

Monthly climate normals for Abu Dhabi, 2020
Month	High	Low	Rainfall	Sunshine
January	22.8°C	16.8°C	69mm	297h
February	24.2°C	17.5°C	3mm	298h
March	27.7°C	19.8°C	7mm	317h
April	34°C	24.4°C	3mm	303h
May	36.6°C	27.5°C	0mm	374h
June	37.8°C	30.4°C	0mm	370h
July	40.9°C	32.3°C	0mm	351h
August	38.9°C	32.6°C	0mm	336h
September	39.2°C	28.9°C	0mm	337h
October	34.1°C	26.4°C	0mm	337h
November	30°C	23.1°C	0mm	300h
December	25.4°C	19.7°C	0mm	308h

Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)

Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.

Travel guide

The United Arab Emirates or simply the Emirates is a country rich in history and culture at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Boasting attractions ranging from the glittering and cosmopolitan cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to the vast and unforgiving desert landscapes of the Empty Quarter, it makes an easy starting point for travels in the Middle East.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas)
Jabal Al Fayah
Wadi Wurayah

Full source list on About.