Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | No | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | No | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | No | Yes |
| USA | Yes | No | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | 1 | Yes |
PassportsPassport valid for
a minimum of three months from date of arrival (six months for business travel) required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Often a sponsor will hold a visitor’s passport. In these cases a receipt will be issued. This will generally be accepted in place of a passport where a transaction may require one.
VisasNot required by nationals referred to in the chart above for business or tourist visits lasting 30 days (extendable on request up to 90 days), provided they meet the requirements of the Resident and Nationalization Authorities, except the following:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who
do need a visa for tourist or business stays of up to 30 days, unless transit passengers, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport for up to 12 hours.
Note: (a) UK nationals must travel with a passport reading 'British Citizen' as national status. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Visa NoteThe government of the United Arab Emirates refuses entry and transit to those holding transit documents issued from Lebanon or the Syrian Arab Republic, and travel documents issued by the Coalition Authority in Iraq, should their visas be obtained through an associate in the UAE.
Note: No problems in entering the UAE occur for those traveling with an Israeli stamp endorsement.
The embassy only issues visas for visits of an official nature - usually diplomatic or certain business visits. For routine travel, visas for tourists, travelers (intending to visit family) and business travelers must be arranged via the
sponsor (the hotel/package tour operator or UAE resident/company concerned). This includes transit visas. To obtain approval, the sponsor will require the visitor’s proposed flight and passport details in advance. Business visits are made by invitation only and proof of company trading license is required. The sponsor will then confirm to the visitor that a visa has been arranged, usually by fax, and that she/he will be met at the airport.
Types of Visa and CostVisitor and
Business: £100 for one month; £200 for three months. Multiple-entry visas (£400) are only issued in very special circumstances. Incase of visa being arranged by a sponsor, the request formultiple-entry should be marked clearly. Prices given are for UK embassy. Price may vary according to nationality.
Transit:
96-hour transit visas are available on arrival.
Validity30 days from date of entry and two months from date of issue. It may be possible to extend visas on request for up to a maximum of 90 days at the local immigration office. Visitors over 40 should be aware that they will need to obtain local health insurance in Abu Dhabi before the visa extension will be granted.
Applications to:Sponsor (as described above). For official visits, the embassy in London has limited visa services; see
General Info.
Working Days RequiredBetween one and five when arranged through a sponsor. However, allowances should be made for possible delays in approval procedure. It is strongly advised to apply well in advance of departure date.
WarningThe vast majority of visits are trouble-free.
There is a high threat from terrorism. It is believed that terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE. Attacks could be indescriminate and could happen at any time, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests. Visitors should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.
The penalties for drug trafficking, drug smuggling and drug possession are severe. There is a zero tolerance policy towards drugs, including any found in the bloodstream.
Some UK medicines, including some over the counter medicines, such as Codeine, are illegal in the UAE without a Doctor’s prescription. Travelers are advised to keep all such medicines in their original packaging and, in addition to the prescription, provide a note from their GP outlining what the medicine isrequired for and what quantity is required for the duration of the stay. Painkillers and other over the counter medicines are easily obtained locally. If travelers have any concerns about taking medication into the UAE, they should contact their nearest UAE Embassy for more details.
Travelers should review their security arrangements carefully. They should remain vigilant, particularly in public places and avoid any public demonstrations.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes | |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | |
| Malaria | No | |
| Rabies | Sometimes | |
| Tetanus | Yes | |
| Typhoid | No | |
| Yellow Fever | No | |
Health CareMedical facilities are of a very high quality but are extremely expensive. Private health insurance is essential.
Note: Some UK prescription/over the counter medicines are illegal in UAE.
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