Dubai Visa for Chinese Tourists: 90-Day Visa-Free

中国公民迪拜签证指南 | 免签入境完整攻略

Table of Contents

Quick Answer | 快速回答: Chinese citizens with ordinary passports can enter Dubai and the UAE VISA-FREE for up to 90 days within any 180 days. This policy was extended from 30 days in April 2025. No advance application, no fees, no pre-registration required. Simply arrive at Dubai International Airport with your valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity), return ticket, and proof of accommodation.

Introduction

Dubai has become one of the most popular international destinations for Chinese tourists, with 824,000 Chinese visitors arriving in 2024 alone, representing a 31% increase from the previous year. The United Arab Emirates maintains one of the most generous visa-free arrangements for Chinese passport holders in the Middle East, allowing stays of up to 90 days without any advance application or fees.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Chinese tourists need to know about entering Dubai in 2026, including the updated visa-free policy, required documents, entry procedures at Dubai International Airport, overstay penalties, and options for extending your stay. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business meetings, or family visits, this guide ensures a smooth and hassle-free entry into the UAE.

Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Citizens

Since November 1, 2016, Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports have been exempt from obtaining a visa before traveling to the UAE. In April 2025, this policy was significantly enhanced when the Chinese Embassy and the UAE announced an extension of the visa-free stay period from 30 days to 90 days within any 180 days.

2025 Policy Update | 2025年政策更新Effective April 11, 2025: The UAE extended visa-free stays for Chinese citizens from 30 days to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. This applies to holders of ordinary, diplomatic, and service passports.

Visa-Free Entry Details

Requirement	Details
Entry Fee	FREE (no charge / 免费)
Maximum Stay	90 days within 180 days
Previous Limit	30 days (before April 2025)
Entry Type	Multiple entry
Usage	Continuous or split across multiple visits
Passport Validity	Minimum 6 months from entry date
Advance Application	Not required
Eligible Passport Types	Ordinary, Diplomatic, Service

Entry Requirements and Documents

Chinese citizens must present the following documents at Dubai immigration to receive their entry stamp:

Required Documents | 所需文件

Valid Chinese passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond the entry date
Blank passport page for entry stamp (minimum 1 page)
Confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure within 90 days
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation or host address)
Proof of sufficient funds (recommended AED 5,000 / approximately CNY 10,000)
Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)

Step-by-Step Entry Process at Dubai Airport

Follow these steps upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC):

Disembark from your flight and proceed to the arrivals terminal
Follow Passport Control signs to immigration counters
Join the queue for foreign passport holders (non-GCC nationals)
Present your Chinese passport to the immigration officer
Provide supporting documents if requested (return ticket, hotel booking)
Undergo biometric screening (fingerprint and photo capture)
Receive an entry stamp in your passport (free of charge)
Proceed to baggage claim and collect your luggage
Clear customs and exit through the arrivals hall

Processing Time: Immigration clearance typically takes 5-15 minutes. During peak travel seasons (Chinese New Year, National Day holiday), expect longer queues.

Important Restrictions

Chinese tourists entering Dubai under the visa-free arrangement must observe the following restrictions:

No employment: Working (paid or unpaid) is strictly prohibited
No business establishment: Cannot start or operate a business
No enrollment: Cannot enroll in courses or educational programs
90-day maximum: Must exit before total stay exceeds 90 days within 180-day period
Legal compliance: Must respect all UAE laws and customs

Overstay Fines and Penalties

Overstaying your permitted 90-day period carries significant financial penalties and potential legal consequences. The UAE strictly enforces immigration laws and tracks all entry and exit dates electronically.

Overstay Penalty Structure

Penalty Type	AED	CNY (approx.)
Daily overstay fine	AED 50-60	¥100-120
Exit permit (out-pass)	AED 250-300	¥500-600
7 days overstay example	AED 350-420 + exit permit	¥700-840 + exit
30 days overstay example	AED 1,500-1,800 + exit permit	¥3,000-3,600 + exit
Grace period	None	无

Warning: Unpaid fines must be settled before departure. Extended overstays may result in detention, deportation, and future entry bans to the UAE and other GCC countries. Immigration tracks your total days within each rolling 180-day period.

Extending Your Stay Beyond 90 Days

Chinese tourists who wish to stay longer than the 90-day visa-free period have several options. The visa-free entry itself cannot be directly extended, but alternative visa types are available.

Option 1: Exit and Re-entry

Leave the UAE before your 90 days expire, wait until a new 180-day period begins, then re-enter for a fresh 90-day allowance. This is the simplest method for tourists who need to extend their overall stay.

Option 2: Apply for a Tourist Visa

Apply for a pre-arranged tourist visa through a UAE-based sponsor (travel agency or hotel). Tourist visas can be 30, 60, or 90 days and are extendable.

