The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates in the Arabian Peninsula, is an exciting destination for US citizens. The country has everything you could possibly want, from sprawling beaches to ancient monuments. The best part is that there is no need to get a UAE visa for US citizens for stays shorter than 30 days. However, if you want to stay longer or work in the UAE, you’ll need a visa to do so.
Whether you’re a freelancer exploring the UAE’s Green Visa, a retiree seeking a relaxed lifestyle, or an entrepreneur eyeing the Golden Visa, this guide will walk you through the requirements, benefits, and costs of obtaining a UAE visa for US citizens.
In this guide you will learn about:
UAE Visa Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens with a regular passport can visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa-free for up to 30 days, with a visa issued upon arrival.
Entry Requirements
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival
- A confirmed round-trip ticket or onward travel ticket
Extending Your Stay in the UAE
If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office. Approval is at the discretion of immigration officials. Alternatively, there are other UAE visas for US citizens to consider.
Visa Categories in the UAE
US citizens with a regular passport can visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, there are different visa categories depending on your purpose of travel and the length of your stay.
Tourist Visa
US citizens get a visa on arrival, valid for 30 days. If you wish to stay in the UAE for longer than a month, you must request more time from the immigration officer at the airport or contact the local immigration office in the UAE and request an extension. You also need to provide a round-trip airline ticket and have a passport valid for at least six months. There is an additional five year multiple entry visa to the UAE valid for 90 day stays.
Work Visas
There are three kinds of visas for working in the UAE. The Green Visa is a self-sponsored visa that lets you work in the UAE for up to five years. This visa is for freelancers, self-employed, and skilled employees. The Standard work visa is valid for up to two years and is for people employed in the private or government sector. While those visas are the most popular, there is also a domestic worker visa.
Retirement Visas
If you are older than 55 years and have worked for more than 15 years, you can apply for a residency visa for retirees. The initial visa is valid for five years and can be extended if you meet the criteria.
Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa program is a long-term residence visa that allows you to live, work and study in the Gulf country. The visa is valid for five or 10 years and is available to talented individuals, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, outstanding students, and business owners.
Diplomatic or Official Visas
This visa is restricted to US diplomats and government officials. US citizens traveling on diplomatic or official passports need a visa before travel. You’ll need to complete the application form, provide the details of the sponsor or host in the UAE, give the residential address in UAE, and an original letter from one of the US departments explaining the purpose of the trip.
Transit Visas
Available to non-US citizens traveling from the US, a transit visa is valid for 96 hours and allow you to enter the UAE while you wait for your connecting flight to a different country.
Discover a world of possibilities: Explore our UAE Golden Visa
A Closer Look at UAE Visas for US Citizens
Green Visa for work
Depending on your profession, there are different criteria for working in the UAE. Generally, however, the Green Visa is a residency document that lets you stay in the country for up to five years, and you don’t need to be sponsored or employed by a UAE citizen.
Requirements for the Green Visa
Freelancers or self-employed people
- You’ll need a freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- proof of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma
- evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years amounting to not less than AED 360,000, or proof of financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
Skilled employees
- You must have a valid employment contract
- Be classified in the first, second, or third occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization
- Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have a salary of not less than AED 15,000 per month
Standard work visa
A US citizen can also apply for the Standard work visa which is valid for two years as long as they meet the following criteria:
- You must be employed in the private or government sector.
- Your UAE employer must apply on your behalf.
Retirement Visa
The UAE retirement visa lets you live in the UAE for up to five years and can be extended if you satisfy the criteria.
Retirement Visa Requirements
- You must be older than 55 years or,
- have worked for not less than 15 years inside or outside the UAE
- own a property of no less than AED 1 million or,
- have financial savings of no less than AED 1 million or,
- have a monthly income of AED 20,000
- Provide bank statements for the last six months.
UAE Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa, also known as the Dubai Golden Visa, is a long-term residency program that offers eligible applicants, such as talented individuals, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, outstanding students, and business owners, the opportunity to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates.
The program provides several benefits, including a renewable five or ten-year residence permit, no requirement to obtain a resident or national sponsor, a reduced minimum stay requirement compared to other visa options, the ability to sponsor family members and domestic helpers, and zero personal income taxes.
