Australia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders need a visa to enter Australia. You must apply for and receive an approved visa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Emirati citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the visa type.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa (Subclass 600 Visitor)You cannot board a flight to Australia without an approved visa. Apply before travel | UAE passport holders must obtain an Australian Visitor visa (Subclass 600) before departure. Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank on both sides and free of any markings. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp or visa label. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAustralian immigration may ask to see proof of your departure plans. Evidence of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave Australia before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsThis is not always asked, but it's wise to have proof ready. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Health insuranceMedical care in Australia can be very expensive for visitors. Recommended | While not mandatory for a short visit, travel health insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical costs in Australia. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou do not need to fill out any online arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for UAE passport holders entering Australia. | Not required |
Visa is mandatory — no exceptions
Australian immigration is strict. Even if you're just transiting for a few hours, you may need a Transit visa. Always check with the Australian High Commission or Home Affairs before booking flights.
Apply early — don't rely on fast processing
While some visitor visas are processed in under a week, others can take a month. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure to avoid stress. Also, don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is granted.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au) and create an ImmiAccount. Select the Visitor visa (subclass 600) or the appropriate visa for your purpose. Fill in the application, upload required documents (passport bio page, photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee (starting around AUD 190 for a visitor visa).
2
Wait for processing
Processing times vary. For a Visitor visa, it can take anywhere from a few days to 3–4 weeks. Check your ImmiAccount for updates. You may be asked for additional documents or biometrics.
3
Receive your visa grant
Once approved, you'll receive a visa grant notification by email. The visa is linked electronically to your passport number. Double-check the visa conditions (e.g., max stay, work restrictions).
4
Arrive in Australia
At the airport, use the SmartGate kiosks (if eligible) or see a border officer. Have your passport ready. You'll likely be asked about your purpose of visit and length of stay. Keep your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
eVisitor (subclass 651)
Max stay3 months per visit
Validity12 months from date of grant
CostFree
Only for certain European passport holders; not applicable to UAE passport holders.
Business Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay3 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months (multiple entry)
CostAUD 190
For business activities like meetings, conferences, or negotiations; no work permitted.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
Only for eligible countries; UAE is not currently eligible.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Max stayPermanent residence
ValidityIndefinite
CostAUD 4,640
Points-tested; requires invitation and skills assessment.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (course-dependent)
AUD 620 (~$415 USD)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrolment and sufficient funds.
Apply work visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residency
AUD 4,045 (~$2,700 USD)
For skilled workers with an occupation in demand. Requires skills assessment and points test.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years, leading to permanent residency
AUD 4,045 (~$2,700 USD)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,045 (~$2,700 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires investment in Australian bonds.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeFor most applicants; additional charges may apply for biometrics or service fees. | AUD 190 |
| Visa application service charge (VFS Global)Approximate; payable when lodging through VFS Global in UAE. | AUD 30 |
| Biometric fee (if applicable)May be required for certain applicants; collected at visa application centre. | AUD 20 |
| Visa extension (onshore) – Visitor visa (subclass 600)For applying to extend stay while in Australia; subject to conditions. | AUD 455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Australia
Transit visa required
UAE passport holders transiting through Australia generally need a Transit visa (subclass 771) unless they hold a valid Australian visa or are eligible for eVisitor (not applicable). However, if you remain airside and do not pass through immigration, you may not need a visa, but this is at the discretion of the airline and border officials.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa (any subclass) do not need a separate transit visa.
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 8 hours may not require a visa, but this is not guaranteed and should be confirmed with the airline.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in rural and coastal areas; use repellent.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne illness in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For visa extensions and inquiries; appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and extensions.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Australia does not offer visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. You must have an approved visa before you travel. The only exception is if you're transiting through Australia for less than 8 hours and stay airside — you may be eligible for a Transit visa (subclass 771), but you still need to apply in advance.
Processing times vary. For a Visitor visa (subclass 600), it can take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks, depending on your circumstances and the time of year. Check the current processing times on the Home Affairs website. It's best to apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel.
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) application fee is AUD 190 (about AED 460). There may be additional costs if you need biometrics or a medical exam. Fees are paid online in AUD.
No, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (e.g., a further Visitor visa or a different category) from outside Australia, unless you meet specific conditions for onshore applications.
Yes. Australia and New Zealand have separate visa systems. UAE passport holders need a visa for New Zealand too (usually an NZeTA, which is an online travel authorization). You can apply for both separately.
You will be refused entry and likely put on the next flight back to your departure point. You may also face a ban from returning to Australia for a period. Always ensure you have a valid visa before boarding.
No. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) does not allow you to work. You can only engage in tourism, visiting family, or short-term study (up to 3 months). If you want to work, you need a work visa (e.g., Temporary Skill Shortage visa).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.