Visa requirements

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.

Journalist visa (Content Creator/Journalist Golden Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
3650 days
Processing time
2-4 weeks
Fee
AED 2,800-4,000 (approx. $762-$1,089 USD)
Validity
10 years, renewable
Entry
Multiple entry

Long-term Golden Visa for journalists, writers, content creators, social media influencers, podcasters, visual artists, and digital content professionals. Launched through the Creators HQ programme following the 1 Billion Followers Summit. Provides a self-sponsored 10-year renewable residency not tied to an employer. Allows the holder to live and work in the UAE. Professional gamers and e-sports professionals (25+) are also eligible under this category.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Available to all nationalities

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be a recognized journalist, writer, content creator, social media influencer, podcaster, visual artist, digital content professional, or professional gamer/e-sports professional (age 25+)

    Includes
    • Journalism
    • content creation
    • media work
  • Employment

    Must demonstrate a portfolio of published work, significant social media following, or professional achievements in media/content creation

    Required status: Recognized media/content professional

  • Health

    Must pass the UAE medical fitness test

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 4; Specifications: Recent colour passport-size photographs with white background

  • Travel insurance

    Coverage area: UAE; Minimum coverage: Valid health insurance covering UAE

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Online payment via ICP, GDRFA, or Creators HQ portal; Amount: AED 2,800-4,000

  • Medical fitness

    Provide a medical fitness certificate if the destination requires one for this route.

    Destination country: UAE; Examining center: UAE-approved medical centre

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather passport copies, passport photos, portfolio of published work, social media analytics/following evidence, press credentials, and health insurance

  2. Online application

    Apply through the Creators HQ website (creatorshq.ae), ICP smart services portal, or GDRFA. Self-sponsored application

  3. Fee payment

    Pay government fees of AED 2,800-4,000 via online portal

  4. Processing wait

    Wait 2-4 weeks for application review and approval

  5. Document submission

    Upon arrival, complete medical fitness test at an approved centre

  6. Biometrics

    Apply for Emirates ID at a typing centre with biometrics capture

  7. Visa collection

    Receive 10-year Golden Visa residence stamp in passport

Sign in to apply

Journalist visa (Journalist/Media Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
3-7 business days
Fee
AED 350-500 (approx. $95-$136 USD)
Validity
60 days from issuance
Entry
Single entry

Journalist/media visa for foreign journalists, reporters, and media professionals visiting the UAE for coverage, filming, or media-related activities. Nationals from visa-exempt countries may conduct journalism activities under their standard visa-on-arrival entry. Requires accreditation from the UAE National Media Council. For long-term media work, content creators and influencers can apply for the Golden Visa through the Creators HQ programme. Note that all media activities in the UAE require prior approval from the National Media Council.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Required for journalists from nationalities not eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. Journalists from visa-exempt countries may enter on their standard entry permission but still need National Media Council accreditation for work

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be a credentialed journalist, reporter, photographer, or media professional visiting for news coverage, filming, interviews, or media events

    Includes
    • News coverage
    • filming
    • interviews
    • media events

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: Recent colour passport-size photograph with white background

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes

  • Invitation letter

    Host requirements: Letter from a UAE media organization, event organizer, or press accreditation from the UAE National Media Council

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Payment through sponsoring media organization or GDRFA/ICP portal; Amount: AED 350-500

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Gather passport copy, passport photo, press credentials, letter from your media organization, invitation from UAE host/event, and return flight booking

  2. Online application

    Obtain accreditation from the UAE National Media Council. The sponsoring UAE media entity or event organizer submits visa application through GDRFA or ICP

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee of AED 350-500 through the sponsoring entity

  4. Processing wait

    Wait 3-7 business days for visa processing and National Media Council approval

  5. Visa collection

    Receive journalist visa via email. Present at immigration along with press accreditation

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.