Middle East and North Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Entry requirements

Visas

British citizens do not require a visa before their arrival in the UAE. British citizens will be given a 30 day visa on arrival. This visa can be extended for a further 30 days in the Emirate in which you arrived.  Once the second 30 day period has expired, you will need to leave the country.  If you do not pay the 30 day extension fee you will be liable to a fine. In Abu Dhabi, if you are over 40 and intend to apply for an extension you will be required to purchase local health insurance for the extra month before the visa extension will be granted.   If you wish to stay in the UAE for longer than 60 days, you can apply for the appropriate visa at the nearest UAE Consulate before travelling.

British nationals do not need to be out of the UAE for any period of time before re-entering but Immigration Officials can refuse immediate re-entry if they are not satisfied that the person wishing to re-enter is a genuine visitor. You can get further information from the following:

• Dubai:  Naturalisation and Residency Department – Dubai or Immigration tel no: +971 4 398 0000.
• Abu Dhabi:  UAE Federal E-Government Portal or telephone 600522222.

Please note: the above applies to British Citizens only. If you hold any other type of British nationality such as British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas), you will need to arrange a visa before you arrive in the UAE. Contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London.

British citizens are advised to cancel their work visa before permanently leaving the country.  If you do not do this, you will be at risk of being reported as an absconder and could be arrested if you return to the UAE - even if you are in transit to another country. Failure to repay debts or resolve any outstanding cases against you may also result in you being arrested on return to the UAE.  If you have any doubt about your status on returning to the country we recommend you seek advice from a local lawyer (you can get a list of local lawyers from the Embassy's website: www.ukinuae.fco.gov.uk).

Residence Permits/Visas for Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi authorities have recently introduced a new law stating that if a husband wishes to sponsor his wife and his wife holds different nationality to him then his wife must have permanent residence in the husband’s home country. This means that if a British man wishes to sponsor his wife and his wife holds a non-EU passport his wife must have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

Passport validity

If you are visiting the UAE your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.  If you  hold a residence permit, your passport must be valid for at least three months in order to travel in and out of the country.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  In the UAE this may be required when obtaining a residence visa.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London.