Abu Dhabi Visa Guidelines

You will require an Abu Dhabi Visa if you are a non-national and you plan to visit or move to the UAE. 

For some nationalities visa's are free on entry, whilst others require a fee and application in advance. 

Your local UAE consulate or embassy should be your first port of call for up to date information specific to your needs.

Here is our general guide to the different Abu Dhabi visa requirements. 

No Visa Required

• AGCC Citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE. These are citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia).

Entry Visa on arrival (30 day non-renewable visit visa issued at an approved port)

• AGCC Residents who meet certain criteria. For example, a person of high professional status, such as a director, accountant, doctor, employee of the public sector, their families and staff sponsored by them.

• National Citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain (with right of abode in the UK), Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City.

• Visit Visas are usually issued by the Naturalization & Residence Directorate ‘NRD’ and the Consulates which represent the UAE aboard for a fee.
• It requires sponsorship by any UAE citizen, resident or company/hotel licensed to operate within the UAE. A guarantee of AED2000 is required from expatriates wishing to sponsor distant relatives. The visa is valid for entry within two months of issue, can be renewed/extended for a fee of AED500.
• Tourist Visa - This is a subsection of Visit Visa. It is a 30 day non-renewable visa for those who do not qualify for a free entry visa and is sponsored by the hotel or tour operator bringing in the visitors to the UAE.

• Relevent to those with a business relationship with a multinational based in the UAE who require repeat visits. It requires sponsorship, a fee and is valid for 6 months from issue with each visit to the UAE not exceeding 30days.

• If you are moving here to stay and work you will require a residence visa. Click here for our overview on the residence visa process and reqiurements.

• Once you are resident in Abu Dhabi, you may wish to sponsor a maid or driver in a permanent capacity. Click here for our overview on the maid sponsorship process and requirements.

Remember that visa requirements can change. Before you set off, we recommend you double check with your local UAE consulate or abudhabi.ae to apply online for your individual visa requirements.