A UAE resident can sponsor a visit visa for family or friends if they earn enough. Under GDRFA Dubai’s rules:
Salary: a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000 for parents, spouse or children; AED 8,000 for siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins; AED 15,000 for friends.
Visa and cost: 30, 60 or 90 days, from AED 200, plus a refundable deposit.
Yearly limit: visitors can stay up to 120 days a year.
Speed: most applications are processed within 48 hours.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against GDRFA Dubai’s published rules (July 2026). Residents of other emirates apply through ICP, which may apply different thresholds. Sources are at the end.
What salary do I need to sponsor a visit visa?
Visitor
Relationship
Minimum monthly salary
Parents, spouse, children
First degree
AED 4,000
Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren
Second degree
AED 8,000
Uncles, aunts, cousins
Third degree
AED 8,000
Friends
None
AED 15,000
You need a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. Prove your income with a salary certificate or an attested labour contract. Business owners use their partnership documents.
Visit visa fees and deposit
Visa length
Single entry
Multiple entry
30 days
AED 200
AED 300
60 days
AED 300
AED 500
90 days
AED 400
AED 700
Refundable deposit
AED 1,000
AED 2,000
Fees exclude VAT, compulsory medical insurance and service-centre charges. You get the deposit back when the visitor leaves on time. See all visit visa routes in our UAE visit visa fees guide.
Documents for a family visit visa
Your Emirates ID and passport copy.
Your salary certificate or attested labour contract.
Your proof of accommodation: a tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) or title deed.
The visitor’s passport copy, valid at least 6 months, and a recent photo.
Proof of relationship, attested where required. For parents, your birth certificate showing them. For a spouse, the marriage certificate.
Attestation takes time. Relationship certificates from abroad usually need attestation or an apostille in the issuing country, then UAE MOFA attestation. Start weeks ahead.
How to sponsor a visit visa: step by step
Check your salary against the table, and check that your residence visa is valid.
Prepare the documents, including attested relationship proof.
Apply through your emirate’s authority. If your visa is from Dubai: GDRFA Dubai Smart Services, the GDRFA app (log in with UAE Pass), an Amer centre or a Customer Happiness Centre. If it’s from another emirate: ICP’s smart services or a typing centre.
Choose the visa length (30, 60 or 90 days) and single or multiple entry.
Pay the visa fee, the deposit and the medical insurance.
Send the e-visa to your relative. They must enter within 60 days of issue.
Get the deposit back after they leave on time. Apply through the same channel.
Check first: does your relative even need a sponsored visa?
Visa-free passports: citizens of the GCC, the EU, the UK, the US and many other countries get a visa on arrival or are visa-free.
Indian, Filipino and some other passports with a US, UK, EU or similar visa or residence: may get a UAE visa on arrival. For Filipinos it’s 14 days for AED 100, or 60 days for AED 250. See UAE visit visa for Filipino family.
Everyone else: needs a sponsored visit visa, or a tourist visa through an airline, hotel or licensed tour operator.
Rules while your family is here
120 days a year maximum in total.
Extensions are possible from inside the UAE, if approved.
No work. A visit visa doesn’t allow employment. The visitor would need a job offer, a work permit and a change of status.
Overstay fines apply for every extra day, and the sponsor can lose the deposit.
Questions people ask
What salary do I need to bring my parents to Dubai on a visit visa?
AED 4,000 a month under GDRFA Dubai rules. Parents are first-degree relatives.
Can I sponsor my brother or sister on a visit visa?
Yes, if you earn at least AED 8,000 a month. Siblings are second-degree relatives.
Can I sponsor a friend on a visit visa?
Yes, if you earn at least AED 15,000 a month.
How much is the deposit for a family visit visa?
AED 1,000 for a single-entry visa, or AED 2,000 for multiple entry. It’s refunded when the visitor leaves on time.
How long does a family visit visa take?
GDRFA Dubai says most applications are processed within 48 hours. Allow extra time for attested relationship documents.
Gulf News (17 July 2026): GDRFA clarifies visit visa rules for relatives and friends: gulfnews.com
KPMG GMS Flash Alert 2026-210 (10 August 2026): UAE visit visa rules for relatives and friends
GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae · ICP: icp.gov.ae
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process visas. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
To renew a Philippine passport for a child under 18 in the UAE:
Book an appointment with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.
Bring the child with one parent: either parent for a legitimate child, the mother for an illegitimate child.
Bring the child’s PSA birth certificate, or the Report of Birth if the child was born abroad, plus the parents’ PSA marriage certificate and the parent’s valid passport.
Pay AED 240, the same as an adult renewal.
Only a parent can collect a minor’s passport.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against Philippine Consulate General Dubai requirements (as published by Wego) and the missions’ release rules. Sources are at the end.
At a glance
Where
Embassy, Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra) or Consulate General, Dubai (Dubai and Northern Emirates)
Who must attend
The child, plus one parent: either parent if legitimate, the mother if illegitimate
Fee
AED 240
Validity of a minor’s passport
5 years
Processing
About 5–8 weeks
Who can collect
A parent only
Requirements for a minor’s Philippine passport renewal
Printed confirmed online appointment.
Printed online e-passport application form with the barcode.
The child’s current passport, plus a copy of the data page.
The child’s PSA birth certificate, original and copy. If entries are blurred, bring a transcribed Local Civil Registry copy.
Born outside the Philippines? Bring the PSA-authenticated Report of Birth.
The parents’ PSA marriage certificate (legitimate child).
The valid passport of the parent who attends, plus a copy.
Special cases
Situation
What changes
Child born out of wedlock
The mother appears. No marriage certificate is needed.
Parents separated or divorced
Bring the court order or decree showing custody
A parent has died
Bring the PSA death certificate
Neither parent can attend
A guardian may need a DSWD or court document and an affidavit. Ask the mission first.
Child’s name or surname changed (legitimation, adoption)
Bring the annotated PSA birth certificate and supporting decree
Lost passport
UAE police report, affidavit of loss, and the higher lost-passport fee
How to renew a child’s Philippine passport in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: step by step
Book an appointment through the mission’s online appointment system. Choose minor e-passport renewal. Booking is free.
Print the application form and the appointment confirmation.
Gather the PSA documents. Order them early from PSA Serbilis or through family in the Philippines, as delivery to the UAE takes time.
