Dubai Visa Guide (2026)

Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South African passport holders can visit Dubai with a visa on arrival or by applying for a visa in advance. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need to know about Dubai visa requirements for South Africans, including visa types, visa on arrival, application process, requirements, and fees.

Dubai Entry Requirements

Visa on Arrival

Eligibility: South African passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE

Validity: 30 days (single entry)

Requirements:

• Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Return ticket or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation (recommended)
• Sufficient funds for stay

Fee: Free (for 30-day visa on arrival)

Extension: Can be extended for an additional 30 days (fee applies)

Pre-Arrival Visa

Purpose: For longer stays or multiple entries

Validity: 30, 60, or 90 days (single or multiple entry)

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Passport photos
• Travel itinerary
• Accommodation proof
• Return ticket

Dubai Visa Types

Tourist Visa - 30 Days

Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting family/friends

Validity: 30 days (single entry)

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Passport photos
• Travel itinerary
• Accommodation proof
• Return ticket

Tourist Visa - 60 Days

Purpose: Extended tourism, visiting family/friends

Validity: 60 days (single entry)

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Passport photos
• Travel itinerary
• Accommodation proof
• Return ticket

Tourist Visa - 90 Days

Purpose: Long-term tourism, visiting family/friends

Validity: 90 days (single entry)

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Passport photos
• Travel itinerary
• Accommodation proof
• Return ticket

Transit Visa

Purpose: Transiting through Dubai to another destination

Validity: 48-96 hours (single entry)

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Confirmed onward ticket
• Visa for final destination (if required)

Dubai Visa Application Process

Option 1: Visa on Arrival

Step 1: Arrive at Dubai International Airport or other UAE entry points

Step 2: Proceed to immigration counter

Step 3: Present your passport and return ticket

Step 4: Receive 30-day visa on arrival (free)

Step 5: Proceed through immigration

Option 2: Pre-Arrival Visa Application

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify which Dubai visa type you need based on your purpose of travel and length of stay.

Step 2: Choose Application Method

• Online Application: Through UAE visa service providers or airlines
• Travel Agency: Through authorized travel agencies
• Hotel/Sponsor: Through hotels or sponsors in Dubai

Step 3: Complete Application Form

• Fill in the visa application form
• Provide required information
• Upload required documents

Step 4: Pay Visa Fee

• Pay the visa fee online or through the application channel
• Keep payment receipt

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• Processing time: 2-5 working days
• Some applications may be processed faster (express service available)

Step 6: Receive Visa

• Once approved, receive visa via email
• Print the visa and carry it when traveling
• Present visa at Dubai airport immigration

Dubai Visa Requirements

Basic Requirements

1. Valid Passport

   • Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry
   • Must have at least one blank page

2. Completed Application Form

   • Dubai/UAE visa application form
   • Must be completed accurately
   • All information must be correct

3. Passport Photos

   • Two recent passport-sized photos (43x55mm)
   • White background
   • Taken within the last 6 months
   • Full face, neutral expression

4. Travel Itinerary

   • Flight reservations (round-trip)
   • Travel plans and activities

5. Accommodation Proof

   • Hotel reservations
   • Invitation letter from host (if staying with family/friends)
   • Proof of accommodation for entire stay

6. Return Ticket

   • Confirmed return ticket or onward ticket
   • Must show departure from Dubai/UAE

7. Proof of Financial Means (For pre-arrival visa)

   • Bank statements (last 3 months)
   • Proof of sufficient funds
   • Employment letter (if applicable)

Dubai Visa Fees (2026)

Visa on Arrival (30 days): Free

• Single entry
• Valid for 30 days

Tourist Visa (30 days): AED 350-500 (approximately ZAR 1,800-2,600)

• Single entry
• Valid for 30 days
• Processing fee may apply

Tourist Visa (60 days): AED 650-850 (approximately ZAR 3,400-4,400)

• Single entry
• Valid for 60 days
• Processing fee may apply

Tourist Visa (90 days): AED 950-1,200 (approximately ZAR 4,900-6,200)

• Single entry
• Valid for 90 days
• Processing fee may apply

Visa Extension (30 days): AED 600-800 (approximately ZAR 3,100-4,100)

