Quick Answer: South African passport holders must obtain a pre-approved visa before traveling to the United Arab Emirates. Knowing this helps travelers feel confident and prepared, as they understand the necessary steps before departure. Unlike many nationalities that receive visa-on-arrival privileges, South Africans cannot enter Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate without prior authorization. Applications can be completed entirely online through authorized visa platforms or when flying with Emirates Airlines.
Do South Africans Need a Visa for the UAE?
South African citizens require a pre-approved visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. This applies to all seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
South Africa is not among the countries eligible for a UAE visa-on-arrival, so South African travelers must secure their visa before departure, except in specific cases or for certain visa types. Clarifying these exceptions can help travelers understand if they qualify for any alternative entry options.
The UAE immigration system operates electronically. Once approved, applicants receive their visa via email as a PDF document. This e-visa must be printed and presented at immigration upon arrival at any UAE port of entry.
South African travelers can choose from several visa categories depending on their purpose of visit and intended duration of stay. This variety allows travelers to select the most Suitable option, giving them a sense of control and confidence in planning their trip.
South African travelers can apply for several visa categories depending on their purpose of visit and intended duration of stay.
Transit Visa (48 Hours)
Designed for short layovers. Permits a stay of up to 48 hours. Ideal for passengers connecting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi to other destinations. Entry validity is 30 days from the date of issue.
Transit Visa (96 Hours)
An extended transit option that allows up to 4 days in the UAE. Suitable for travelers who want to explore Dubai on a longer journey, or briefly. The entry validity is 30 days from the date of issuance.
Tourist Visa (30 Days Single Entry)
The 30-day single-entry tourist visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, meaning travelers must enter the UAE within this window. Additionally, travelers should ensure their passport remains valid for at least six months beyond their planned departure date to meet entry requirements.
Tourist Visa (60 Days Single Entry)
An extended tourist option for longer holidays or visits. Provides twice the standard 30-day visa duration. The same 60-day entry validity applies.
Multiple Entry Visas
Available in 30-day and 60-day options. Permits multiple entries within the visa validity period. Suitable for business travelers who require frequent visits.
Five-Year Tourist Visa
Long-term multiple-entry visa valid for five years. Each stay permits up to 90 days, which can be extended by another 90 days. Total annual stay must not exceed 180 days. Requires proof of financial stability (USD 4,000 bank balance minimum).
UAE Visa Requirements for South African Citizens
Essential Documents
| Document | Specification |
| Passport | Valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the travel date |
| Passport Bio Page | Clear color scan of the information page |
| Passport Cover | Scan of the front cover page |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photo, white background |
| Return Flight Ticket | Confirmed booking showing entry and exit dates |
| Hotel Booking | Accommodation confirmation for the entire stay |
| Travel Insurance | Coverage for stay duration (some visa types) |
Additional Requirements for Specific Cases
Staying with Friends or Relatives: Host’s Emirates ID copy, Host’s Ejari (tenancy contract) or title deed, Invitation letter from host.
Business Visitors: Invitation letter from the UAE company; employer letter from the South African company stating position and purpose.
Document Formatting Rules: All scanned documents must be color, high-resolution scans with no shadows or obstructions. File formats accepted: JPEG, PNG, PDF. Passport must be machine-readable (non-handwritten).
UAE Visa Fees and Costs
Visa costs vary by type, duration, and processing channel. The following table reflects approximate fees in South African Rand (ZAR).
Visa Fee Structure
| Visa Type | Approximate Cost (ZAR) |
| 48-Hour Transit | R1,200 – R1,500 |
| 96-Hour Transit | R1,400 – R1,800 |
| 30-Day Single Entry (Standard) | R1,900 – R2,500 |
| 30-Day Single Entry (Express) | R2,800 – R3,500 |
| 60-Day Single Entry | R3,200 – R4,000 |
| 30-Day Multiple Entry | R3,500 – R4,200 |
| 60-Day Multiple Entry | R6,500 – R8,200 |
Fee Notes
Prices vary between visa agencies and application channels. Emirates airline visa applications have separate fee structures. Express processing carries additional charges. Fees are non-refundable regardless of approval outcome. Cancellation fee is approximately R630 ZAR per visa.
Payment Methods
When applying through VFS Global centers in South Africa, payments must be made to NEDBANK Ltd (Account No: 1030242380, Branch Code: 14690591). Original bank advice must be submitted with the application. Electronic payments are not accepted at VFS centers. Online visa platforms accept credit and debit card payments.
How to Apply for a UAE Visa from South Africa
Option 1: Through Emirates Airlines
South Africans flying with Emirates can apply directly through the airline’s visa service. This is the recommended method for Emirates passengers.
Step 1: Book your Emirates flight first. Visa applications require a confirmed booking.
Step 2: Log in to the Emirates website using your booking reference number.
Step 3: Navigate to “Manage Booking” and select “Apply for UAE Visa.”
Step 4: Complete the online application form with personal, passport, and travel details.
Step 5: Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, flight confirmation, hotel booking).
Step 6: Pay the visa fee via credit card.
Step 7: Receive your approved visa via email within 2-4 working days.
Note: Emirates visa applications must be submitted within 58 days of your return date and at least two weeks before departure.