Important to note: The Golden Visa does not automatically lead to UAE citizenship. There are regulations in place, with most applicants needing to spend a minimum of 30 years in the country to qualify for a UAE passport.
UAE Golden Visa requirements
The requirements for the UAE Golden Visa system depend on the applicant’s professional background. However, there are minimum requirements that all prospective applicants must meet, including:
- Be over 18
- Provide a notarized copy of their passport
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be clear of all socially dangerous illnesses
- Have valid medical insurance
- have no outstanding debts in the UAE
Take a look at our UAE citizenship Ultimate Guide!
UAE Visa for US Citizens Cost
With all applications, the UAE visa for US citizens fee must be paid for immigration approval. The price of each visa can vary based on the chosen visa, duration, and other detailed requirements. Here are the basic costs for UAE visas:
Item | Cost AED | Cost USD |
Green Visa | AED 2280 | $620 |
Standard Work Visa | AED 3,000 - AED 7,000 | $820-$1,900 |
Retirement Visa | AED 3,714 | $1,011 |
Golden Visa | AED 5,300 - AED 8,300 | $1,440-$2,265 |
Transit Visa (96 hours) | AED 50 | $14 |
How long does it take to process a UAE visa for US citizens?
The processing time for a UAE visa for US citizens varies based on the visa type. Here are a few examples:
- Visa on arrival: Immediate
- Tourist visa: 3-5 days
- Employment visa: 1-3 weeks
- Retirement visa: 2-4 weeks
- Golden Visa: 1-2 months
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Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Visa for US citizens
Do you need an entry visa for the UAE?
Yes, everybody who enters the UAE will need an entry visa to be in the country legally. You’ll need to provide immigration authorities with your original passport signed (regular passport) to receive entry stamps.
Do US citizens need a tourist visa for the UAE?
US citizens don’t need to apply for a visit visa if they want to travel to the UAE. When arriving at one of the many UAE airports, citizens only need to provide their US passport to receive a tourist visa on arrival.
What is a United Nations Visa?
This is a specialized visa and one of the United Nations visa requirements is that you are on a diplomatic mission. It is similar to the other official visas, but is a single-entry visa valid for two months, with a maximum stay of one month.
Do US citizens need a visa to travel to the UAE?
US citizens with a valid passport do not need a visa to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for stays of less than 30 days. However, the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the expected arrival date, signed by the bearer, and accompanied by a confirmed round-trip ticket or onward travel ticket.
Is there a Dubai visa for American citizens?
There are a variety of visa options for US citizens to enter Dubai, including, a tourist visa, a visit visa, a business visa, a transit visa, a residence visa, and a Golden Visa.
What are the Dubai entry requirements for US citizens?
The entry requirements for US citizens to Dubai include a passport with six month validity, valid travel insurance, a return ticket, a customs declaration. There may be further requirements dependent on the UAE visa type.
Do US citizens need a visa for Dubai specifically?
No, US citizens can visit the UAE for up to 30 days without a visa. However, longer stays will require a visa based on the intention of stay.
Can US citizens extend their UAE visa?
It depends on the visa type. Generally, US citizens can extend their UAE visit visa. If you are on a 30-day visa on arrival, you can apply for an extension of up to an additional 30 days on your prior visa. Extensions are typically processed through local UAE authorities or online via official UAE portals. It’s important to submit the request before your current valid visa expires to avoid fines for overstaying.
Can US citizens work in the UAE on a tourist visa?
No, US citizens cannot legally work in the UAE on a tourist visa. To work in the UAE, they must obtain a valid work visa sponsored by an employer or apply for a self-sponsored visa like the Green Visa for freelancers or entrepreneurs. Working on a tourist visa, even multiple entry visas, can result in legal penalties, including fines, deportation, and bans from re-entry.
How long can US citizens stay in the UAE without a visa?
US citizens with a valid passport can enter the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. A visa is granted upon arrival.
Do US citizens need a transit visa for Dubai?
Passengers transiting through UAE airports can obtain a free 48-hour transit visa, but it must be arranged in advance through a UAE-based airline. This visa cannot be extended or renewed.
