United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Belgian passport holders can enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, no advance application or fee is required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Belgian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the UAE. Airlines check this before boarding, so verify your passport's expiry date before heading to the airport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the UAE | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in the UAE. Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it on hand. | Recommended |
Overstay fines add up fast
The fine is 50 AED per day (about 12 EUR). A 10-day overstay costs 500 AED. Pay at the airport before departure. Don't ignore it — unpaid fines can lead to a ban.
Keep your passport handy
Hotels, car rental agencies, and some malls may ask for your passport as a deposit or for registration. Carry a photocopy or a clear photo on your phone as a backup.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date), book your return flight, and save your hotel confirmation and insurance details on your phone. Print backups if you want extra security.
2
At the airport in Belgium
The airline will check your passport validity and return ticket at check-in. Have your booking confirmations ready. No visa document is needed.
3
Arrival at a UAE airport
Follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports' at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports. Hand over your passport — the officer will stamp it with a 90-day visit entry. No fee, no form. The process takes 1-2 minutes.
4
During your stay
You can stay up to 90 consecutive days. The visa is not extendable. Overstaying results in fines (currently 50 AED per day). Keep your passport with you — hotels and car rental agencies often ask for a copy.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity2 months from issue
Cost~350 AED (~$95 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay beyond visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~650 AED (~$177 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-term tourist visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~2,500 AED (~$680 USD)
For extended stays; requires sponsor or hotel booking.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
~5,000 AED (~$1,361 USD) + medical insurance
For residents aged 55+ with a minimum monthly income of 20,000 AED or savings of 1 million AED. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1 year, renewable
~3,000 AED (~$817 USD) + health insurance
For remote workers with a valid employment contract, minimum salary of $5,000 USD/month. Allows living in the UAE while working for a foreign company.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
~2,500 AED (~$680 USD) + property investment of at least 1 million AED
For those who purchase property worth at least 1 million AED. Provides residency and the ability to sponsor family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; varies
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Includes residency and work permit. Employer handles most costs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies after exceeding the 90-day visa-free period. No maximum cap specified, but fines can accumulate. | 50 AED (~$13.60 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For longer stays beyond the visa-free period. Can be extended. | ~350 AED (~$95 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)Allows multiple entries within validity. Useful for frequent travellers. | ~650 AED (~$177 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Belgian passport holders can transit through UAE airports without a visa for up to 48 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa may be required for stays over 48 hours.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Immigration Office
Al Falah Street, near Al Wahda Mall
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, near Al Jafiliya Metro Station
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services; bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for BE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAbu Dhabi
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. Rent a car with IDP.
Money
CurrencyUAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.67 AED
Time zone
Local timeUTC+4
vs New York+9h (EST) / +8h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+12h (PST) / +11h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Technically safe but most residents use bottled due to taste.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The 90-day visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits (meetings, conferences). Any paid work requires a work visa arranged by your employer. Working on a tourist visa can lead to deportation and a ban.
You'll be fined 50 AED (about 12 EUR) per day for each day over 90. The fine is paid at the airport before departure. Overstays of more than a few days can also result in a temporary entry ban.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UAE and re-enter after a short absence. Note that frequent back-to-back visits may raise questions at immigration.
If you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours, no visa is needed. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need a transit visa — your airline can usually arrange this for a fee (around 50-100 AED).
No, it's not required by UAE immigration for Belgian passport holders. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in the UAE are very high. A simple emergency room visit can cost several hundred euros.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Even if you somehow reach the UAE, immigration will refuse entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. There is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Belgian passport holders. You simply receive a stamp in your passport and you're free to travel within the UAE.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.