Attend with the child. Photo and biometrics are taken at the counter. Older children give fingerprints.
Pay AED 240 and keep the official receipt.
Check the release list after about 5–8 weeks. A parent collects with the receipt and the old passport.
After you collect it
Update the child’s UAE residence and Emirates ID with the new passport number through ICP or GDRFA.
Travelling to the Philippines without a parent? A minor travelling alone or with someone other than a parent may need a DSWD travel clearance when leaving the Philippines.
Questions people ask
Do both parents need to appear for a minor’s Philippine passport in Dubai?
No. One parent is enough: either parent for a legitimate child, or the mother for an illegitimate child. The child must also attend.
How much is a child’s Philippine passport renewal in the UAE?
AED 240, the same as an adult renewal.
How long is a minor’s Philippine passport valid?
5 years. Adults aged 18 and over get 10 years.
My child was born in the UAE. What do I need?
The PSA-authenticated Report of Birth instead of a Philippine-issued birth certificate. If the birth was never reported, start the Report of Birth with the Embassy or Consulate first.
Can my relative collect my child’s passport?
No. Minors’ passports are released only to a parent.
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches rules from government sources. He is not a lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
A UAE visit visa sponsored by a resident relative costs AED 200 to AED 700, depending on length and entries, plus a refundable deposit of AED 1,000 or AED 2,000 (GDRFA Dubai fees). VAT, medical insurance and service-centre charges come on top.
Visa on arrival: free for many Western passports. Some Indian and Filipino travellers with a US, UK or EU visa can also get one, from AED 100.
Overstaying: costs AED 50 a day.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against GDRFA Dubai rules (July 2026) and ICP guidance. Fees in other emirates and through airlines or tour operators can differ. Sources are at the end.
How much is a UAE visit visa sponsored by family?
Visa
Single entry
Multiple entry
30 days
AED 200
AED 300
60 days
AED 300
AED 500
90 days
AED 400
AED 700
Refundable deposit
AED 1,000
AED 2,000
These are GDRFA Dubai’s fees for visits sponsored by a resident relative or friend, before VAT, insurance and service charges. The sponsor must meet the salary rules: AED 4,000 for parents, spouse or children, AED 8,000 for other relatives, AED 15,000 for friends. See how to sponsor a family visit visa.
Every way to visit the UAE, compared
Route
Who it’s for
Cost
Notes
Visa-free or free visa on arrival
GCC citizens; many passports such as EU, UK and US
Free
Stay length depends on nationality
Visa on arrival for holders of other visas
Some Indian and Filipino passports with a valid US, UK, EU or similar visa or residence
From AED 100 (14 days); AED 250 (60 days) for Filipinos
Rules depend on nationality; check ICP
Relative or friend-sponsored visit visa
Family and friends of UAE residents
AED 200–700 plus deposit
Sponsor salary rules apply
Tourist visa through an airline, hotel or licensed tour operator
Anyone eligible, without a resident sponsor
Set by the provider
Compare the total, including insurance
5-year multiple-entry tourist visa
Frequent visitors with proof of funds
Set by ICP/GDRFA
Stays are limited per visit and per year
Extra costs on top of the visa fee
VAT on government and service fees, where it applies.
Medical insurance for the visitor, required for sponsored visit visas.
Service-centre fees, if you apply through Amer or a typing centre instead of the app.
Attestation of relationship certificates (in the home country, then UAE MOFA).
Extension fees, if the visitor extends from inside the UAE.
What is the overstay fine on a UAE visit visa?
AED 50 for every day after the visa expires. The same daily rate applies to overstaying residence visas. The sponsor may also lose the deposit. Pay fines before leaving: at the airport for short overstays, or at GDRFA or ICP for longer ones. Long overstays can lead to an entry ban.
How to pick the cheapest legal route: 5 steps
Check the visitor’s passport. Visa-free or free visa on arrival? Then there’s nothing to pay.
Check their other visas. A valid US, UK or EU visa may qualify them for a cheap visa on arrival.
If you’re a resident relative who meets the salary rule, sponsor directly through GDRFA or ICP. It’s usually cheaper than agents.
Pick the shortest visa that fits. A 30-day single-entry visa costs AED 200; multiple entry adds AED 100 to AED 300.
Book a return ticket that leaves before the visa expires, so the deposit comes back and no fines apply.
Questions people ask
How much is a 30-day UAE visit visa?
AED 200 for single entry or AED 300 for multiple entry when sponsored by a resident relative in Dubai, plus a refundable deposit, VAT, insurance and service charges.
How much is a 90-day UAE visit visa?
AED 400 single entry or AED 700 multiple entry under GDRFA Dubai’s relative and friend sponsorship, plus extras.
Is the visit visa deposit refundable?
Yes. The AED 1,000 (single entry) or AED 2,000 (multiple entry) deposit is returned after the visitor leaves on time.
What is the fine for overstaying a UAE visit visa?
AED 50 per day overstayed.
How long can a visitor stay in the UAE in a year?
Up to 120 days a year on visit visas sponsored by relatives or friends, under GDRFA Dubai’s rules.
Gulf News (17 July 2026): GDRFA clarifies visit visa rules for relatives and friends: gulfnews.com
Gulf News: ICP clarifies overstay fines of AED 50 per day for visit and residence visas
GDRFA Dubai: Issuing a multi-entry tourist visa (5 years): gdrfad.gov.ae
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs: UAE visa on arrival for qualifying Filipino travellers (25 June 2026)
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not sell visas. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
Filipinos in the UAE use one of two Philippine government offices, chosen by where you live.
Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi: for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Philippine Consulate General in Dubai: for Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Both handle passports (since VFS closed in July 2026), NBI fingerprints, civil registry, dual citizenship and notarial work, mostly by online appointment. Worker matters such as OWWA and the OFW Pass go through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
Checked on 30 October 2026 against the Embassy’s and Consulate’s websites and our individual guides. Sources are at the end.
Open the online appointment system from the office’s own website. For the Embassy this is the Global Online Appointment System (GOAS).
Choose the service, such as passport renewal, minor’s passport or NBI fingerprinting, then pick a date.
Print the confirmation and any application form the system produces.
Arrive on time with originals and copies.
