Quick Answer: Turkish citizens with ordinary (burgundy) passports need a visa to enter the UAE. No visa-on-arrival exists. Holders of diplomatic (black) or exceptional/service (green/gray) passports can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Tourist visa fees start at AED 200-300 (government fees), and processing takes 2-4 working days via online application. This clear overview aims to make your planning easier and less stressful.
Visa Requirement Overview
Turkey and the UAE maintain strong diplomatic and economic relations. However, Turkish citizens with ordinary passports are not eligible for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to the UAE. A pre-approved visa is required before travel, regardless of passport type, unless the passport is diplomatic, special, or service. Confirm your passport type and eligibility before applying.
Key points for Turkish travelers:
- Ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa before travel
- Diplomatic and special passport holders enjoy visa-free entry (90 days)
- The application process is 100% online
- No embassy visit required for tourist visas
- Airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, flydubai) can sponsor tourist visas
- The passport must have a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the entry date
Passport Types and Visa Exemptions
Turkey issues four types of passports, each with different UAE entry privileges:
| Passport Type | Color | UAE Visa Required? | Maximum Stay |
| Ordinary (Umumî) | Burgundy/Red | Yes | Per visa type |
| Special (Hususi) | Green | No | 90 days |
| Service (Hizmet) | Gray | No | 90 days |
| Diplomatic (Diplomatik) | Black | No | 90 days |
Important: Green, gray, and black passport holders must still have passports valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Ordinary passport holders from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Bursa, and other cities must apply for a visa in advance.
Types of UAE Visas for Turkish Citizens
Tourist and Visit Visas
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type | Validity | Extension |
| Transit Visa | 48 hours | Single | 30 days | No |
| Transit Visa | 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 |
| Retirement Visa | 5 years | Self | 55+ years, AED 1M property/savings |
Tourist Visa Requirements
Required Documents
- Turkish passport (color scan, minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photograph (white background, recent, high quality)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)
- Confirmed return/onward flight ticket
- Travel insurance (valid for UAE territory)
- Proof of funds (for 5-year visa: USD 4,000 bank balance)
Additional Documents (Situational)
| Circumstance | Additional Requirement |
| Visiting relatives | Invitation letter + host Emirates ID copy |
| Business visit | Business invitation from a UAE company |
| Host sponsorship | Host salary certificate (min. AED 4,000-5,000) |
| 5-Year Tourist Visa | Bank statement showing a USD 4,000 balance |
Note: Turkish citizens typically do not need bank statements for standard 30- or 60-day tourist visas when applying through airlines or licensed agencies.
Work Visa Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Valid job offer from a UAE-licensed employer
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Educational qualifications attested by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy
- Medical fitness (tested upon arrival in the UAE)
- Clear criminal background
- Passport validity: 6+ months
- Skills classification per the UAE labor system
Employment Visa Process Steps
| Step | Action | Timeline |
| 1 | Employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE | 3-10 working days |
| 2 | Entry permit issued upon approval | 2-5 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 | 3-7 working days |
| 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 |
| Airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, flydubai) | Ticket holders | 2-4 working days |
| Licensed travel agency | Standard tourists | 3-4 working days |
| Hotel booking | Hotel-sponsored stays | Varies |
| UAE resident sponsor | Family/friend visits | 3-5 working days |
Step 2: Gather all required documents (passport copy, photo, flight/hotel booking).
Step 3: Apply online through the chosen channel.
Step 4: Pay applicable fees via secure online payment.
Step 5: Receive approved visa via email (print for travel).
Step 6: Enter the UAE within the visa validity period (60 days for tourist visas, 30 days for transit).
