| Quick Answer: US citizens with regular passports receive a FREE visa on arrival at Dubai airports. The visa permits stays up to 90 days within 180 days, no advance application required. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date and include a confirmed return ticket. |
Introduction
Dubai remains one of the top destinations for American travelers in 2026. The United Arab Emirates offers straightforward visa options, including long-term residency through the Golden Visa program. This guide covers everything US citizens need to know about Dubai visa requirements, including entry procedures, extension options, and pathways to residency, helping travelers understand their options beyond short stays.
Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
US citizens holding regular passports can travel to Dubai with confidence, knowing they do not need to apply for a visa in advance. A visa will be stamped directly into the passport upon arrival at immigration, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days, making the process straightforward and stress-free.
Visa on Arrival Details
| Requirement | Details |
| Visa Cost | FREE (no charge) |
| Duration | 90 days maximum |
| Entry Type | Multiple entries within 180 days |
| Passport Validity | Minimum 6 months from entry date |
| Application Required | No advance application needed |
| Processing Time | Stamped at immigration upon arrival |
Entry Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens must meet these requirements to enter Dubai:
- Valid US passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond the entry date
- Passport must be machine-readable (handwritten passports not accepted)
- Passport must have M or F gender marker (X marker not accepted for UAE entry)
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
- Sufficient funds for the duration of stay (bank statement may be requested)
- 12-page emergency passports are NOT accepted
Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
US citizens traveling on diplomatic or official passports MUST obtain a visa before travel. This requirement is strictly enforced. Applications should be submitted through the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, or the UAE Consulates.
Step-by-Step Entry Process at Dubai Airport
- Disembark flight at Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Proceed to immigration counters (follow Passport Control signs)
- Present your passport to the immigration officer
- Undergo visual screening (random security procedure)
- Receive a 90-day visa stamp in your passport (free of charge)
- Collect baggage and proceed through customs
- Exit through the arrivals hall
Visa Extensions and Renewals
US citizens in visa-on-arrival status should be aware that the 90-day visa cannot be extended in-country through standard procedures. Planning accordingly and understanding this helps travelers feel more in control of their stay and avoids unexpected issues.
Extension Options and Fees
| Option | Duration | Fee (AED) | Fee (USD) |
| Exit and Re-entry | New 90 days | Flight cost only | Flight cost only |
| Tourist Visa Extension | 30 days | AED 600-850 | $165-230 |
| In-country fee | Processing | AED 500 | $136 |
| Knowledge Dirham | Per transaction | AED 10 | $2.70 |
| Innovation Dirham | Per transaction | AED 10 | $2.70 |
| VAT | 5% | Variable | Variable |
Airport-to-Airport (A2A) Visa Change
A standard method for renewing without an extended departure:
- Depart the UAE to a nearby country (Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait)
- Remain in the transit area of the destination airport
- UAE travel agency processes new tourist visa during transit
- Return to the UAE the same day with a fresh visa
Cost: AED 1,200-2,000 ($325-545) depending on destination and urgency
Overstay Fines and Penalties
Overstaying a UAE visa carries strict penalties. The UAE standardized fines for overstaying at AED 50 per day, regardless of visa type. Fines accrue from the first day after visa expiration.
| Penalty Type | Amount |
| Daily overstay fine | AED 50 per day ($13.60) |
| Exit permit (out-pass) | AED 250-300 ($68-82) |
| 7 days overstay example | AED 350 + exit permit ($95-150) |
| 30 days overstay example | AED 1,500 + exit permit ($410-490) |
| Grace period (90-day visa) | None for US citizens |
Warning: Unpaid fines must be settled before departure. Extended overstays may result in detention, deportation, and entry bans affecting future travel to the UAE and GCC.
Dubai Golden Visa for US Citizens
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency (5 or 10 years) for eligible US citizens, including investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. This section explains the specific investment and professional requirements, the application process, and benefits, providing clear guidance for those interested in securing extended residency options in Dubai.
