Quick Answer: Australian citizens can enjoy a straightforward entry process to the UAE. Upon arrival at any UAE airport, Australians receive a free multiple-entry visa stamp valid for 90 days within 180 days, making travel hassle-free. No advance visa application is required-just present your valid Australian passport at immigration.
Do Australians Need a Visa for the UAE?
Australian passport holders do not require a pre-arranged visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. Australia is among the select countries whose citizens receive visa-on-arrival privileges, making travel to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all other emirates straightforward and hassle-free.
Upon arrival at any UAE port of entry, including Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, or any land or sea border, Australian nationals simply proceed to immigration. The passport is stamped with a multiple-entry visa-free visit stamp.
This visa-on-arrival system applies to holders of standard Australian passports. Diplomatic and official passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling, so verifying your passport type ensures compliance and smooth entry.
UAE Entry Requirements for Australians
Passport Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months beyond the date of entry |
| Blank Pages | At least 2 blank visa pages required |
| Passport Type | Standard passport (machine-readable) |
| Passport Condition | Good condition, no damage |
| Name Format | Must include both first name and last name |
| Birthdate Format | Must show day, month, and year (no XX) |
Critical Passport Notes
The UAE will not permit entry if your Australian passport shows “XX” in the birthdate or gender field. The passport must display a complete day, month, and year. Additionally, passports showing only one name (either the first or last name) will not be accepted for entry.
Emergency passports are not accepted for entry to the UAE. If you require an emergency travel document, you must obtain a standard passport before traveling.
Duration of Stay and Visa Rules
90/180 Day Rule
Australian citizens can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within any 180 days. This is calculated on a rolling basis, not on a per-calendar-year basis. The multiple-entry visa stamp allows unlimited entries during this period, provided the total cumulative stay does not exceed 90 days.
| Stay Duration | Details |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days within 180 days |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry |
| Visa Validity | 6 months from the date of issue |
| Cost | Free of charge |
| Grace Period | No grace period applies |
| Work Permitted | No employment allowed |
Understanding the 90/180 Calculation
The 90/180 rule works on a rolling window. At any point, immigration authorities look back 180 days and count the total days spent in the UAE. If this total reaches 90 days, you must exit and wait until older entry days fall outside the 180-day window.
\
Use the official GDRFA 90/180 Visa Calculator to accurately track your stay. This tool helps plan multiple trips and ensures compliance with UAE immigration rules.
Arrival Process at UAE Airports
The entry process for Australian citizens at UAE airports is straightforward and typically quick.
Step 1: Disembark from your flight and proceed to immigration control.
Step 2: Join the queue for passport control. Some airports offer Smart Gates for eligible passengers.
Step 3: Present your Australian passport to the immigration officer.
Step 4: Your passport will be stamped with the multiple-entry 90-day visit visa.
Step 5: Collect your baggage and proceed through customs.
Note: Immigration authorities may conduct random visual screening. If selected, you may be asked to provide a hard copy of any visa documentation.
Visa Extension Options
If you wish to stay in the UAE beyond the permitted 90 days, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a pre-arranged tourist visa. Extensions inside the UAE are not available for the 90-day visa-on-arrival, so understanding the process helps travelers plan accordingly.
Option 1: Exit and Re-Enter
The 90-day visa-on-arrival cannot be extended inside the UAE. Once your 90 days within the 180-day window are exhausted, you must exit the country. Popular nearby destinations include Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. After leaving, you can apply for a pre-arranged tourist visa (30 or 60 days) to re-enter on a different visa status.
Option 2: Pre-Arranged Tourist Visa
Australians who have used their 90-day visa-on-arrival allocation can apply for a pre-arranged tourist visa from outside the UAE. This allows additional stays of 30 or 60 days on a different visa type.
Extension Fees (Pre-Arranged Visa)
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) |
| Visa Extension Fee | AED 600 |
| VAT (5%) | AED 30 |
| Knowledge Dirham | AED 10 |
| Innovation Dirham | AED 10 |
| In-Country Fee | AED 500 |
| Total Approximate | AED 1,100 – 1,200 |
Overstay Penalties and Fines
Overstaying your permitted stay in the UAE results in significant penalties. The UAE has strict immigration enforcement.
Overstay Fine Structure
| Violation | Penalty |
| Daily Overstay Fine | AED 50 per day |
| Exit Permit (Outpass) | AED 250 – 350 |
| First Day Overstay | AED 50 |
| Example: 10 Days Overstay | AED 500 + Exit Permit |
Critical Points for Australians
The 90-day visa-on-arrival for Australians has NO grace period. Fines begin immediately from the day after your permitted stay expires. Unlike some visa categories that include a 10-day grace period, the 90-day multiple-entry visa for Australians does not include one.
Track your stay using the official GDRFA or ICP portals to avoid fines and penalties. Overstaying can lead to daily fines, travel bans, or detention, so understanding the process helps travelers stay compliant and avoid issues.
