United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Vietnamese citizens. Plan ahead and apply through the nearest UAE embassy or consulate, or have a sponsor in the UAE apply on your behalf.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UAE entry visaYou cannot get this visa on arrival; arrange it well in advance. Obtain before travel | A visa is required for Vietnamese passport holders. You must apply for a UAE entry visa through the UAE embassy/consulate or an approved sponsor before departure. The eVisa program is not available for Vietnamese nationals. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date before booking anything. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into the UAE. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a clean page for immigration to stamp. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration often checks this; have your itinerary ready. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave the UAE before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your stay in the UAE. | 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 Vietnamese passport holders. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly embassy/consulate or sponsor applications are valid for you. Not available | Vietnamese nationals are not eligible for the UAE eVisa. Do not attempt to apply online; use the embassy/consulate or an approved sponsor instead. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival — don't risk it
Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa at UAE airports. Arriving without a pre-arranged visa means immediate refusal and deportation at your own cost.
Check your passport validity now
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for your UAE visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your UAE visa
Contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate in Vietnam, or arrange a sponsor in the UAE (e.g., hotel, tour operator, or company) to apply on your behalf. Submit your passport, application form, photos, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 3-5 working days, but start at least 2 weeks before your trip.
2
Book flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book your flights and hotel. Keep copies of your visa approval and booking confirmations — you'll need them at check-in.
3
Check in at the airport
At the airport in Vietnam, the airline will verify your visa before issuing a boarding pass. Have your passport and visa ready. If your visa is on a separate sheet, keep it with your passport.
4
Arrive at UAE immigration
After landing (e.g., Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International), follow signs to 'Arrivals'. Present your passport and visa to the immigration officer. They may ask for your return ticket or hotel address. After stamping, collect your luggage and proceed through customs.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (short-term)
Max stay30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350–400 (approx. $95–$110)
Single entry; can be extended once for 30 days.
Tourist visa (long-term)
Max stay90 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650–750 (approx. $175–$205)
Single entry; not extendable.
Multiple-entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 1,000–1,200 (approx. $270–$325)
Multiple entries allowed; total stay not exceeding 90 days.
Employment visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityTied to employment contract
CostVaries (sponsor pays)
Requires UAE employer sponsorship and medical screening.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee + health 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
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) application fee + health insurance
For remote workers with a valid employment contract, minimum salary of $3,500/month, and health insurance. Allows living in UAE while working for a foreign company.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,000 (~$544 USD) + property value minimum AED 1 million
For those purchasing property worth at least AED 1 million. Provides residency and ability to sponsor family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Varies (sponsored by employer)
For those with a job offer from a UAE company. Employer handles visa process and costs. Includes residency permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (pre-arranged through airline or sponsor)Fee varies by visa type and duration; must be arranged before travel. | AED 350–500 (approx. $95–$135) |
| Visa extension (30-day extension)Available for certain visa categories; subject to approval. | AED 500–600 (approx. $135–$165) |
| Overstay fineCharged for each day beyond authorized stay. | 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
Vietnamese passport holders require a transit visa to enter the UAE, even for airside transit. The visa must be arranged in advance through the airline or a UAE sponsor.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and a layover of less than 8 hours may be eligible for a free transit visa if arranged by the airline (subject to airline policy).
Transit hubsDubai International (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International (AUH) · Sharjah International (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke and dehydration; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food or water; choose reputable eateries and drink bottled water.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can exacerbate respiratory issues; consider masks in crowded places.
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.
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 and residency matters.
Practical information for VN 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. Vietnamese citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
No. The UAE's eVisa system does not include Vietnamese passports. You must apply through a UAE embassy or consulate, or have a sponsor in the UAE (like a hotel or company) apply on your behalf.
Typical processing at an embassy takes 3-5 working days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
Fees vary by visa type and embassy. Tourist visas typically cost around $100–$150 USD, but check with the specific embassy or your sponsor for the exact amount.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. The airline may also fine you for not having proper documents.
For tourist visas, a UAE-based hotel or tour operator can sponsor you. For business visas, a UAE company must sponsor you. If you don't have a sponsor, contact the UAE embassy in Vietnam for guidance.
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.