United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to enter the UAE. Apply online before you fly — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs AED 100–300. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before you fly | Sri Lankan passport holders need an eVisa to enter the UAE. Apply at the UAE ICA Smart Services portal — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs around AED 100–300 depending on the visa type. Approval usually comes within 2–3 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity 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 Required for entry | Immigration officers at UAE airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked to show where you're staying — a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in the UAE works. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Travel advisory: Level 3 — Reconsider travel
As of March 2026, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 advisory for the UAE due to armed conflict and terrorism. Non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members were ordered to depart on March 2, 2026. Check your government's travel advisories before booking and consider travel insurance that covers cancellation.
Healthcare costs are high — get insurance
The UAE has excellent private hospitals, but a simple emergency room visit can cost AED 1,000+ (~$272 USD). A hospital stay for a few days can run into thousands. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation and treatment is strongly recommended.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the UAE ICA Smart Services portal (smartservices.ica.gov.ae). Fill in your personal details, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the fee (AED 100–300 depending on visa type). You'll get a confirmation email — approval usually arrives within 2–3 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and hotel booking. Also have your bank statement or credit card handy. Keep everything in one folder on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
At check-in, the airline will verify your passport validity (6+ months) and your eVisa. They may also ask for your return ticket. If everything's in order, you'll get your boarding pass.
4
Go through immigration in the UAE
At Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), or Sharjah (SHJ) airports, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa (printed or on phone). The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly — it usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. You're now free to enter the UAE.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Good for multiple short trips.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires proof of funds and prior travel history.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,000 (~$545 USD) + property investment of AED 1 million+
For property investors; requires ownership of a property worth at least AED 1 million. Renewable every 2 years.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; fees vary
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Includes residency and health insurance.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + university fees
For enrolled students at accredited UAE universities. Requires proof of admission and financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa for Sri Lanka passport holders. | AED 300 (~$82 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | AED 500 (~$136 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged after visa expiry; cap applies. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day, max AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)May be possible via immigration office; subject to approval. | AED 600 (~$163 USD) for 30-day extension |
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 United Arab Emirates
No transit visa needed
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit (e.g., leaving airport), a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 96h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may obtain a visa on arrival for transit up to 96 hours.
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe, but risk exists from street food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air quality can be poor due to dust; those with respiratory conditions should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai
Al Jafiliya, Dubai
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, visa copy, and payment.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30
Main immigration office for visa services; online appointments recommended.
Practical information for LK 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. Sri Lankan passport holders must get an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival option. Apply online at smartservices.ica.gov.ae at least a week before your flight.
Most applications are processed within 2–3 business days. However, it can take up to a week during peak travel seasons or if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 7 days before your flight to be safe.
Overstay fines are AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day, capped at AED 1,000 (~$272 USD). You can pay at immigration offices in Dubai (GDRFA), Abu Dhabi (ICP), or Sharjah. Bring your passport and visa copy. It's best to extend your visa before it expires if you need more time.
Yes, you may be able to extend your stay by 30 days for AED 600 (~$163 USD). Visit the GDRFA in Dubai or ICP in Abu Dhabi with your passport and visa. Approval is not guaranteed — apply before your current visa expires.
No, if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 96 hours, you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport, you'll need a visa. Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas can get a visa on arrival for up to 96 hours.
The most common reasons are: insufficient funds (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), suspicious travel patterns like multiple short visits (20%), incomplete documents (15%), and overstay history in the UAE or other Gulf countries (10%). Make sure you have proof of funds (AED 3,000+), a confirmed return ticket, and a clean travel record.
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and fines. You need an employment visa sponsored by a UAE employer. If you're considering working, ask your employer to sponsor a work visa before you travel.
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.