Dubai, the most popular tourist destination in the region, attracts millions of tourists each year from both developing and developed countries alike.
Each nationality has its own visa rules. Some of them get visa-on-arrival, while others have to apply prior to flying to the UAE. Citizens of approximately 70 countries receive a visa on arrival in the UAE while other nationalities will have to obtain a visa before their departure.
Visa for 30 days
According to Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways websites, passport holders from around 20 countries or territories are eligible for free 30-day visas on arrival. These are:
Andorra
Australia
Brunei
Canada
China
Hong Kong (China)
Japan
Kazakhstan
Macau (China)
Malaysia
Mauritius
Monaco
New Zealand
Ireland
San Marino
Singapore
Ukraine
UK and Northern Ireland
USA
Vatican City
90-day visa
A 90-day multiple entry visa is issued to nationals of over 50 countries. This visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and visa holders can stay in the UAE for 90 days in total. Here are the countries:
Argentina
Austria
Bahamas Islands
Barbados
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
El Salvador
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Kiribati
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Maldives
Malta
Montenegro
Nauru
Netherlands
Norway
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
San Marino
Serbia
Seychelles
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Uruguay
Visa for 180 days
Multiple-entry 180-day visit visas are available to Mexican passport holders for six months from the date of issue, and for 180 days in total.
Visa pre-arranged:
A UAE visa is required prior to departure for all other nationals from Asia and Africa.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for Indian nationals who hold a visitor visa or green card issued by the USA, which is valid for at least six months, or who hold a UK or EU residence for a fee. For a fee, they can also extend their stay for an additional 14 days.