Tourist Visa Fees (If Applicable)

Visa Type	Fee (AED)	Fee (CNY approx.)
30-day single entry	AED 300-500	¥600-1,000
60-day single entry	AED 500-800	¥1,000-1,600
90-day single entry	AED 800-1,200	¥1,600-2,400
30-day extension	AED 600 + fees	¥1,200 + fees
VAT	5%	5%

Option 3: Long-Term Residence Visas

Chinese nationals seeking extended stays may qualify for:

Golden Visa (10 years): Minimum AED 2 million ($545,000) real estate investment
5-Year Tourist Visa: Multiple entry, 90 days per stay, maximum 180 days per year
Work Visa: Requires employer sponsorship in the UAE
Student Visa: For enrollment in UAE educational institutions

Chinese Tourism to Dubai: Statistics

Dubai has become increasingly popular among Chinese travelers, with significant infrastructure investments to cater to Chinese tourists, including Alipay and WeChat Pay, Chinese-language services, and special events during Chinese New Year.

Statistic	Figure
Chinese visitors to Dubai (2024)	824,000
Year-over-year increase	31%
Total Dubai visitors (2024)	18.72 million
Entry approval rate for Chinese	>99%
Dubai hotels (2024)	832 properties
Average hotel occupancy	78.2%

China-UAE Bilateral Visa Agreement

The visa-free arrangement between China and the UAE is reciprocal. UAE citizens can also visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. This bilateral agreement reflects the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations and aims to promote tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.

Key milestones:

November 2016: UAE grants visa-free entry to Chinese ordinary passport holders (30 days)
2018: China and the UAE establish a mutual visa-free arrangement
April 2025: UAE extends visa-free stay for Chinese citizens to 90 days
2024: Trade between China and GCC countries reaches $288.09 billion

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Dubai?

No. Chinese citizens with ordinary passports can enter Dubai and all UAE emirates visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180 days. No advance application or fee is required. Simply present your valid passport at immigration upon arrival.

How long can Chinese tourists stay in Dubai?

Chinese tourists can stay up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This time can be used continuously in one visit or split across multiple entries. The 180 days are calculated from your first entry date.

What documents do Chinese tourists need for Dubai?

Required: Chinese passport valid for at least 6 months, confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation. Recommended: proof of sufficient funds (AED 5,000 / CNY 10,000), travel insurance, and a complete travel itinerary.

Is there a fee to enter Dubai?

No. Entry under the visa-free arrangement is entirely free. You receive an entry stamp at immigration at no charge. Fees only apply if you overstay or apply for a separate visa type.

What is the overstay fine in Dubai for Chinese tourists?

The overstay fine is AED 50-60 per day (approximately CNY 100-120) from the first day after your permitted stay expires. An exit permit (AED 250-300) is also required to leave the country after overstaying. There is no grace period.

Can Chinese tourists work in Dubai on a visa-free entry?

No. Working (paid or unpaid), establishing a business, or enrolling in educational courses is strictly prohibited under the visa-free arrangement. Employment requires a separate work permit and residence visa sponsored by a UAE employer.

Can I extend my visa-free stay in Dubai?

The visa-free entry itself cannot be extended. However, you can exit and re-enter for a new period, or apply for a tourist visa through a UAE sponsor. Tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30-day period (fee: AED 600 + VAT and processing charges).

When did the 90-day visa-free policy for Chinese start?

The extension from 30 days to 90 days was announced by the Chinese Embassy in the UAE on April 11, 2025. The original 30-day visa-free arrangement began on November 1, 2016.

Travel Tips for Chinese Tourists

Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in Dubai malls, hotels, and tourist areas
Language: Chinese-speaking tour guides and services are available at major attractions
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). Exchange rate approximately 1 AED = 2 CNY
SIM cards: Available at Dubai airports from du and Etisalat
Weather: Best months November-March; summer temperatures exceed 40°C
Dress code: Modest dress recommended in public areas; swimwear only at beaches and pools
Alcohol: Available in licensed venues (hotels, restaurants with permits)

Official Sources and Resources

For authoritative information, consult these official government sources:

Chinese Embassy in UAE: ae.china-embassy.gov.cn
Chinese Consulate General in Dubai: dubai.china-consulate.gov.cn
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: mofa.gov.ae
UAE Government Portal: u.ae
Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP): icp.gov.ae
GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism: visitdubai.com

Key Takeaways | 要点总结: Chinese citizens enjoy free visa-free entry to Dubai for 90 days, with a 90-day stay period within any 180-day rolling window (extended through April 2025). Passport must be valid for 6+ months and have a blank page for stamping. No advance application or fees required. Overstay fine: AED 50-60/day with no grace period. 824,000 Chinese tourists visited Dubai in 2024 (31% increase)

Disclaimer | 免责声明: Visa regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official UAE government sources or the Chinese Embassy before travel. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 签证规定可能会更改。出行前请务必通过阿联酋政府官方渠道或中国大使馆核实最新要求。

Last Updated: January 2026

Dubai Visa for Chinese Tourists: Visa on Arrival Guide