United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Taiwan 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

Taiwanese passport holders need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Taiwan passports. Plan ahead and apply through the nearest UAE embassy or consulate.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
UAE entry visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; arrange your visa well before your flight.
Visa required
Taiwan passport holders must obtain a UAE entry visa before travel. Apply at a UAE embassy or consulate, or through a UAE-based sponsor or airline. The eVisa program is not available for Taiwan passport holders.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
At least 6 months
Your Taiwan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into the UAE.Required
Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be free of any markings or stamps.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight details.
Proof of departure
You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from the UAE within the permitted stay period.Required
Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids delays.
Sufficient means
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the UAE, such as recent bank statements or cash.Recommended
Accommodation detailsImmigration officers may ask for your accommodation details.
Where you will stay
Have your hotel booking or host's address and contact information ready for immigration if asked.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form.
Not required
No arrival declaration or health form is required for entry into the UAE for Taiwan passport holders.Not required
No visa-on-arrival — apply early
Taiwan passport holders cannot get a UAE visa at the airport. You must have an approved visa before you fly. Start the application at least 3-4 weeks ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Visa is not extendable
Your UAE visa cannot be extended. Plan your stay carefully and leave before the expiry date. Overstaying leads to fines and potential entry bans.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate
Find the UAE embassy or consulate responsible for your area. In Taiwan, that's the UAE Embassy in Taipei (or the nearest one that handles visa applications). Call or email to confirm their exact requirements and whether you need to apply in person or can mail documents.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, travel itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and any additional paperwork the embassy asks for. Make copies of everything — you'll need them for your records and possibly for the application itself.
3
Submit your application
Submit your completed application and documents to the embassy or consulate. Some embassies require an in-person appointment; others accept applications by mail. Pay the visa fee at this point. Ask for a receipt and note the expected processing time.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 3-10 working days, but it can take longer. Check the embassy's website or call to track your application. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or an electronic visa document. Check the details (name, passport number, validity dates) for errors. Print a copy to carry with you. At UAE immigration, present your passport and visa — the officer will stamp you in.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Multiple-entry visit visa (30 days, multiple entries)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity60 days from issue
CostApprox. $200–$300

Useful for travelers making multiple trips within the validity period.

Long-term visit visa (90 days, single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from entry
CostApprox. $300–$400

Available through UAE-based sponsors; suitable for longer stays.

Remote work visa (one year)
Max stayOne year
ValidityOne year
CostApprox. $600–$800

For remote workers; requires proof of employment and income.

retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee + medical insurance
For residents aged 55+ with a minimum monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Program (Dubai)
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + medical insurance
For remote workers with a minimum monthly income of $5,000 USD. Includes health insurance and allows stay in Dubai.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) + property value of AED 1 million minimum
For those purchasing property worth at least AED 1 million. Allows residency and family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Sponsored by employer
For those with a job offer from a UAE company. Employer handles visa process and costs.
Other fees
ServiceCost
UAE visit visa (single entry, 30 days) — arranged via airline, hotel, or UAE-based sponsorFees vary by issuing authority and service provider.Approx. $100–$150 (including application and processing fees)
UAE visit visa (single entry, 60 days) — arranged via sponsorAvailable through airlines, hotels, or UAE residents/companies.Approx. $200–$300
Visa extension (30-day extension of a visit visa)Must be applied before current visa expires; overstay fines apply otherwise.Approx. $100–$150
Overstay fine (per day)Applies if you remain beyond your visa validity.AED 50 per day (approx. $14)

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

Transit visa required

Taiwan passport holders transiting through UAE airports generally need a pre-arranged transit visa unless they are eligible for visa-free entry (which they are not). The transit visa must be arranged by the airline or a UAE-based sponsor before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and a layover of less than 8 hours may be allowed to remain airside without a visa, but this is at the discretion of the airline and immigration authorities.
Transit hubsDubai International (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International (AUH) · Sharjah International (SHJ)

Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)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 illnessModerate risk

Common from street food or improperly handled food; choose reputable eateries.

Respiratory infectionsModerate risk

Air conditioning and dust can exacerbate respiratory issues; 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

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 Salam Street, 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 TW 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 Jun 4
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

6,689 kmgreat circle distance
~9hfrom Taiwan
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

No. Taiwan passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in the UAE. You must obtain a visa before you travel, through an embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 3-10 working days, but it can vary depending on the embassy's workload and your specific case. Apply well in advance — at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure.
The fee varies by embassy and visa type (tourist, business, etc.). Contact the UAE embassy or consulate for the exact amount. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 USD, but confirm directly.
No. The UAE visa for Taiwan passport holders is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Even for transit, you may need a visa depending on your nationality and layover length. Taiwan passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival, so check with your airline or the embassy if you plan to leave the airport during a layover. If you stay airside, you might not need a visa, but confirm with the airline.
For tourist visas, a sponsor (like a hotel or tour operator) is often required. The embassy can advise on whether your hotel booking suffices or if you need a UAE-based individual or company to sponsor you. For business visas, the inviting company usually sponsors.
The visa fee is non-refundable. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reason for rejection (e.g., missing documents, insufficient funds). The embassy may not give a detailed reason, so consider using a travel agency that specialises in UAE visas for help.

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.