• Extension of visa on arrival
• Valid for additional 30 days

Express Processing: Additional fee (varies by service provider)

• Faster processing (24-48 hours)
• Additional fee applies

Processing Times

Visa on Arrival: Immediate

• Received upon arrival at Dubai airport
• No processing time required

Standard Processing: 2-5 working days

• Most pre-arrival visa applications are processed within this timeframe

Express Processing: 24-48 hours

• Additional fee required
• Available through certain service providers

Visa Extension

Extending Visa on Arrival

Eligibility: Holders of 30-day visa on arrival

Process:

1. Visit a UAE immigration office or authorized service center
2. Submit extension application
3. Pay extension fee (AED 600-800)
4. Receive extended visa

Validity: Additional 30 days (total 60 days)

Important: Can only extend once. After 60 days, you must leave the UAE and can return with a new visa.

Common Reasons for Dubai Visa Issues

1. Invalid Passport: Passport doesn't meet validity requirements (less than 6 months)

2. Incomplete Documentation: Missing required documents for pre-arrival visa

3. Security Concerns: Security or criminal background issues

4. Previous Visa Violations: History of overstaying or violating visa conditions

5. Insufficient Funds: Not enough proof of funds (for pre-arrival visa)

6. No Return Ticket: Missing return ticket or onward ticket

Tips for a Successful Dubai Visit

1. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from date of entry

2. Return Ticket: Always have a confirmed return ticket or onward ticket

3. Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance (recommended for visa on arrival)

4. Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance for medical emergencies and trip cancellations

5. Respect Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with UAE laws and customs before traveling

6. Currency: Carry sufficient UAE Dirhams (AED) or use credit cards (widely accepted)

7. Dress Code: Respect local dress codes, especially in public places and religious sites

8. Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues (hotels, restaurants)

9. Public Behavior: Public displays of affection and inappropriate behavior are not tolerated

10. Emergency Contacts: Note the contact details of the South African embassy in UAE

Dubai Visa for Specific Purposes

Tourism

• Hotel reservations
• Travel itinerary
• Return ticket
• Travel insurance (recommended)

Business

• Invitation letter from Dubai business
• Business registration documents
• Proof of business relationship
• Conference/training registration (if applicable)

Visiting Family/Friends

• Invitation letter from host
• Host's proof of status (passport, residence permit)
• Proof of relationship
• Accommodation proof from host

Transit

• Confirmed onward ticket
• Visa for final destination (if required)
• Transit visa (if staying more than 24 hours)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do South Africans need a visa for Dubai?

South African passport holders can get a 30-day visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE for free. For longer stays, you can apply for a pre-arrival visa.

How long can I stay in Dubai with a visa on arrival?

A visa on arrival allows stays of up to 30 days. You can extend it for an additional 30 days (total 60 days).

Can I extend my Dubai visa on arrival?

Yes, you can extend a 30-day visa on arrival for an additional 30 days (total 60 days). After 60 days, you must leave the UAE.

How much does a Dubai visa cost?

Visa on arrival is free for 30 days. Pre-arrival visas cost AED 350-1,200 (approximately ZAR 1,800-6,200), depending on duration.

How long does it take to get a Dubai visa?

Visa on arrival is immediate. Pre-arrival visas take 2-5 working days (express processing available for additional fee).

Can I work with a Dubai tourist visa?

A tourist visa does not allow you to work in Dubai. Working requires a work visa, which is a different type of visa sponsored by an employer.

What if I overstay my Dubai visa?

Overstaying can result in fines (AED 200 per day for the first 6 months, AED 100 per day thereafter) and being banned from re-entering the UAE.

Do children need separate Dubai visas?

Yes, each person, including children, needs their own Dubai visa. Children's visas are typically processed together with their parents' visas.

Can I visit other UAE emirates with a Dubai visa?

Yes, a Dubai/UAE visa allows you to visit all seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

Do I need travel insurance for Dubai?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Conclusion

Dubai offers convenient visa options for South African passport holders, including a free 30-day visa on arrival. For longer stays, you can apply for pre-arrival visas. Ensure your passport is valid, have a return ticket, and respect local laws and customs. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth visit to Dubai.

For the most up-to-date Dubai visa information, consult the official UAE immigration website or contact the UAE embassy/consulate in South Africa.