Booking is free. The Embassy warns against “fixers” who sell slots. Report anyone charging for appointments.
Emergencies and help for distressed workers
Both offices have an Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) section for Filipinos in distress, such as detention, serious illness, a death or abuse. For work problems, such as unpaid salary or a held passport, contact the Migrant Workers Office. UAE labour complaints go to MOHRE (600590000). Keep the ATN hotline from your office’s website saved in your phone.
Tips that save a second visit
Order PSA documents early. Birth and marriage certificates from the Philippines take weeks to reach the UAE.
Bring photocopies. Most services ask for copies as well as originals.
Check your details on screen during passport biometrics. Errors found later need a new paid application.
Follow the mission’s social media for holiday closures and outreach (“consular caravan”) dates in other emirates.
Questions people ask
Can I renew my Philippine passport at VFS in Dubai?
No. The VFS ePassport Renewal Centers closed on 30 June 2026. Renewals are now done at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.
I live in Sharjah. Which office do I use?
The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, which serves Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Do I need an appointment at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai?
For most services, yes, booked online. Collecting a passport in person generally doesn’t need one, but representatives may need a release appointment.
Where do I renew OWWA in the UAE?
Through the Migrant Workers Office or the OWWA online channels. Membership costs AED 92 for 2 years.
Wego: Philippine passport services in the UAE move to the embassy and consulate (2026)
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches rules from government sources. Sifqa is independent and not affiliated with the Philippine government. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
If you stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months (180 days) in a row, your ordinary UAE residence visa is normally cancelled.
To come back on it: apply from outside the UAE to ICP for a re-entry permit, with a valid reason for your absence.
Cost: a fine of AED 100 for every 30 days over the limit, plus ICP fees.
After approval: you must enter within 30 days.
Exempt: golden visa holders, and some groups such as students abroad and residents sent for medical treatment.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against ICP guidance as reported by Khaleej Times and Wego. ICP hasn’t published a full fee table in English, so confirm the total in the ICP app before paying. Sources are at the end.
The 6-month rule in one table
Your situation
What happens
What to do
Outside less than 180 days in a row
Nothing; your visa stays valid
Return before day 180
Outside more than 180 days, residence still valid
Residence treated as cancelled for entry
Apply for the re-entry permit from abroad
Residence expired while you were abroad
No visa to return on
A new visa through your employer or sponsor
Golden visa holder
Exempt from the 180-day rule while the visa is valid
Nothing, but check your family’s status
Exempt categories (see below)
Visa not cancelled
Carry proof of the exemption
How to apply for the UAE re-entry permit: step by step
Stay outside the UAE. The application must be made from abroad.
Open the ICP smart services (website or app) and find the service for staying outside the UAE more than 6 months. You can also use an ICP centre or an accredited typing or travel agent.
Enter your details: name, contact details, sponsor’s details, Emirates ID number, passport details.
Give the reason for the long absence and upload proof, such as medical reports, a death certificate, or a court or work document.
Pay the fees: the ICP fee, plus AED 100 for every 30 days (or part of 30 days) beyond the 6 months.
Wait for approval by email.
Enter the UAE within 30 days of approval.
How much does the re-entry permit cost?
Months outside (beyond the first 6)
Fine at AED 100 per 30 days
1 month (7 months away)
AED 100
3 months (9 months away)
AED 300
6 months (1 year away)
AED 600
Add the ICP fee (about AED 150 was reported at launch) and any agent’s charges. Reports at launch also mentioned an issuance fee that is refunded if the request is rejected.
Who is exempt from the 6-month rule?
Golden visa holders, while the golden visa is valid. Their dependants are reviewed case by case.
Students studying abroad.
Residents, and their companions, sent abroad for medical treatment, with an approved medical report.
Foreign wives of Emirati citizens.
Residents sponsored by UAE diplomatic and consular missions, and their dependants.
Public-sector employees sent abroad for training or to work in their employer’s offices, and their families.
Investors, and others exempted by ICP decision.
Domestic workers accompanying Emirati employers abroad for study, treatment or diplomatic work.
Rules for some categories differ by emirate. Ask ICP or GDRFA before a long trip.
Before a long trip abroad: checklist
Count the days. Plan to return before day 180.
Check your residence expiry. It must not expire while you’re away.
Tell your employer or sponsor how long you’ll be away.
Keep proof of any reason that could justify a longer stay, such as medical or family records.
Check your family’s visas. Children and spouses on your sponsorship follow the same 180-day rule.
Questions people ask
What happens if I stay outside the UAE for more than 6 months?
An ordinary residence visa is normally cancelled. You can apply from abroad for an ICP re-entry permit with a valid reason, or get a new visa.
Does the 6-month rule apply to golden visa holders?
No. Golden visa holders can stay abroad for any length of time while the visa is valid.
How much is the UAE re-entry permit fine?
AED 100 for every 30 days (or part of 30 days) beyond the 6 months, plus the ICP fee and any agent charges.
Can I apply for the re-entry permit after I land in the UAE?
No. You must apply from outside the UAE and enter within 30 days of approval.
Does a short trip back to the UAE reset the 180 days?
The rule counts a continuous absence, so entering the UAE before day 180 starts a new count. Repeated short visits can still be questioned, so keep your residence genuine.
Khaleej Times (30 January and 16 February 2023): ICP re-entry permit for residents outside the UAE over 6 months, fees and exemptions
Wego (28 April 2026): what golden visa holders should know before returning to the UAE
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): icp.gov.ae
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches rules from government sources. He is not a lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
A Schengen visa refusal comes on a standard EU form with up to 11 numbered reasons. The consulate ticks the ones that apply.
Most common for UAE residents:reason 2 (purpose of the trip not justified), reason 3 (not enough money), reason 10 (information not reliable) and reason 11 (doubts about the statements made, usually about your intention to leave Schengen).
Your options: every refusal letter must tell you how to appeal and the deadline. You can appeal, or reapply with a stronger file.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (the EU Visa Code), Annex VI, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155. Sources are at the end.
The 11 Schengen refusal reasons, in plain English
#
Official wording (short)
What it usually means
How to fix it
1
A false, counterfeit or forged travel document was presented
The passport was judged not genuine
Serious. Get legal advice before doing anything else.
