Visa &Travel Advisories

A Passport and visa are required for entry into the U.A.E. (except for GCC Nationals). The passport must be valid for at least six months. Sponsors are not required, but applicants may be asked to provide an invitational letter to confirm the purpose of travel. These visas do not permit employment in the U.A.E.

With 2-3 weeks advance notice (sometimes less), a local sponsor (company, major hotel or U.A.E. Government agency) can arrange for a transit visa valid for a single stay of up to two weeks.
Local sponsors (companies or individuals) can also arrange for visitor visas valid for one month with extensions possible of up to three months upon application.

Visit Visas

Visit visas, also refered to as tourist visas, are given to individuals who will be spending over 14 days in the UAE. The list below contains countries that don't require a visit visa before entering the UAE, and can obtain one at an airport or other entry points.

Other Tourism Visas

A transit visa can be issued by the sponsorship of an airline operating in the UAE, which is a 4-day (96 hour) visa, to individuals individuals who have a valid ticket for an onward flight. An Entry Service Permit is identical to a visit visa, except it is a 14-day visa.

Health certificate

Not required. An AIDS test is mandatory for obtaining a residence permit which is a must for all expatriates and their dependents living in the U.A.E. The test has to be conducted in the U.A.E. by the Preventive Medicine Unit.

Source: The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry