United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Pakistan 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
Pakistani passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to the United Arab Emirates. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Pakistani nationals, so you need to apply through the UAE embassy or consulate in Pakistan. Start the process well in advance to avoid travel delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UAE entry visaYou must secure a visa before you fly — there is no visa on arrival for Pakistani passport holders. Visa required for Pakistani passport holders | Pakistani citizens must obtain a UAE entry visa before travel. You are not eligible for the UAE eVisa program; apply at a UAE embassy or consulate, or through a UAE-based sponsor (e.g., a host or airline) for a pre-arranged visa. Visa-on-arrival is not available. | Required |
| Passport validityThe UAE enforces a strict 6-month validity rule — check your passport's expiry date now. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in the UAE. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean, blank page for the immigration officer to stamp. 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 ticketA booked onward flight proves you intend to leave — keep a copy handy. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave the UAE before your visa expires. Immigration may ask to see it at check-in or upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you'll support yourself — carry proof just in case. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit cards, or bank statements) to cover your accommodation and expenses during your stay. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration or customs form is required for UAE entry. You will pass through standard immigration and customs procedures. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnline eVisa applications are not an option for your nationality — go through the standard visa process. Not applicable | The UAE eVisa program is not available for Pakistani passport holders. Do not attempt to apply online — use the embassy/consulate or a UAE sponsor route instead. | Not required |
No eVisa for Pakistani passport holders
Even though the UAE offers eVisa for many nationalities, Pakistani citizens are not eligible. Do not use any online eVisa portal — apply directly at the UAE embassy or consulate in Pakistan.
Visa is not extendable
Your UAE visa cannot be extended. Overstaying even by a day can lead to heavy fines and a ban from re-entering the UAE. Plan your exit date carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, bank statements, and any other required documents. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
2
Submit your application
Visit the UAE embassy or consulate in Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore) to submit your application and pay the fee. Some consulates accept applications by mail or through authorised agents — check their website first.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5-10 working days, but can take longer. Track your application status online if the embassy provides that option, or contact them directly.
4
Receive your visa
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic visa document. Check all details (name, dates, visa type) for errors before travelling.
5
Arrive in the UAE
At the airport (e.g., Dubai International, Abu Dhabi), proceed to the immigration counter. Have your passport and visa ready. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your stay — answer clearly.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
30-day visit visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (approx. $95)
Requires a sponsor in the UAE (e.g., hotel, airline, or company).
30-day visit visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (approx. $177)
Allows multiple entries; requires sponsor.
60-day visit visa (single entry)
Max stay60 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 850 (approx. $231)
Longer stay option; requires sponsor.
90-day visit visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostAED 1,000 (approx. $272)
Available for certain purposes; requires sponsor.
Employment visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
Validity2 years
CostVaries (approx. AED 3,000–5,000)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
~AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) processing fee + proof of AED 1 million (~$272,000 USD) in savings or property
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial resources. Allows long-term residence without a sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property Owner)
2 years, renewable
~AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) + property worth AED 1 million (~$272,000 USD)
For individuals investing in UAE real estate. Requires property ownership and proof of investment.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; processing fee ~AED 5,000 (~$1,361 USD)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Includes residency and work permit.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited UAE universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (96-hour)Requires prior arrangement by airline or travel agent; valid for 96 hours. | AED 50 (approx. $14) |
| Standard visit visa (single entry, 30 days)Typical cost for a 30-day single-entry visit visa, arranged through a sponsor or travel agency. | AED 350 (approx. $95) |
| Visit visa extension (30 days)Extension of a 30-day visit visa for an additional 30 days, subject to immigration approval. | AED 600 (approx. $163) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day of overstay beyond the visa validity. | AED 50 per day (approx. $14) |
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
Pakistani nationals require a transit visa to enter the UAE, even for airside transit. The 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas are available but must be arranged by the airline or travel agent before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and who remain airside may be eligible for a free 48-hour transit visa if arranged by the airline (subject to airline policy).
- Some airlines may arrange a 96-hour transit visa for a fee.
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 increases with street food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can aggravate respiratory conditions; consider masks in crowded areas.
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, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions, overstay fines, and re-entry permits.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Ma'arid, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services.
Practical information for PK 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
No. Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in the UAE. You must obtain a visa before travelling, through the UAE embassy or consulate in Pakistan.
Processing usually takes 5-10 working days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload and your application's complexity. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date to be safe.
Visa fees vary depending on the type and duration (e.g., 30-day single entry, 90-day multiple entry). Check the UAE embassy's website or contact them directly for the current fee schedule. Fees are 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.
For tourist visas, you generally need a sponsor — either a hotel, a UAE-based relative/friend, or a travel agency. The sponsor provides an invitation letter and may be responsible for your visa application.
If your visa is denied, the fee is not refunded. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for rejection (e.g., insufficient funds, incomplete documents). It's best to contact the embassy for guidance before reapplying.
No, Pakistani passport holders are not eligible for the UAE's eVisa system. You must apply through the UAE embassy or consulate in Pakistan, either in person or via an authorised visa service.
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.