2
Justification for the purpose and conditions of the stay was not provided
Your trip didn’t make sense on paper: itinerary, bookings, invitation or cover letter
Day-by-day itinerary, matching bookings, clear cover letter; invitation letter for family or business visits
3
You have not provided proof of sufficient means of subsistence
The bank balance or income looked too low for the trip
3–6 months of stamped statements, steady salary credits, a sponsor letter if someone pays
4
You have not proved you can lawfully acquire sufficient means
Unclear source of money, such as cash deposits or unexplained transfers
Explain large deposits; show salary slips and the employment letter
5
You have already stayed 90 days in the current 180-day period
What does refusal reason 11 mean on a Schengen visa?
The consulate had reasonable doubts about your statements. Usually that means doubts that you would leave Schengen before the visa expired. Strong proof of UAE ties is the fix.
What does reason 2 mean?
You didn’t justify the purpose and conditions of your stay. Your itinerary, bookings, invitation or cover letter didn’t convince the consulate.
Does a Schengen refusal affect a UK or US visa?
You must declare it when asked, and officers consider it. An honest declaration with a stronger file is fine. Hiding a refusal can lead to a ban for deception.
How soon can I reapply after a Schengen refusal?
There’s no EU waiting period. Reapply when you can fix the reasons. Reapplying with the same file usually gets the same result.
Will I get my visa fee back?
No. Schengen visa fees and centre service fees are not refunded after a refusal.
Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (EU Visa Code), Article 32 and Annex VI (standard refusal form), as amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155
European Commission, Schengen IT systems glossary: reasons for refusal: ec.europa.eu
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from official sources. He is not a lawyer, and Sifqa does not handle appeals. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
UAE residents can apply for Saudi Arabia’s GCC resident tourist eVisa to perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. The residence-based route is available regardless of nationality, subject to approval and the application conditions. For the usual trip, you need:
An approved eVisa: the published tourist visa base fee is SAR 300, with compulsory medical insurance and applicable taxes or service charges added at checkout.
A free Umrah permit, booked in the official Nusuk app.
A valid meningococcal vaccination certificate, with the required vaccine given at least 10 days before arrival, plus any other health documents that apply to you.
UAE citizens need no visa. Umrah on tourist visas pauses during the Hajj season each year.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against the Visit Saudi visa platform, the Saudi Ministry of Health’s Umrah health requirements and Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announcements. Sources are at the end.
At a glance
Visa
Saudi GCC resident tourist eVisa (covers Umrah outside the Hajj season)
Who can apply
Qualifying UAE residents, with at least 3 months left on residence and 6 months on the passport; accompanying first-degree relatives have a conditional route
Cost
SAR 300 base visa fee + mandatory insurance + applicable taxes/service charges; use the live checkout total
Validity
The multiple-entry tourist eVisa is normally valid for 1 year; observe its maximum permitted stay of up to 90 days and do not assume each re-entry resets it
Umrah permit
Free, booked in the Nusuk app for a time slot
Vaccine
Meningococcal ACYW, at least 10 days before arrival
1448 AH season
The published Umrah-visa calendar gives 23 March 2027 as the last entry date; tourist-visa holders must follow their own visa and Hajj-season restrictions
UAE citizens
No visa; Nusuk permit and vaccine still needed
How to go for Umrah from the UAE: step by step
Check the current health requirements with a UAE travel clinic. If you need a new meningococcal vaccination, allow at least 10 days before arrival and keep a certificate showing its name and date.
Apply for the GCC resident eVisa through the official platform linked from Visit Saudi. Supply the passport, photo and residence documents requested. Check the accompanying-family option for eligible relatives; each traveller needs their own approved visa.
Pay online for the visa and compulsory insurance, review the full checkout total and wait for approval. Download the issued visa and check its name, entry validity and permitted stay before committing to travel.
Install Nusuk, register with your passport and visa details, and book your Umrah permit for a date and time. Book a Rawdah slot in Madinah too if you plan to visit.
Book flights and a hotel. Fly to Jeddah or Madinah, or drive through Ghuwaifat–Batha.
Plan for ihram and the miqat. Check where your route crosses the miqat and prepare in advance; ask the airline about its arrangements rather than relying on an announcement.
Arrive in your permit window and perform Umrah.
Which visa do UAE residents need for Umrah?
You are
What you need for Umrah
UAE or other GCC citizen
No visa. Nusuk permit and vaccine.
UAE resident (any nationality)
GCC resident tourist eVisa, plus Nusuk permit and vaccine
Family member visiting you in the UAE on a visit visa
A UAE visit visa alone does not qualify. Saudi tourist-visa regulations also cover eligible first-degree relatives accompanying a GCC resident; check the portal’s relationship and accompanying-travel conditions. Otherwise, obtain another suitable Saudi visa.
Wanting to perform Hajj
Hajj is not allowed on any tourist or Umrah visa. Book only through a licensed Hajj operator.
The visa lets you enter Saudi Arabia. The Nusuk permit books your authorised Umrah date and time. The official Umrah permit service is free. The 1448 season’s permit service opened on 1 June 2026. Check available slots before finalising dates, especially for Ramadan and school holidays.
Each family member needs their own permit, linked to their passport.
The Rawdah in Madinah’s Prophet’s Mosque needs a separate Nusuk booking.
Don’t pay anyone for a “Nusuk permit”. The permit is free.
Extra vaccines by departure country. Travellers coming from some countries need polio or yellow fever certificates:
Polio: for example Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.
Yellow fever: for example Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia.
These polio and yellow-fever rules concern arrivals from the listed countries, not nationality alone. A Pakistani passport by itself does not establish a polio-certificate requirement for a traveller coming from the UAE. Ask your travel clinic to check the ministry’s current country lists against your full itinerary and recent travel.
Additional COVID-19 evidence applies to specified higher-risk groups. The currently linked 2026 guide includes people over 65, pregnant women and people with certain chronic illnesses or immune conditions. Check section 1.4 with a travel clinic for the accepted vaccination or recovery evidence and whether updated guidance applies to your travel date.
How much does Umrah cost from the UAE?
