Border snapshot
Passport validity
6+ months
Allowed stay
90 days
Insurance
Recommended
At the port of entry
Smart Gates at DXB and AUH allow eligible nationalities to clear immigration in under 20 seconds using facial recognition; UAE Pass is not required for tourists. A 30 or 90-day stamp is granted depending on nationality.
Customs and declarations
AED 60,000 cash declaration threshold. E-cigarettes are legal but unregulated brands are confiscated; CBD oil and codeine-based medication require advance permission from the Ministry of Health.
Health and vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations for general entry; UAE has lifted COVID-19 testing for all arrivals as of 2023.
Reasons travellers are refused entry
- Passport not machine-readable
- Previous overstay in the UAE — even from years ago
- Travelling on a damaged or amended passport
Travel insurance for this trip
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need at the United Arab Emirates border?⌄
Visa on Arrival, valid passport (6 months remaining), confirmed return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation.
How long can I stay?⌄
Up to 90 days per entry — subject to the officer's discretion at the port of entry.
Is travel insurance required?⌄
Not mandatory but strongly recommended.
What about cash and customs?⌄
AED 60,000 cash declaration threshold. E-cigarettes are legal but unregulated brands are confiscated; CBD oil and codeine-based medication require advance permission from the Ministry of Health.
Health and vaccination rules?⌄
No mandatory vaccinations for general entry; UAE has lifted COVID-19 testing for all arrivals as of 2023.
Can I be refused entry even with a visa?⌄
Yes — a visa or authorization is permission to travel, not a guarantee of admission. Passport not machine-readable is a known refusal trigger.
Do I need proof of funds?⌄
No declared threshold; officers rarely ask but reserve the right under Federal Law 6 of 1973.