Online Application Portals
| Emirate | Portal | URL |
| Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, others | ICP Smart Services | smartservices.icp.gov.ae |
| Dubai | GDRFA Dubai | gdrfad.gov.ae |
| All Emirates | Emirates Airline | emirates.com |
Visa Fees and Costs
Government Fees (2026)
| Visa Type | Government Fee | VAT (5%) | Total |
| 48-hour Transit | Free (via airlines) | — | Free |
| 96-hour Transit | AED 100-150 | AED 5-7.50 | AED 105-158 |
| 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 (USD) | Total Cost (AED) |
| 48-hour Transit | Free-$50 | Free-AED 185 |
| 96-hour Transit | $55-80 | AED 200-300 |
| 30-day Single Entry | $90-150 | AED 330-550 |
| 30-day Multiple Entry | $220-300 | AED 800-1,100 |
| 60-day Single Entry | $150-250 | AED 550-920 |
| 90-day Tourist | $350-450 | AED 1,300-1,650 |
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 |
| Transit Visa (48/96 hours) | 1-2 working days | Same day |
| Tourist Visa (30/60 days) | 2-4 working days | 24-48 hours |
| Employment Entry Permit | 3-10 working days | N/A |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 1-2 weeks | N/A |
| Golden Visa | 30-45 days | 7-10 days |
Delays may occur due to: incomplete documents, peak travel seasons (Eid, summer), additional security screening, or incorrect information. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before travel.
Extension and Renewal
Tourist Visa Extension
Since December 2025, most 30-day and 60-day tourist visas can be extended within the UAE without exiting the country.
| Extension Type | Fee | Where to Apply |
| 30-day extension | AED 600 + VAT | ICP portal or Amer centers |
| Change of status | Varies | ICP or GDRFA |
| Tourist to Employment | AED 550-650 | Via employer + MOHRE |
No grace period exists for tourist visas as of 2025. Extensions must be processed before expiry to avoid fines. Transit visas (48/96 hours) cannot be extended.
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 (AED 50/day)
- Potential travel ban
- Deportation
- Re-entry ban (affects future visa applications)
- Sponsor blocklisting
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turkish citizens need a visa for the UAE?
It depends on the passport type. Ordinary (burgundy) passport holders must obtain a visa before travel. Green, gray, and black passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Can Turkish citizens get a UAE visa on arrival?
No. Turkish ordinary passport holders are not eligible for a visa-on-arrival. A pre-approved visa is required. Only holders of diplomatic and special passports enjoy visa-free entry.
How long can Turkish citizens stay in the UAE?
With a tourist visa: 30-90 days depending on visa type. Green/special passport holders: up to 90 days visa-free. With a 5-year multiple-entry visa: 90 days per visit.
Do Turkish citizens need bank statements for a UAE visa?
For standard 30/60-day tourist visas: typically NOT required. For a 5-year multiple-entry visa, a bank statement showing a USD 4,000 balance is required.
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. Transit visas cannot be extended.
Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa?
Yes. As of 2025, visitors can convert a visit visa into employment residency without leaving the UAE, subject to employer sponsorship and MOHRE approval.
What airlines can sponsor a UAE visa for Turkish citizens?
Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, flydubai, and Air Arabia can sponsor tourist visa applications for Turkish passport holders.
How long does UAE visa processing take for Turkish citizens?
Standard processing: 2-4 working days. Express processing: 24-48 hours (additional fee applies).
Is health insurance required for a UAE visa?
Yes. Travel/medical insurance valid in the UAE is required for all visa applications as of 2025.
Can green passport holders work in the UAE without a work visa?
No. Visa-free entry for green passport holders is for tourism/business visits only. Working legally requires a proper employment visa regardless of passport type.
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 Ankara | Visa queries for Turkish citizens | mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/ankara |
| UAE Consulate Istanbul | Visa services | mofa.gov.ae/en/missions/istanbul |
Contact Numbers
- ICP Toll-free: 600 522 222 (available 24/7)
- Amer Service (Dubai): 800 5111
- GDRFA Dubai (outside UAE): +971 4 313 9999
- UAE Embassy Ankara: +90 312 490 6610
- UAE Consulate Istanbul: +90 212 315 5500
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 really takes the stress out of planning your UAE trip! It’s super clear that if you’re a Turkish passport holder with an ordinary passport, you do need to sort out your visa before you fly — there’s no visa on arrival, so getting it approved in advance is key. But the good news is that the whole thing can be done online, and you don’t have to visit an embassy or consulate in person, which feels like such a relief when you’re trying to organize a getaway.
I love how the article breaks down different visa types — from short tourist stays to long-term options — and walks you through what documents you need, how long it might take, and even how extensions work. Simple pointers like keeping your passport valid for at least six months and having your flight and hotel details ready make the process feel totally manageable.