Item
Typical cost
GCC resident eVisa
SAR 300 base fee, plus mandatory insurance and applicable taxes/service charges; final amount shown by the official portal
Nusuk Umrah permit
Free
Meningitis vaccine
Clinic price; ask your health centre
Flights to Jeddah or Madinah
Varies by season; highest in Ramadan and school holidays
Hotels in Makkah and Madinah
Varies by distance from the Haram
Licensed operators may combine the visa, accommodation and transport in a package. For an independent trip, budget for insurance, any required vaccinations, flights or road costs, hotels, meals and local transport as well as the visa. Compare the inclusions before paying.
When can UAE residents do Umrah?
1448 AH season: the ministry’s published calendar opened Umrah visa issuance and arrivals on 31 May 2026, with Nusuk permits from 1 June 2026.
Published Umrah-visa deadlines: issuance 9 March 2027, entry 23 March 2027 and departure 7 April 2027. These are the announced season dates for Umrah arrivals; check your issued visa and any later ministry updates.
Hajj season pause: tourist visas do not permit Hajj, and Umrah access is restricted around Hajj. Follow the separately announced permit and Makkah-entry restrictions; do not assume the Umrah-visa calendar alone determines a tourist-visa holder’s allowed travel dates.
A separate multiple-entry Umrah visa was announced on 20 July 2026. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s announcement describes 365-day validity and up to 90 days cumulatively, with an approved service package needed to activate each visit and a Hajj-period suspension. This is a different product from the GCC resident tourist eVisa. Confirm availability and the applicable seasonal restrictions through Nusuk Umrah before choosing it.
Flying or driving to Makkah
Flying to Jeddah or Madinah is usually the quickest option. Driving from the UAE normally uses the Ghuwaifat–Batha crossing before continuing west. Confirm that your visa is accepted at the planned border crossing and check vehicle requirements before departure. Carry:
Your passport, Emirates ID and eVisa.
Your driving licence, car registration and Saudi-valid vehicle insurance.
Any owner, rental-company or lender permission required for your vehicle; confirm cross-border consent before taking a financed, rented or company car.
Mistakes that ruin Umrah trips
Arriving without a Nusuk permit, or outside your permit time.
Getting vaccinated less than 10 days before arrival.
Applying with less than 3 months on your UAE residence.
Assuming a UAE visit visa is enough for a relative. Check whether the first-degree accompanying-family route applies and obtain a separate Saudi visa approval for every traveller.
Using an unofficial visa website without checking its fees and whether it is an authorised provider.
Trying to stay for Hajj on a tourist visa. Fines, deportation and bans apply.
Questions people ask
Can UAE residents do Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes. The Saudi GCC resident tourist eVisa covers Umrah outside the Hajj season, with a free Umrah permit booked in Nusuk.
How much is the Umrah visa for UAE residents?
The tourist eVisa’s published base fee is SAR 300. Mandatory medical insurance and applicable taxes or service charges increase the total, so use the official portal’s checkout amount rather than a fixed estimate. The Nusuk Umrah permit is free.
Is the meningitis vaccine mandatory for Umrah from Dubai?
Yes. The ministry’s currently linked 2026 guide requires an accepted meningococcal vaccine at least 10 days before arrival: ACYW/ACYWX conjugate within five years, or ACYW polysaccharide within three years. Carry the certificate and check for newer requirements before travel.
Can my parents visiting me in Dubai come for Umrah with me?
Possibly. Saudi tourist-visa regulations include first-degree relatives accompanying an eligible GCC resident, so parents are not automatically excluded merely because they are visiting the UAE. Check the application’s relationship and travel conditions. Each parent still needs a separately approved Saudi visa; a UAE visit visa alone is insufficient.
Do UAE nationals need a visa for Umrah?
No. GCC citizens enter Saudi Arabia without a visa, but still need a Nusuk permit and the vaccine.
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer, a religious scholar or a travel agent, and Sifqa does not sell Umrah packages or process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
UAE residents who need a Portugal short-stay visa apply through VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The Embassy of Portugal in Abu Dhabi decides applications. Submit a typed form and the required documents, attend your appointment and pay the applicable fees. VFS currently lists AED 390.50 for the standard adult visa, plus service and administration charges. Allow at least 15 calendar days for processing, and longer if further checks are needed.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against the Embassy of Portugal in Abu Dhabi’s checklist on the VFS Global site and EU visa rules. Sources are at the end.
At a glance
Who decides
Embassy of Portugal, Abu Dhabi
Where to apply
VFS Global, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, by online appointment only
Visa fee
€90 / AED 390.50 from age 12; €45 / AED 195.50 ages 6–11; under six exempt
No earlier than 6 months and normally at least 15 calendar days before travel; allow additional time for an appointment and possible extended processing
Language of documents
English or Portuguese
Short-stay limit
Up to 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area, subject to the visa’s validity and authorised stay
Should you apply to Portugal?
Apply to Portugal if it is your only or main destination, assessed by the purpose or length of the trip. For an ordinary multi-country holiday, this normally means the country with the longest stay. If no main destination can be identified and stays are equal, use the first Schengen country you enter. Choosing a country only because an appointment is available can lead to the wrong consulate handling your application. See which Schengen country to apply to from the UAE.
How to apply for a Portugal visa from Dubai: step by step
Confirm Portugal is your main destination and fix your dates.
Download the current checklist for your purpose from the VFS Portugal UAE visa-information page. This guide covers tourism; business and national visas have different requirements.
Fill in the Schengen application form by computer. The embassy doesn’t accept handwritten forms. Sign it in both places and date it. Add your UAE address, phone and email.
Book an appointment online with VFS Global for Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are no walk-ins.
Prepare the documents below, originals plus copies, in the checklist order.
Attend the appointment, pay the applicable fees and provide biometrics as instructed. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint collection. Previously recorded Schengen fingerprints may be reused within 59 months, but the mission can require new scans or attendance.
Track your application with your VFS reference number and surname, then collect your passport or have it couriered.
Portugal visa documents from the UAE: tourism checklist
Application form: typed, complete, signed twice and dated. Each traveller needs a separate form.
One photo with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.
Passport plus a copy. It must be valid 3+ months after you leave the Schengen area, be issued within the last 10 years, be signed, and have at least 2 blank pages.
Copies of your last 3 Schengen visas from the past 3 years, if you have any.
UAE residence proof, valid at least three months beyond your planned Schengen departure. If you have no passport sticker, bring the electronic residence document and a copy of your Emirates ID, as required by VFS.