How to Pay Overstay Fines
Online: ICP Smart Services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae), GDRFA Dubai portal (gdrfad.gov.ae)
In Person: Amer Centers, Typing centers, Airport immigration offices
Flight Information: Australia to UAE
Direct Flights from Sydney
Emirates operates daily nonstop flights between Sydney and Dubai, providing the most direct route for Australian travelers.
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Sydney (SYD) to Dubai (DXB) |
| Flight Duration | Approximately 14 hours 20 minutes |
| Frequency | 21 flights per week (3 daily) |
| Aircraft | Airbus A380 |
| Airline | Emirates (Qantas codeshare available) |
| Classes | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First |
Other Australian Departure Cities
| City | Flight Time | Direct Flights |
| Melbourne (MEL) | ~14 hours | Yes – Emirates |
| Brisbane (BNE) | ~14 hours 30 mins | Yes – Emirates |
| Perth (PER) | ~11 hours | Yes – Emirates, Qantas |
| Adelaide (ADL) | ~15 hours | Connections available |
Time Zone Difference
Dubai operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4. Sydney is UTC+10 (or UTC+11 during Daylight Saving). This makes Dubai approximately 6-7 hours behind Sydney, depending on the time of year.
Important Travel Considerations
Employment Restrictions
The visa-on-arrival does not permit any form of paid or unpaid employment in the UAE. Working without proper authorization results in fines, deportation, and potential bans. If you intend to work, you must obtain appropriate work visa sponsorship from a UAE employer.
Dual Nationality
The UAE does not recognize dual nationality. Children born in the UAE to Emirati fathers automatically become UAE citizens and must enter and leave on UAE passports. Australian consular assistance may be limited if you enter the UAE on a non-Australian passport.
Re-Entry Rules
If you exit the UAE and return within the validity of your current visa stamp, you will not receive a new visa. Your original entry date remains the starting point. For example, if you enter on Day 1, exit on Day 20, and return on Day 25, you still have only 65 days remaining from your original 90-day allowance.
Australian Government Travel Advice
The Australian Government advises travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the threat of terrorism. Smartraveller recommends staying vigilant in locations frequented by foreigners, including hotels, shopping malls, and tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian citizens need a visa for the UAE?
No. Australian passport holders receive a free visa-on-arrival. The passport is stamped at immigration with a multiple-entry visa allowing up to 90 days’ stay within 180 days.
How long can Australians stay in the UAE?
Australians can stay for up to 90 days within any 180 days. This is calculated on a rolling basis, not on a per-calendar-year or per-entry basis.
Is there a fee for the UAE visa-on-arrival?
No. The visa-on-arrival is entirely free for Australian passport holders.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
The 90-day visa-on-arrival cannot be extended inside the UAE. You must exit the country and either wait until your 180-day window resets or apply for a pre-arranged tourist visa to re-enter the country.
What happens if I overstay in the UAE?
Overstaying results in fines of AED 50 per day. There is no grace period for the 90-day visa-on-arrival. Fines must be paid before departure, and extended overstays can result in bans.
Can I work in the UAE on the visa-on-arrival?
A: No. The visa-on-arrival does not permit any paid or unpaid employment. Working illegally results in fines, deportation, and potential entry bans.
Do I need travel insurance for the UAE?
While not mandatory for the visa-on-arrival, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Healthcare in the UAE can be expensive for visitors.
How long is the flight from Australia to Dubai?
Direct flights from Sydney to Dubai take approximately 14 hours and 20 minutes. Perth offers the shortest route at around 11 hours.
Are emergency passports accepted in the UAE?
No. Emergency Australian passports are not accepted for entry to the UAE. You must have a standard machine-readable passport.
What if my passport only shows one name?
The UAE will not permit entry if your passport shows only one name. Your Australian passport must include both a first name and a last name.
Official Sources and Resources
UAE Government Portals
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
Website: icp.gov.ae | Smart Services: smartservices.icp.gov.ae | Services: Visa status, fines inquiry, extensions
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA)
Website: gdrfad.gov.ae | Services: Dubai visa processing, 90/180 calculator, fines payment
Official UAE Government Portal
Website: u.ae | Information: Visa requirements, entry permits, overstay regulations
Australian Government Resources
Smartraveller (DFAT Travel Advice)
Website: smartraveller.gov.au | Information: Travel warnings, safety advice, visa requirements
Australian Embassy Abu Dhabi
Website: uae.embassy.gov.au | Services: Consular assistance, passport services
UAE Consulate General Melbourne
Website: mofa.gov.ae/en/Missions/Melbourne | Services: UAE visa information for Australians
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of January 2026. Entry conditions can change at short notice. Always confirm requirements with official UAE government sources or the nearest UAE embassy before travel. The Australian Government recommends registering your travel plans at smartraveller.gov.au.