Quick Answer: Egyptian travelers that understanding the visa process is essential for a smooth trip, reducing uncertainty about entry requirements.
Visa Requirement Overview
Egypt is not among the countries eligible for a UAE visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry. Every Egyptian national must obtain a valid visa before traveling to any emirate, whether Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or others.
Key points for Egyptian travelers:
- An advance visa application is mandatory
- No visa-on-arrival facility exists
- Valid UK, US, or Schengen visas do not grant on-arrival privileges for Egyptians
- Sponsorship by a UAE-based entity, hotel, or licensed travel agency is required
- The passport must have a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the entry date
Types of UAE Visas for Egyptians
Tourist and Visit Visas
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type | Validity | Extension |
| Transit Visa | 48-96 hours | Single | 30 days | No |
| Short-term Tourist | 30 days | Single | 60 days | Yes |
| Short-term Tourist | 30 days | Multiple | 60 days | Yes |
| Long-term Tourist | 60 days | Single | 60 days | Yes |
| Long-term Tourist | 60 days | Multiple | 60 days | Yes |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry | 90 days/visit | Multiple | 5 years | N/A |
Employment and Residence Visas
| Visa Type | Duration | Sponsor | Key Eligibility |
| Standard Employment | 2-3 years | Employer | Job offer from a UAE company |
| Green Visa | 5 years | Self | AED 15,000+ salary or degree |
| Golden Visa | 10 years | Not required | AED 2M investment or talent |
| Investor Visa | 10 years | Not required | Property AED 2M+ |
| Freelance Visa | 1-2 years | Self | Specialized skills |
Tourist Visa Requirements
Required Documents
- Passport copy (color scan, minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photograph (white background, recent)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter)
- Return flight ticket (confirmed booking)
- Proof of funds (bank statement showing a minimum of AED 3,000)
- Travel insurance (valid for UAE territory)
Minimum Salary for Host Sponsorship (2026)
| Relationship | Minimum Monthly Salary |
| Parents/In-laws | AED 4,000 |
| Siblings | AED 4,000 |
| Friends | AED 5,000+ |
Work Visa Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Valid job offer from a UAE-licensed employer
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Educational qualifications attested by the UAE Embassy in Cairo
- Medical fitness (tested upon arrival in the UAE)
- Clear criminal background
- Passport validity: 6+ months
Employment Visa Process Steps
| Step | Action | Timeline |
| 1 | Employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE | 3 working days |
| 2 | Entry permit issued upon approval | 3-5 working days |
| 3 | Employee enters the UAE within 60 days | — |
| 4 | Medical test completed | Within 14 days |
| 5 | Employment contract registered with MOHRE | Within 14 days |
| 6 | Residence visa stamped | 1-2 weeks |
| 7 | Emirates ID issued | 5-7 working days |
Application Process
Step-by-Step Tourist Visa Application
Step 1: Choose Application Channel
| Channel | Best For | Processing |
| Licensed travel agency | Standard tourists | 3-4 working days |
| Airline (Emirates, Etihad) | Ticket holders | 3-5 working days |
| Hotel booking | Hotel-sponsored stays | Varies |
| UAE resident sponsor | Family/friend visits | 3-5 working days |
Step 2: Gather all required documents as listed in Section 3.
Encourage Egyptian travelers by emphasizing that applying through the ICP portal or licensed agencies is straightforward, helping them feel empowered and in control.
Step 4: Pay applicable fees (government fees plus service charges).
Step 5: Receive the approved visa via email as an electronic document.
Step 6: Enter the UAE within the visa validity period.
Online Application Portals
| Emirate | Portal | URL |
| Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, others | ICP Smart Services | smartservices.icp.gov.ae |
| Dubai | GDRFA Dubai | gdrfad.gov.ae |
Visa Fees and Costs
Government Fees (2026)
| Visa Type | Government Fee | VAT (5%) | Total |
| 30-day Tourist (Single) | AED 200 | AED 10 | AED 210 |
| 60-day Tourist (Single) | AED 300 | AED 15 | AED 315 |
| 30-day Tourist (Multiple) | AED 690 | AED 34.50 | AED 724.50 |
| 60-day Tourist (Multiple) | AED 950 | AED 47.50 | AED 997.50 |
| 5-Year Multiple Entry | AED 650+ | Varies | AED 750+ |
Agency Service Costs (Approximate)
| Visa Type | Total Cost |
| 96-hour Transit | AED 200-300 |
| 30-day Single Entry | AED 330-550 |
| 30-day Multiple Entry | AED 800-1,100 |
| 60-day Single Entry | AED 550-920 |
| 60-day Multiple Entry | AED 1,100-1,650 |
Additional Fees
| Service | Cost |
| Express processing (24-48 hours) | AED 100-200 additional |
| Visa extension (30 days) | AED 600 + VAT |
| Overstay fine | AED 50/day |
| Exit permit (outpass) | AED 250-300 |
Processing Times
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Express Processing |
| Tourist Visa | 3-5 working days | 24-48 hours |
| Employment Entry Permit | 3-5 working days | N/A |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 1-2 weeks | N/A |
| Golden Visa | 30-45 days | 7-10 days |
Delays occur due to incomplete documents, peak travel seasons, additional security screening, or incorrect information.