Travel medical insurance covering all Schengen states, with at least €30,000 of cover. It must include repatriation, emergency treatment and death. Bring the original stamped policy and the insurer’s policy clearance certificate.
NOC from your employer on letterhead, addressed to the Embassy of Portugal in Abu Dhabi and dated within one month of submission. It must state your position, contract, salary, approved leave dates and the purpose of the trip, and be stamped with the signatory’s name and title.
Return flight reservation.
Hotel bookings for every night, with full addresses.
Bank statements for the last 3 months: originals, signed and stamped by the bank. A copy of a credit card valid for the trip can be added.
Extra documents in special cases
Your situation
Add
Business owner or self-employed
Original trade licence attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plus a NOC signed by the company’s authorised signatory
Spouse, student or dependant
Sponsor’s NOC (no objection to travel, will cover costs), sponsor’s passport and UAE residence, and sponsor’s bank statements
Staying with family or friends
Invitation letter with a Termo de responsabilidade signed by the host and notarised in Portugal, plus a copy of the host’s EU passport or residence card
Children under 18
Translated birth certificate; both parents sign the form and attend, or a legalised NOC from the absent parent; parents’ passport and residence copies
Qualifying family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
Check the applicable family-member route and relationship evidence. Fee exemption depends on meeting its conditions, including the relevant travel circumstances; follow the embassy’s checklist.
The European Commission’s consulate data confirms a Portugal Abu Dhabi not-issued rate of 20.3% in 2025, compared with 15.9% in 2024. Across Portuguese consulates worldwide, the 2025 rate was 23.3%. These rates use decided cases, including limited-territorial-validity visas, rather than simply dividing refusals by applications received. They describe past outcomes across applicants and do not predict your individual result.
How much is a Portugal visa from Dubai?
Visa fee: the current VFS Portugal UAE schedule lists AED 390.50 (€90) from age 12 and AED 195.50 (€45) for ages 6–11. Under-six children are exempt from the visa fee. Other exemptions or nationality-based rates may apply.
Centre charges: VFS lists a service fee of AED 143.08 and an administration fee of AED 17.34. For an adult paying all three listed charges, the total is AED 550.92 before optional services. Local-currency fees can change.
Fee exemptions: qualifying family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may receive fee-free treatment under the applicable rules. Do not assume every spouse or child automatically qualifies; check the family relationship, travel circumstances and required evidence.
The visa application fee is not refunded because a visa is refused. Check VFS terms for service charges, cancellations and optional purchases. The euro fee and the actual AED charge are different measures: use Portugal’s current schedule, not another country’s conversion.
How long does a Portugal visa take from the UAE?
The embassy’s checklist says at least 15 calendar days. Under EU rules, consulates can take up to 45 days if they need more checks or documents. In summer and around Christmas, add the wait for an appointment. Start 6 to 10 weeks before your trip.
Refusal reasons and how to avoid them
A complete checklist does not guarantee approval. Check these avoidable weaknesses before submission; this is a practical document review, not an official ranking of refusal causes:
Portugal isn’t the real main destination. Your bookings show more nights elsewhere.
Weak finances. Bank statements that are too short, unstamped, or show a sudden deposit.
NOC problems. The letter is older than one month, addressed to the wrong embassy, or missing the leave dates.
Insurance without the policy clearance certificate.
A handwritten application form, which isn’t accepted.
Book the Portugal category through VFS Global for Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The current Abu Dhabi centre page lists Level B2, The Mall, World Trade Centre. Check the address on your appointment confirmation before travelling; older centre directories may show a previous address.
How much bank balance do I need for a Portugal visa from the UAE?
Portugal’s published short-stay subsistence benchmark is €75 per entry plus €40 per day per person. A seven-day trip gives a reference amount of €355, before considering your actual trip costs. Under Portugal’s subsistence rules, these amounts can be waived where accommodation and food are assured or an accepted undertaking covers them. There is no single AED bank-balance figure that guarantees approval. Submit the three months of signed, stamped statements required by the UAE checklist.
Can I fill in the Portugal visa form by hand?
No. The Embassy of Portugal in Abu Dhabi accepts only typed forms, signed twice and dated by the applicant.
Who should the NOC be addressed to?
The Embassy of Portugal in Abu Dhabi. It must be dated within one month of submission. Use our NOC letter templates.
Can I apply for a Portugal residence visa (D7 or digital nomad) at VFS too?
Yes. National (long-stay) visa applications from UAE residents also go through VFS Global to the embassy, with different checklists and fees.
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
Submit Indian passport reissue applications in the UAE at the Al Hind Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs). Al Hind took over the outsourced service on 22 July 2026. The Indian missions issue the passports; routine applications are submitted through ICACs.
Government fee: AED 450 for a normal 36-page adult reissue, plus AED 19 service charge and any applicable ICWF charge. AED 469 is the base fee plus service charge, not a guaranteed final total.
You get a chip-enabled e-passport.
The Embassy’s 21 October 2026 notice confirms that four centres closed from 22 October and 12 centres remain. Check the current centre before booking or collecting a passport.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi (page updated 29 October 2026) and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Sources are at the end.
At a glance
Where
Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs), run by Al Hind Tours & Travels
Booking
consularsevainuae.com; slots released at 9 am and 9 pm daily
Government of India fees in force since 1 July 2026, in AED:
Service
Normal
Tatkal (includes normal fee)
Adult reissue, 36 pages
AED 450
AED 900
Adult reissue, 60 pages
AED 630
AED 1,080
Adult, lost or damaged, 36 pages
AED 900
AED 1,350
Adult, lost or damaged, 60 pages
AED 1,080
AED 1,530
Minor (under 18), 36 pages
AED 325
AED 775
Minor, lost or damaged, 36 pages
AED 775
AED 1,225
Fresh passport, child up to age 8
AED 295
AED 700
Emergency Certificate
AED 60
Not applicable
Police Clearance Certificate
AED 145
Not applicable
Add the AED 19 service charge, including VAT. The Embassy says it includes form filling, photographs, typing, printouts, photocopies and domestic courier. The current fee notice also provides for ICWF charges where applicable but does not give a clear updated amount alongside the new table. Ask for an itemised total before paying; do not use the old AED 302.50 example still shown lower on that page.
Where are the Indian passport centres in the UAE?