Option 2: Through VFS Global
VFS Global operates visa processing centers in South Africa for travelers flying with non-Emirates carriers. Locations include Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. Processing time is up to 7 working days. VFS centers are closed on weekends and South African public holidays.
Option 3: Through Authorized Online Visa Agencies
Numerous licensed visa agencies process UAE visas for South Africans. These agencies act as sponsors for tourist visa applications. Standard processing takes 3-5 working days. Express processing is available in 24-48 hours.
Processing Times
| Processing Type | Duration |
| Standard (Online Agencies) | 3-5 working days |
| Express (Online Agencies) | 24-48 hours |
| Emirates Airline | 2-4 working days |
| VFS Global | Up to 7 working days |
| Extension Processing | Within 48 hours |
Processing times exclude weekends and UAE public holidays. Submit applications at least two weeks before the intended travel date for standard processing, or one week for express processing.
Visa Extension Rules
Tourist visas can be extended from within the UAE without requiring departure.
Extension Options
| Original Visa | Extension Allowed | Maximum Total Stay |
| 30-Day Single Entry | 30 days at a time | Up to 120 days |
| 60-Day Single Entry | 30 days at a time | Up to 120 days |
| 5-Year Tourist | 90 days | Up to 180 days per year |
Extension Fees
The extension fee is AED 600 plus 5% VAT. For extensions processed within the UAE, additional fees apply: Knowledge Dirham (AED 10), Innovation Dirham (AED 10), and in-Country fee (AED 500). Total extension cost: Approximately AED 1,100-1,200.
Important: Applications must be submitted before the current visa expires. No grace period exists for pre-arranged tourist visas.
Overstay Penalties and Fines
The UAE imposes strict penalties for overstaying a visa’s validity.
Overstay Fine Structure
| Violation | Penalty |
| Per day overstay | AED 50 |
| Exit permit (outpass) | AED 250-350 |
| Absconding penalty (if reported) | Minimum AED 2,000 |
Important Points
Fines accumulate daily until the situation is resolved. Pre-arranged tourist visas have NO grace period. The previous 10-day grace period for certain visas has been eliminated. Overstays are flagged immediately at immigration checkpoints. Extended or repeated overstays may result in entry bans. All fines must be cleared before departure.
How to Pay Overstay Fines
Online: ICP Smart Services portal (smartservices.icp.gov.ae), GDRFA Dubai portal (gdrfad.gov.ae)
In Person: Amer Centers, Authorized typing centers, Airport immigration counters
Flight Information: South Africa to UAE
Direct Flights
Emirates operates daily nonstop flights between South Africa and Dubai.
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Johannesburg (OR Tambo) to Dubai International |
| Flight Duration | Approximately 8 hours 15 minutes |
| Frequency | 28 weekly flights (4 daily departures) |
| Departure Times | Between 10:05 and 22:20 daily |
| Aircraft | Boeing 777 |
| Classes Available | Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First |
Alternative Routes
Other airlines offer connections through various hubs: Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Kenya Airways (via Nairobi), and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul). One-stop flights take approximately 10-12 hours, depending on layover duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South Africans get a UAE visa on arrival?
No. South African passport holders must obtain a pre-approved visa before traveling to the UAE. Visa-on-arrival is not available for South African citizens.
How long does it take to get a UAE visa from South Africa?
Standard processing takes 3-5 working days through online agencies, up to 7 working days through VFS Global. Express processing is available in 24-48 hours for an additional fee.
Can I extend my UAE tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist visas can be extended for 30 days at a time from within the UAE. The maximum total stay cannot exceed 120 days (or 180 days for 5-year visa holders).
What happens if I overstay my UAE visa?
Overstaying results in a fine of AED 50 per day. Fines must be paid before departure. Extended overstays may result in deportation and entry bans.
Do I need a sponsor for a UAE tourist visa?
A: No personal sponsor is required. Licensed travel agencies and airlines act as sponsors for tourist visa applications.
Can I work on a UAE tourist visa?
A: No. Employment is prohibited for tourists or visitors on tourist or visit visas. Working without proper authorization results in fines, deportation, and potential bans.
What is the cheapest UAE visa for South Africans?
A: The 30-day single-entry tourist visa is the most affordable option, starting from approximately R1,900 ZAR through online agencies.
How far in advance should I apply for my UAE visa?
A: Apply at least two weeks before your intended travel date for standard processing. Express processing allows applications to be submitted closer to departure, but a minimum of 3-5 days is recommended.
Can unemployed South Africans get a UAE visa?
A: Yes. Being unemployed does not disqualify applicants. However, proof of financial capability may be requested.
Is travel insurance required for a UAE visa?
Travel insurance is required for certain visa categories. Check specific requirements for your visa type.
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 issuance, extension, status checking
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA)
Website: gdrfad.gov.ae | Services: Dubai visa processing, fines inquiry, extensions
Official UAE Government Portal
Website: u.ae | Information: Visa requirements, entry permits, regulations
Application Channels
VFS Global: visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/uae/southafrica/english/ (For non-Emirates airline passengers)
Emirates Airline Visa Service: emirates.com (For Emirates ticket holders)
Contact Information
UAE Embassy in Pretoria: mofa.gov.ae/en/Missions/Pretoria
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information current as of January 2026. Visa policies and fees may change without notice. Always confirm requirements with official UAE government sources or authorized visa processing agencies before application.
Last Updated: January 2026