How Long Can I Stay in United Arab Emirates?
Complete guide for UK passport holders. Last verified 2026-02-04.
Maximum Stay
Up to 90 days within 180-day period
At a Glance
Duration
Up to 90 days within 180-day period
per 180 days
Visa Type
Visitor Visa on Arrival
Entry Requirements
- Passport valid for 6 months after arrival
- Residence permit holders: passport valid for 3 months after arrival
- Transit (not passing immigration): passport valid for 3 months
- Visa issued free on arrival at immigration - passport stamped
Important Things to Know
90-day stay can be continuous or divided across multiple visits within 180 days
Fines for exceeding authorized stay - accumulate per day of overstay
Work visa needed to work - probationary work permit (3 months max) available from Ministry of Labour
Working on visit visa = fine, prison, deportation
Risk arrest if returning with: previous visa not in order, outstanding debts, unresolved legal issue
Previous Israeli visa/stamp no longer an issue for entry (except potentially for work)
Travel ban, legal proceedings, unpaid debt, or child custody dispute can prevent departure
Yellow fever certificate required if from risk country
Pork products and pornography illegal to import
Videos, books, magazines subject to scrutiny and censorship
Weapons/ammunition require permission from UAE customs and Ministry of Defence
Medication: narcotic/psychotropic/controlled substances need advance approval from Ministry of Health via online application
Medication approval normally processed in 5 working days
Without approval, medication confiscated and may face prosecution
Visitors: up to 3 months medication supply; if requiring approval: 1 month supply
No approval process needed if only changing planes airside
Can I Extend My Stay?
To extend stay, contact General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (Dubai) or Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (rest of UAE)
Additional Information
Major tourism and business hub. Free visa on arrival valid 90 days within 180-day window. Strict laws - research carefully before travel. Medication restrictions.
Official Sources
UK Government Foreign Travel Advice
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/entry-requirementsLast verified: 2026-02-04
Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling, as visa policies can change.
Track Your Days with Days Monitor
Never overstay your visa. Track your days automatically with our iOS app.
Related Countries in Middle East
Bahrain
Automatically issued for 2 weeks, visas up to 180 days available • Visa on Arrival
Iran
Visa required - duration varies • Tourist Visa Required
Iraq
60 days • e-Visa
Israel
Up to 90 days as tourist • Tourist Visa-Free
Jordan
One month • Visa on Arrival
Kuwait
Visa required - available on arrival or online • Visa on Arrival