From 22 July 2026 the Embassy listed 16 ICACs. It closed four of them from 22 October 2026: Dubai Investment Park, Sharjah Al Majaz, Musaffah and Al Reem. The 12 centres still open are:
Region
ICACs open
Abu Dhabi emirate
Al Danah (Abu Dhabi city), Al Ain, Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra), Ghayathi
Dubai
Bur Dubai
Sharjah
Indian Association Sharjah, Kalba, Khor Fakkan
Northern Emirates
Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah
Use the Embassy’s updated list of 12 centres and addresses; the older general-information annexure still lists the original 16. The Bur Dubai centre is at UW Mall, Al Mankhool, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road. If your application was lodged at a closed centre, confirm the collection location with Al Hind using your receipt before going there.
How to renew an Indian passport in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: step by step
Fill in the government application at Passport Seva GPSP 2.0. Select the correct mission and reissue category, complete the required photo, signature and document uploads, then print and sign the submitted form.
Book the separate ICAC appointment at consularsevainuae.com. The Embassy states that new slots are released at 9 am and 9 pm UAE time daily.
Go to the ICAC no more than 15 minutes before your slot. Apply in person, including children and newborns.
Submit your documents, complete the identity, photograph and signature checks requested by the centre, and pay the itemised government and service charges.
Track the government application using the Passport Seva tracker; follow Al Hind’s receipt for dispatch or collection. A submitted application is not the same as a passport ready for collection.
Update your UAE records: your residence visa and Emirates ID are linked to the old passport number.
Documents for Indian passport renewal in the UAE
Current passport, original, with copies of the personal-details pages and any relevant endorsements; bring your UAE residence document, including the electronic version if there is no passport sticker.
Emirates ID copy, both sides.
Printed, signed online application form.
Photos: 51 × 51 mm, white background. The centre can take them, and this is covered by the service charge.
Passport expired more than three years ago? The Consulate’s general instructions require a plain-paper declaration explaining the late renewal. Follow any additional documents requested for your case.
Lost passport: obtain the police report and declarations required by the mission. For a damaged passport, use the damaged-passport checklist; the evidence and Tatkal eligibility can differ.
Minors: take the child’s documents and both parents’ original passports. The Consulate’s minor-renewal rules normally require both parents to attend; overseas-parent, custody, guardianship and single-parent cases have specific annexures and exceptions.
How long does Indian passport renewal take in the UAE?
For cases without prior police verification, the Dubai Consulate’s general guidance quotes 3–4 working days of processing at the Consulate, excluding dispatch. This is not a collection guarantee. Verification in India, missing documents and delivery add time. Ask the ICAC for the current estimate for your normal or Tatkal category before booking travel; a Tatkal fee does not make every case eligible for fast processing.
What changed in 2026
Date
Change
28 October 2025
All new and renewed passports in the UAE become chip-enabled e-passports
30 June 2026
BLS International’s contract ends
1 July 2026
New fees (AED 285 → AED 450 for a normal adult reissue); the Embassy and Consulate handle services directly
22 July 2026
Al Hind Tours & Travels starts running 16 ICACs
22 October 2026
Four ICACs close; 12 remain
Many guides online still list BLS centres and the old AED 285 fee. Both are out of date.
Questions people ask
How much is Indian passport renewal in Dubai in 2026?
The government fee is AED 450 for a normal 36-page adult reissue or AED 900 under Tatkal. Add the AED 19 ICAC service charge and applicable ICWF charges. The base-plus-service amounts are AED 469 and AED 919 respectively; ask for the final itemised total.
Can I still renew my Indian passport at BLS?
No. BLS International’s contract ended on 30 June 2026. Since 22 July 2026, Al Hind Tours & Travels runs the Indian Consular Application Centres.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Only for Tatkal, newborns, Emergency Certificates and seniors aged 60 and above, first come, first served. Everyone else must book on consularsevainuae.com.
Can I renew at the Indian Consulate in Dubai?
No. The Embassy says passport services are no longer available at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai, only at the ICACs.
How much is a minor’s Indian passport in the UAE?
The government fee is AED 325 for an ordinary 36-page minor passport. The AED 295 category is for a fresh passport up to age eight, not a renewal discount. Minor passports normally last five years or until age 18, whichever comes first. Applicants aged 15–17 may choose the adult-fee category for full validity, subject to eligibility.
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa is not linked to Al Hind or any passport service provider. Read the editorial policy.
Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Check the official fee schedule and centre notices before attending. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com.
Pakistani UAE residents can visit Armenia visa-free with at least six months left on their UAE residence permit, and Georgia with a qualifying multiple-entry UAE permit valid for at least one year on arrival. Other destinations offer visas on arrival or online approvals. A valid US, UK or Schengen visa can open further routes, but each country sets its own conditions.
Checked on 30 October 2026 against government and embassy sources. Rules for Pakistani passports change often, so check again before you book. Sources are at the end.
Passport, residence or another visa: the three routes
Your passport decides. Your residence changes the route. Every easy trip from the UAE comes from one of these three:
Your Pakistani passport. The Maldives and Nepal offer visas on arrival, while Sri Lanka requires an ETA. UAE residence is not the basis of these routes; you still need the destination’s entry documents.
Your UAE residence permit. Armenia, Georgia, Jordan and the GCC states treat UAE residents differently from Pakistanis applying from Pakistan.
A valid US, UK or Schengen visa. Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Mexico and Türkiye give extra access to people who already hold one.
Easy countries for Pakistanis in the UAE: quick list
Destination
What a Pakistani living in the UAE gets
Route
Stay
Armenia
Visa-free with a physical UAE residence permit valid 6+ months on entry
Residence
Up to 180 days within one year
Georgia
Visa-free with a qualifying multiple-entry UAE permit valid at least 1 year on entry
Airport visa on arrival with UAE residence valid for more than 6 months and passport valid at least 4 months
Residence
Up to 30 days
Morocco
eVisa with UAE residence valid at least 180 days and an ordinary passport valid at least 90 days at application
Residence
Up to 30 days
Read the chart with the conditions above: Armenia’s limit is 180 days within one year; Georgia and Albania use 90 days in 180, and Serbia uses 90 days in six months. These are conditional maximums, not a promise of admission. Sri Lanka requires advance ETA approval; it is not simply an arrival visa.