Golden Visa Investment Requirements
| Category | Minimum Investment | Visa Duration |
| Real Estate (any age) | AED 2 million ($545,000) | 10 years |
| Real Estate (age 55+) | AED 1 million ($280,000) | 5 years |
| Business Investment | AED 2 million ($545,000) | 10 years |
| Public Investment (bank deposit) | AED 2 million ($545,000) | 10 years |
| Professionals | AED 30,000+ monthly salary | 10 years |
| Entrepreneurs | AED 500,000 approved business | 5-10 years |
Golden Visa Benefits
- Self-sponsored (no employer required)
- Renewable 5 or 10-year residency
- Sponsor spouse, children (any age for daughters, up to 25 for sons), and parents
- Stay outside the UAE beyond the standard 6-month limit
- No personal income tax in the UAE
- 100% business ownership in many sectors
Golden Visa Application Costs
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Application fee | AED 2,800-4,800 ($760-1,300) |
| Medical examination | AED 300-500 ($80-135) |
| Emirates ID | AED 370+ ($100+) |
| Renewal fee | AED 5,000-10,000 ($1,360-2,720) |
| Processing time | 7-90 days |
Work Visa Requirements
US citizens cannot work in Dubai on a tourist visa or visa-on-arrival. To legally work, applicants must secure a job offer from a UAE-registered company, which will initiate the employer-sponsored work permit and residence visa process. This section details the necessary steps, documentation, and typical costs involved in obtaining a work visa, ensuring clarity for those seeking employment opportunities.
Work Visa Application Process
- Secure job offer from a UAE-registered company
- Employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE
- The employer obtains an entry permit for the employee
- Enter the UAE on an employment entry permit (valid 60 days)
- Complete medical examination (blood test, chest X-ray)
- Sign the employment contract
- Obtain an Emirates ID
- Receive a residence visa stamp
Work Visa Costs (Typically Employer-Paid)
| Item | Cost Range |
| 1-year work visa | AED 2,500-7,000 ($680-1,900) |
| 2-year work visa | AED 5,000-10,000 ($1,360-2,720) |
| Medical examination | AED 300-500 ($80-135) |
| Emirates ID | AED 370+ ($100+) |
Job Exploration Visa
US citizens with bachelor’s degrees from top-500 universities can apply for a job-exploration visa (60-120 days) without a sponsor to search for employment in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Dubai?
No advance visa application required. US citizens with regular passports receive a free visa on arrival at Dubai airports, valid for 90 days within 180 days.
How long can US citizens stay in Dubai?
US citizens can stay up to 90 days on the visa-on-arrival. This period is non-renewable but may be used continuously or intermittently within a 180-day window from first entry.
Can US citizens extend their Dubai visa?
The 90-day visa-on-arrival for US citizens generally cannot be extended in-country. Options include exiting and re-entering for a new 90-day period, or applying for a different visa type, such as a tourist visa or residence visa.
What happens if I overstay my Dubai visa?
Overstay fines are AED 50 per day from the first day after expiration. An exit permit (AED 250-300) is required to leave. Extended overstays may result in detention, deportation, and future entry bans.
Can US citizens work in Dubai on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist visa or visa-on-arrival is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans. Legal employment requires an employer-sponsored work permit and residence visa.
How much does the Dubai Golden Visa cost?
Application fees range from AED 2,800 to AED 4,800 ($760 to $ 1,300), plus medical examination and Emirates ID costs. Investment requirements start at AED 2 million ($545,000) for a 10-year visa through real estate purchase.
What passport validity is required for Dubai?
The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. Machine-readable passports are required. Emergency 12-page passports and passports with X gender markers are not accepted.
Is there a grace period for overstaying in Dubai?
For US citizens on the 90-day visa-on-arrival, there is no grace period. Fines begin immediately upon visa expiration. Some visa types have a 10-day grace period, but this does not apply to the standard US citizen entry permit.
Official Sources and Resources
For authoritative information, consult these official government sources:
- UAE Embassy in Washington, DC: uae-embassy.org
- US State Department Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov
- UAE Government Portal: u.ae
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP): icp.gov.ae
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA): gdrfad.gov.ae
- US Embassy in Abu Dhabi: ae.usembassy.gov
- US Consulate General Dubai: DubaiACS@state.gov
| Key Takeaways: US citizens get a free 90-day visa on arrival at Dubai airports. Passport must be valid for 6+ months and have an M or F gender marker. Overstay fines: AED 50/day with no grace period. Golden Visa: 10-year residency from an AED 2 million investment. Work visas require employer sponsorship |
Disclaimer: Visa regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official UAE government sources or the UAE Embassy before travel. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Last Updated: January 2026