United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Egypt passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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 can apply for an eVisa online before you travel — it's the simplest option for tourism or short business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you meet the basic requirements.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Egyptian passport holders need an eVisa to enter the UAE. Apply through the ICA Smart Services portal at least a few days before your flight. The eVisa is typically processed within 24–72 hours and costs around 300–500 AED depending on the type.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months
Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi enforce it strictly.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers in the UAE routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to a nearby country.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a confirmed hotel booking or a letter from your host in the UAE ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're staying for more than a few days. A simple hotel confirmation email works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Carry a bank statement showing at least 3,000–5,000 AED (roughly 800–1,300 USD) or have a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it's better to have it.Recommended
eVisa is the only option
Egyptian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. No exceptions.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the UAE, not from your departure date. If it's close to expiring, renew it first.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to smartservices.ica.gov.ae and fill out the eVisa application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel dates. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2–5 working days.
2
Pack your documents
Print your eVisa approval, keep a copy on your phone, and have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. Also save a screenshot of your insurance policy if you have one.
3
Arrive at a UAE airport
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, go to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport and eVisa ready. The officer will check your documents, take your fingerprints, and stamp your passport.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the UAE. Your eVisa is usually valid for 30 days from entry.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism; must apply online before travel.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)

Allows multiple entries within validity; good for regional travel.

Visit visa (sponsored)
Max stay90 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 500–1,000 (~$136–272 USD) depending on sponsor

Sponsored by UAE resident or company; longer stay possible.

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
ServiceCost
eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa for Egypt passport holders.AED 350 (~$95 USD)
eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days.AED 650 (~$177 USD)
Overstay fine per dayApplies after visa expiry; avoid overstay.AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day, max AED 1,000 (~$272 USD)
Visa extension (if eligible)Extension possible only for certain visa types; apply before expiry.AED 600 (~$163 USD) for 30-day extension

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

No transit visa needed

Egyptian passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or exiting the airport, a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 96 hours.
  • Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no intention to leave the airport are exempt.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (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
updated May 29
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
Police999
Medical998
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to United Arab Emirates

2,374 kmgreat circle distance
~4hfrom Egypt
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 2–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee varies but expect around 100–150 AED (about $27–$40 USD).
No, the eVisa for Egyptian passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to the UAE if your passport has less than 6 months validity. If you're already in the UAE and your passport expires, contact your embassy for an emergency travel document.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the eVisa. Check with your airline for transit rules.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Egyptian passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or there's a mismatch in your details. You can reapply with corrected information. Common reasons: passport photo not meeting specs, or missing return ticket.
It's not a standard requirement for Egyptian passport holders with an eVisa, but it's smart to have a credit card or cash (around $500 USD equivalent) available just in case an officer asks.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.