Armenia: visa-free on your UAE residence
Pakistan is on Armenia’s list of 111 countries covered by its temporary residence-based visa exemption. A qualifying UAE, other GCC, US, EU or Schengen residence permit can be used. The official conditions are:
Your UAE residence must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Armenia.
Show the physical residence card or passport sticker, with the required details in Latin characters. A phone screenshot is not a substitute.
Stay up to 180 days within one year.
The exemption runs from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027. Check before travelling after that date.
Pakistani citizens need a qualifying multiple-entry UAE visa or residence permit valid for at least one year on the day they enter Georgia. The Georgian embassy’s rule applies to Pakistan and 16 other nationalities. A permit with less than a year remaining does not qualify for this exemption; obtain a Georgian visa before travel instead.
Check your Emirates ID expiry against your travel date before you book.
Less than a year left? Apply for a Georgian visa first, or renew your residence before the trip.
Carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds. Since 1 January 2026, Georgia also requires health and accident insurance covering the full stay for at least GEL 30,000, with evidence in Georgian or English.
Qatar: the Hayya A2 GCC resident visa allows up to 60 days with multiple entries. Apply before travel and check the fee and documents in Hayya. See the Qatar guide.
Bahrain: eligibility depends on your passport, occupation and residence history. Royal Jordanian’s current boarding guidance lists a conditional arrival route for Pakistani GCC residents, requiring residence issued at least three months ago and valid for at least three more months; the labourer profession is excluded. Confirm with Bahrain immigration and your own airline before relying on arrival entry. See the Bahrain guide.
Kuwait: the published GCC resident arrival-visa rule requires at least six months of residence validity. Check your passport validity, supporting documents and airline requirements before departure. Do not assume that an old nationality restriction on the eVisa also determines arrival-visa eligibility. See the Kuwait guide.
Saudi Arabia: GCC residents can apply for a tourist eVisa online. See the Saudi guide.
If you hold a US, UK or Schengen visa
Many Pakistanis in the UAE already hold one of these visas. It turns several Balkan countries, Mexico and Türkiye into easy trips:
Passport-based options: visas, arrival permits and ETAs
These practical options use your Pakistani passport rather than UAE residence. Visa-free entry, a visa on arrival and an ETA are different processes. This is a selected travel list, not a global passport ranking.
No visa, but advance authorisation: Seychelles requires a Travel Authorisation before departure and issues a visitor’s permit on arrival if you meet its entry conditions.
Visa on arrival: the Maldives; Nepal, with the first qualifying SAARC visit of up to 30 days each calendar year free; and Rwanda, where Pakistani Commonwealth citizens receive a free 30-day arrival visa.
Electronic travel authorisation before travel: Sri Lanka’s 30-day tourist ETA is free for Pakistani citizens under the scheme effective 25 May 2026; Kenya requires a paid eTA.
From the UAE, the practical short trips on this list are the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, Seychelles and Rwanda. Even visa-free countries can refuse entry without a return ticket, a hotel booking and enough money.
Countries that are harder on a Pakistani passport
Egypt: confirm the embassy-approved application route and any prior approval required for your passport before booking. See the Egypt guide.
Tanzania and Zanzibar: Pakistani citizens are on the referral-visa list and need approval before travel. Tanzania advises applying at least two months ahead; its UAE embassy lists a US$200 fee for Pakistani citizens.
China: arrange the appropriate visa through the Chinese mission or visa centre; UAE residence alone does not grant visa-free tourist entry.
Russia: Pakistan is not on the unified eVisa nationality list. Check the consular visa category and supporting documents for your trip.
Philippines: check the Philippine mission’s current eVisa availability and processing guidance for Pakistani applicants in the UAE; allow time for document checks and do not treat submission as approval.
Before you fly: checklist for Pakistanis leaving the UAE
Check passport validity and blank pages against the destination’s exact rule. Some count validity from arrival, others from departure; there is no universal six-months-after-return rule.
UAE residence valid long enough: 6 months for Armenia and Kuwait, 1 year for Georgia.
Physical Emirates ID in your wallet, not just on your phone.
Return ticket and hotel booking, printed.
Proof of funds: a recent bank statement or cards.
Travel insurance: Georgia requires health and accident cover of at least GEL 30,000 for the full stay. Check other destinations separately.
Any other visa you rely on (US, UK, Schengen) valid on the dates of your trip.
Questions people ask
Which countries can Pakistanis visit from the UAE without a visa?
Armenia and Georgia offer conditional visa-free entry for Pakistani UAE residents: Armenia requires six months of UAE residence validity; Georgia requires a qualifying multiple-entry permit valid at least one year on entry. The Maldives, Nepal and Rwanda offer arrival visas, while Sri Lanka requires an ETA. These are not the same as travelling without any entry formalities.
Can a Pakistani with a UAE visa go to Georgia without a visa?
Yes, if the qualifying multiple-entry UAE visa or residence permit is valid for at least one year on the day you enter Georgia. The visa-free stay is up to 90 days in 180. With less than a year left, obtain a Georgian visa first.
Is Armenia visa-free for Pakistanis living in Dubai?
Yes, from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2027, if your UAE residence is valid for 6 months from entry. You can stay up to 180 days a year.
Can Pakistanis get a Turkey e-visa with a UAE residence visa?
No. Türkiye’s e-visa for Pakistanis needs a valid Schengen, US, UK or Irish visa or residence permit. UAE residence alone means applying for a sticker visa at a Turkish mission.
Can I visit Serbia with a UAE residence visa and a Pakistani passport?
UAE residence alone is not enough. Serbia accepts qualifying valid Schengen, UK, EU or US visas and EU, Schengen or US residence permits. If you do not hold one, apply for a Serbian visa.
Can Pakistanis get a Kuwait visa on arrival from the UAE?
Kuwait publishes an arrival-visa route for GCC residents with at least six months of residence validity. Confirm the current passport-specific documents and boarding requirements with Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and your airline before travel.
Written by Asad Waleed M, Dubai. Asad has lived in the UAE for nine years and researches visa rules from government sources. He is not an immigration lawyer or consultant, and Sifqa does not process applications. Read the editorial policy.
Last checked 30 October 2026. Found an error? Email ionicwaleed@gmail.com and it will be fixed and logged.