Extension and Renewal
Tourist Visa Extension
Since December 2025, most 30-day and 60-day tourist visas can be extended from within the UAE without exiting.
| Extension Type | Fee | Where to Apply |
| 30-day extension | AED 600 + VAT | ICP portal or Amer centers |
| Change of status | Varies | ICP or GDRFA |
No grace period exists for tourist visas as of 2025. Extensions must be processed before expiry to avoid fines.
Overstay Penalties
Fine Structure (2026)
| Violation | Penalty |
| Overstay (any visa type) | AED 50/day from the day after expiry |
| Absconding case filed | AED 2,000+ minimum |
| Exit permit (outpass) | AED 250-300 |
Grace Periods
| Visa Type | Grace Period |
| Tourist/Visit Visa | None (fines begin immediately) |
| Residence Visa (after cancellation) | 30-60 days |
| Golden Visa | Up to 180 days |
Consequences of Overstay
- Accumulated daily fines
- Potential travel ban
- Deportation
- Re-entry ban
- Employer blocklisting (for work visa violations)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Egyptians get a UAE visa on arrival?
No. Egyptian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling. No visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry exists for Egyptian passport holders.
How long can Egyptians stay in the UAE with a tourist visa?
Depending on visa type: 48-96 hours (transit), 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days per visit (5-year multiple entry).
Can I extend my UAE visa while in the country?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended for 30 days via the ICP portal for AED 600 + VAT. Apply before visa expiry.
What is the minimum bank balance required for a UAE visa?
Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds, a minimum of AED 3,000 for tourist visas. For 5-year multiple-entry visas, a bank balance of USD 4,000 is required.
Is health insurance mandatory for a UAE visa?
Yes. Effective 2025, medical insurance valid in the UAE is required for all visa types.
Can I work in the UAE on a tourist visa?
No. Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal and results in fines, deportation, and travel bans.
What is the processing time for an urgent/express visa?
Express services offer processing within 24-48 hours for an additional AED 100-200.
Do I need a return ticket for the UAE visa application?
A: Yes. A confirmed return or onward travel ticket is required as part of the application.
Official Sources
| Authority | Purpose | Website |
| ICP | Visa applications (all emirates except Dubai) | icp.gov.ae |
| ICP Smart Services | Online visa services | smartservices.icp.gov.ae |
| GDRFA Dubai | Dubai visa applications | gdrfad.gov.ae |
| MOHRE | Employment permits | mohre.gov.ae |
| UAE Government Portal | Official visa information | u.ae |
| UAE Embassy Cairo | Visa queries for Egyptians | mofa.gov.ae |
Contact Numbers
- ICP Toll-free: 600 522 222 (available 24/7)
- Amer Service (Dubai): 800 5111
- GDRFA Dubai (outside UAE): +971 4 313 9999
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on UAE immigration regulations as of January 2026. Visa policies are subject to change. Always verify current requirements through official UAE government portals before applying.
Last Updated: January, 2026
Wow, this guide is a goldmine for Egyptians planning a UAE trip! It’s super clear and really breaks down everything from the different visa types to the step-by-step application process. I love how it doesn’t just tell you what you need, but also explains the costs, extension rules, and even the fines for overstaying—which is exactly the kind of info that saves travelers a lot of stress.
What’s really helpful is seeing all the visa options laid out, from short-term tourist visas to the golden visa for investors and talent. The detailed requirements, like minimum bank balances and sponsor salaries, make it easy to plan ahead and avoid surprises. And the tips about online portals and processing times? Total lifesavers.
Honestly, guides like this make what could be a confusing process feel manageable and approachable. It’s reassuring to know that if you follow the steps and have the right documents, getting a UAE visa as an Egyptian isn’t as daunting as it might seem. Definitely bookmarking this for anyone thinking about a Dubai getaway or working in the UAE.