United Arab Emirates entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and short-term visits. As of 2026, the policy is unchanged, so you can show up at any UAE airport or land border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the UAE | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you can't show one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your UAE host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers may ask to see cash, credit cards, or bank statements showing you can cover your expenses. There's no fixed minimum, but having around 3,000 AED per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding — no exceptions.
No arrival form needed
There is no arrival declaration or customs form to fill out for South Korean passport holders. Just walk through immigration with your passport and supporting documents.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at UAE airport
After landing at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Immigration counter
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, ask your purpose of visit, and may ask to see your return ticket or hotel booking. Answer clearly. They will stamp your passport with a 90-day visit entry.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no arrival forms to fill out. You're free to exit the airport.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity30 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
For those who prefer a shorter stay or need to enter before visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity30 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for regional travel.
Long-stay tourist visa (90 days, single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity90 days from issue
CostAED 1,000 (~$272 USD)
Similar to visa-free but paid; may be used if visa-free is exhausted.
Visit visa (sponsored by relative/friend)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostAED 500 (~$136 USD) plus sponsor fees
Requires a UAE resident sponsor; extension possible for additional fee.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa (5-year renewable)
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus medical insurance and proof of income (AED 15,000/month or AED 1 million savings)
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial resources. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor. Requires health insurance and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Program (1-year visa)
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus medical insurance and proof of income (AED 15,000/month)
For remote workers employed outside the UAE. Requires proof of employment, income, and health insurance. Allows stay with family.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (3-year or 5-year)
3 or 5 years, renewable
AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) plus investment of AED 2 million (property or business)
For investors in real estate or business. Requires minimum investment and proof of funds. Can include family members.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa (2-year)
2 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; cost varies (typically AED 5,000–10,000)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Requires labor contract and medical test. Allows residency and family sponsorship.
student visa
UAE Student Visa (1-year renewable)
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus tuition fees
For students enrolled in accredited UAE universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply after the 10-day grace period following visa expiry. No maximum cap officially stated, but can accumulate. | AED 50 (~$13.60 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)Optional paid visa for those who want a shorter validity or need to extend beyond visa-free period. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days from issue. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Available for visa-free entrants; must apply before initial 90 days expire. | AED 600 (~$163 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
South Korean passport holders can transit through UAE airports without a visa for up to 96 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside. For landside transit (entering the country), a visa is required unless visa-free entry applies.
Airside transitAllowed up to 96h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 96 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket and staying in the airport transit area.
- For landside transit (entering the UAE), visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days, so no separate transit visa is needed.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious respiratory illness; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low due to high hygiene standards, but travelers should still practice safe food and water precautions.
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 Shahama)
Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions, overstay fines, and re-entry permits. Online appointments recommended.
Practical information for KR 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, the 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying results in fines of 50 AED per day (about $13.60 USD). If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current stay expires.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits only. You cannot take up employment or enroll in a course. For work or study, you need a proper visa or residence permit arranged by your employer or school.
You'll be fined 50 AED per day (about $13.60 USD) for each day over the 90-day limit. The fine is payable at the airport immigration office before departure. In serious cases, you may be banned from re-entering the UAE for a period.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need a transit visa. South Korean passport holders can get a 96-hour transit visa on arrival if they have a confirmed onward flight and hotel booking. The cost is about 50 AED ($13.60 USD), but check with your airline as some offer it free.
Yes, South Korean passport holders can enter the UAE by land from Oman or Saudi Arabia using the same visa-free arrangement. The same 90-day stay limit applies. Border crossings like Hatta (Oman) or Al Batha (Saudi Arabia) have immigration counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by UAE immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
No, there is no official requirement to show proof of funds for South Korean passport holders. However, immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is sufficient.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.