United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Egypt 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
Egyptian passport holders need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Egyptian nationals. Plan ahead and apply through the nearest UAE embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UAE entry visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa; you need a visa sticker or approval from an embassy or sponsor. Visa required for Egyptian passport holders | Egyptian citizens must obtain a UAE entry visa before travel. You are not eligible for the UAE eVisa program, so you must apply through a UAE embassy or consulate, or through a UAE-based sponsor/airline. Apply well in advance of your departure date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in the UAE. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the UAE entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket to ensure you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave the UAE before your visa expires. Keep a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof can speed up entry if questioned. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in the UAE. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsShows where you'll be staying and helps verify your travel plans. Hotel booking or host address | Have your hotel reservation or the address and contact of your host in the UAE ready. This may be requested by immigration or your sponsor. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before landing. Not required | The UAE does not require an arrival declaration form for Egyptian passport holders. No additional health or customs declaration is needed beyond standard procedures. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Egyptian passport holders cannot get a UAE visa on arrival. Arriving without a visa will result in being denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Always secure your visa before booking flights.
Passport validity is critical
UAE immigration strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be refused boarding and entry. Check your passport's expiry date before starting the application.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the UAE embassy or consulate
Find the nearest UAE diplomatic mission in Egypt (e.g., in Cairo). Call or check their website to confirm visa application procedures, required documents, and fees. Some embassies outsource to visa application centres — they'll tell you where to go.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements. Make photocopies of everything. Double-check that your passport has at least 6 months validity and one blank page.
3
Submit your application
Visit the embassy/consulate or the designated visa centre in person. Submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics if requested. You may be asked for an interview, though this is not always required.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 3 to 10 working days, but can take longer. Track your application if the embassy offers that service. Keep your receipt and any reference number.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic visa document. Check the validity dates and the number of entries. At UAE immigration, present your passport and any supporting documents if asked. Have your return ticket and hotel details handy.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Multiple-entry visit visa (30 days per entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 700–1,000 (approx. $190–272)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Long-term visit visa (90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from entry
CostAED 1,000–1,500 (approx. $272–408)
For longer stays; requires sponsor or hotel booking.
Employment visa
Max stay2 years (renewable)
Validity2 years
CostVaries (employer-sponsored)
Requires UAE job offer and labor contract.
Golden visa (long-term residence)
Max stay5 or 10 years
Validity5 or 10 years
CostVaries (investment-based)
For investors, entrepreneurs, or exceptional talents.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies by employer; typically AED 3,000–5,000 (~$817–1,361 USD) for processing
For those with a job offer from a UAE company. Employer sponsors the visa; allows residency and work.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property Owner)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500–5,000 (~$681–1,361 USD) plus property value minimum AED 1 million (~$272,000 USD)
For individuals investing in UAE real estate. Requires property worth at least AED 1 million and proof of income.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa (for expats)
5 years, renewable
AED 1,500 (~$408 USD) plus financial proof (savings or pension of AED 15,000/month)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient income or savings. Allows long-term stay without employment.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
AED 1,000–2,000 (~$272–544 USD) per year
For those enrolled in a UAE educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| UAE visit visa (single entry, 30 days)Fee varies by sponsor/issuing authority; mandatory for Egyptian nationals. | AED 350–500 (approx. $95–136) plus service fees |
| Visa processing/service feeCharged by travel agencies or online portals. | AED 50–200 (approx. $14–54) |
| Overstay fine (per day)For each day beyond visa validity. | AED 50 (approx. $14) |
| Visa extension (30 days)Extension must be applied before expiry; subject to approval. | AED 600–800 (approx. $163–218) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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 United Arab Emirates
Transit visa required
Egyptian nationals require a transit visa to enter the UAE, even for airside transit. The visa must be arranged before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 8 hours may be eligible for a free transit visa if arranged by the airline (subject to airline policy).
Transit hubsDubai International (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International (AUH) · Sharjah International (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from street food or undercooked meat; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can exacerbate allergies or colds; carry masks if sensitive.
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
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
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
Handles visa extensions, fines, and re-entry permits.
Practical information for EG 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
Getting to United Arab Emirates
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Egyptian passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must obtain a visa before travelling, through the UAE embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 3 to 10 working days, but it can be longer during peak seasons or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date.
Fees vary depending on the visa type (e.g., tourist, visit) and the embassy or visa centre. Contact the UAE embassy in Cairo for the current fee schedule. The fee is non-refundable.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave the UAE before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Not necessarily. For a tourist visa, you can apply directly through the embassy. However, some visa types (like visit visas) may require a sponsor in the UAE. Check with the embassy for your specific situation.
You'll be notified by the embassy. The fee is not refunded. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for rejection (e.g., missing documents). It's wise to ask the embassy for the specific reason before reapplying.
No. Egyptian passport holders are not eligible for the UAE's eVisa system. You must apply in person or through an authorised visa service at the UAE embassy or consulate.
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.