United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates. The process is entirely online and takes about 3–5 business days. As of 2026, you must apply before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Vietnam.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your UAE eVisa at the ICA Smart Services portal. Processing takes 2–5 working days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 60 days from issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | 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 all visitors | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight reservation or bus ticket out of the UAE works — just have it ready on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your UAE host (with their Emirates ID copy) ready. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines like flydubai may request it at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing at least 3,000 AED (approx. 800 USD) or have cash in AED or USD. Officers rarely check, but if you look underprepared they may ask. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Vietnamese passports
Do not show up at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport expecting a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in.
Print your eVisa approval
Carry a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter. Immigration officers may ask to see it, and having a hard copy avoids delays. Keep a digital backup on your phone too.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to smartservices.ica.gov.ae and fill out the application. You'll need a scanned copy of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photo, and your travel details. Pay the fee (around 100–150 AED) and submit. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print at least one copy — you'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in the UAE. Save a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at the airport in the UAE
At immigration, present your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and you'll be admitted for up to 30 days. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard eVisa for tourism; must apply online before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable once
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for regional travel.
Long-Term Tourist Visa (5 years)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$680 USD)
For frequent visitors; requires proof of funds and prior travel history.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry)Standard fee for a 30-day single entry tourist eVisa. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa fee (multiple entry)For multiple entries within 60 days from issue. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged after visa expiry; no official cap but can accumulate. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
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
Vietnamese passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 96 hours.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (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. There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must apply for an eVisa before you travel.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is around 100–150 AED (about 25–40 USD).
The eVisa allows a single entry for up to 30 days. You cannot extend it — if you need more time, you'll have to leave and re-enter.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ready.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to the UAE if your passport has less than 6 months validity. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa.
Yes. The eVisa is valid for all seven emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. You can enter through any international airport or land border.
No, it's not required for the visa application. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in the UAE are very high, and insurance covers emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.