United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Sweden 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

Swedish passport holders can enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism and business visits as of 2026. Ensure your passport meets the validity requirements and have a return ticket ready.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months 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
Proof of departure from the UAE
Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping entry.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a hotel booking. Have a printed reservation or a letter from your host ready.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Immigration may ask for proof of sufficient funds, though it's not always enforced. Carry a credit card or bank statement showing you have enough for your trip.Recommended
Passport validity is strictly enforced
The UAE requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Check your passport now.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers may ask to see your return or onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready to avoid delays.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at UAE immigration
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other UAE airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for visa-free entry.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport to the immigration officer. They will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation details.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visit entry. You will get a small slip or sticker — keep it with your passport until you leave.
4
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There are no additional forms to fill.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Download PDF

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, extendable 30 days
Validity2 months from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)

Can be extended once for 30 days at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity2 months from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)

Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days.

Long-term tourist visa (5 years, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)

Requires proof of funds (AED 10,000 monthly income) and health insurance.

retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) plus medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows 5-year residency.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) plus health insurance
For remote workers with proof of employment, minimum salary of $3,500/month. Allows 1-year residency.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) plus property value of AED 1 million+
For property investors. Requires property worth at least AED 1 million. Renewable every 2 years.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored, varies
For those with a job offer in the UAE. Employer handles visa process. Includes residency.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For longer stays beyond visa-free period or if visa-free is not used.AED 350 (~$95 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days.AED 650 (~$177 USD)
Overstay fine per dayApplies after visa-free or visa expiry. No maximum cap specified.AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day

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

Swedish passport holders can transit through UAE airports without a visa for up to 48 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside.

Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport, a 96-hour transit visa is available for free through the airline.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk

Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.

Heat-related illnessModerate risk

Extreme temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.

Foodborne illnessLow risk

Generally safe, but risk exists from street food; choose reputable eateries.

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

Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa copy, and payment.

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. Appointments recommended.

Practical information for SE 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 15
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

4,820 kmgreat circle distance
~7hfrom Sweden
Find flights

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. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the UAE and re-enter after a short period, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines of about 50 AED per day.
You will be denied entry. The UAE strictly requires 6 months of passport validity from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you are transiting through a UAE airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. If you plan to leave the airport, you will need to use the visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. Working or studying requires a proper work or student visa. If you are caught working without the right visa, you risk deportation and fines.
Your valid passport, a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. It is also wise to have travel insurance details handy, though it is not always checked.
No, you do not need a visa at all — you get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just show your passport at immigration.
You will be fined 50 AED (about 13 USD) per day of overstay. The fine is payable at the airport before departure. Overstaying can also affect future travel to the UAE.

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.