United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Libya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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
Libyan passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Libyan nationals. This requirement is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Libyan passport holders must apply for a UAE eVisa before departure. Use the ICA Smart Services portal — the application takes about 15 minutes and costs vary by visa type. Approval usually comes within 2–5 working days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | 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 will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in the UAE routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host address | You may be asked to show a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in the UAE. Keep a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Immigration can ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry at least 3,000 AED in cash or have a credit card with available balance. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Libyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in the UAE, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and fill out the eVisa application. You'll need a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print at least one copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at UAE immigration.
3
Arrive at the airport in the UAE
At immigration, present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Have them ready. The process usually takes a few minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional forms to fill out for most travellers.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Libya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit, total 90 days within validity
Validity6 months from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires sponsor or hotel booking.
Visit Visa (sponsored by relative/friend)
Max stay30 days, extendable twice
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 300 (~$82 USD) plus sponsor fees
Requires UAE resident sponsor; longer stays possible.
Transit Visa (48 hours)
Max stay48 hours
Validity14 days from issue
CostFree (if airline arranges) or AED 50 (~$14 USD)
For short layovers; must have confirmed onward ticket.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa (5 years)
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (3 years)
3 years, renewable
AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) plus investment of AED 2 million
For investors in property or business. Requires minimum investment and proof of funds.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa (2 years)
2 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; fees vary (~AED 5,000–10,000)
For those with a job offer from a UAE company. Includes residency and health insurance.
student visa
UAE Student Visa (1 year)
1 year, renewable annually
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus tuition fees
For enrolled students at UAE universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa for Libya passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplies after visa expiry; fines accumulate daily. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day, max AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) |
| Visa extension (30 days)Possible once via immigration office before expiry. | AED 600 (~$163 USD) |
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
Libya passport holders transiting through UAE airports for less than 48 hours do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Common in street food; choose reputable restaurants and drink bottled water.
Respiratory infections (e.g., MERS-CoV)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and follow hygiene practices.
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
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, Dubai
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines.
Practical information for LY 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
Processing usually takes 2 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. During peak travel seasons it can take longer.
The fee varies depending on the type of eVisa and processing speed. Standard tourist eVisa fees start around 100–150 AED (about 25–40 USD). Check the ICA portal for the exact amount at the time of application.
No, the eVisa for Libyan passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you would need to apply for a new visa from outside the country.
If you are transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or have a layover longer than a few hours, check with your airline — some offer transit visas. For Libyan passport holders, a transit visa is not automatically granted.
Rejections are rare but can happen. Common reasons include incomplete documents, passport validity issues, or errors in the application. You can reapply after correcting the issue. There is no official appeal process, but you can contact ICA support for guidance.
No. Your passport must be in good condition — no tears, water damage, or missing pages. If it's damaged, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
It's not a standard requirement for Libyan eVisa holders, but immigration officers can ask. Having a credit card or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay is a good precaution.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.