United Arab Emirates
General visa requirements for travelling to United Arab Emirates. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Mission Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 5-15 business days
- Fee
- Varies
- Validity
- As specified in diplomatic note
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For diplomatic and official/service passport holders from countries not covered by visa exemption agreements, a visa must be obtained through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a diplomatic note from the sending country's embassy. This applies to personnel posted to diplomatic missions, consular officers, and official delegations. US citizens on diplomatic or official passports are also required to obtain a visa before travel.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
For diplomatic and official passport holders from countries without bilateral visa exemption agreements with the UAE
-
Purpose of visit
Must be travelling on official government or diplomatic business
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Prepare diplomatic/official passport, diplomatic note from sending country's embassy, and any required supporting documentation
-
Document submission
Submit visa application through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a diplomatic note from your country's embassy or mission
-
Processing wait
Wait 5-15 business days for processing through diplomatic channels
-
Visa collection
Collect visa through the UAE embassy/consulate in your country or receive approval notification
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic/Official Passport Visa Exemption (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Immediate on arrival
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days within 180-day period
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Holders of diplomatic or official/service passports from listed countries do not require a visa for entry to the UAE. Duration is 90 days within a 180-day period unless otherwise specified. Some countries have shorter exemptions: Burkina Faso (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Thailand (30 days), Vietnam (30 days). Diplomatic passport holders only (not official/service): Armenia, Burundi, Chad, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Uzbekistan.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must hold a valid diplomatic or official/service passport from one of the listed countries. Some countries qualify for diplomatic passports only
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Carry valid diplomatic or official/service passport with at least 6 months validity
-
Visa collection
Present diplomatic/official passport at UAE immigration for visa-free entry stamp