United Arab Emirates visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting United Arab Emirates

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Emirati Visa.

  • Applicants should ensure they have a completed and signed application.
  • 3 months bank statement which is a proof that you have sufficient and continuous funds for the duration of your stay.
  • Applicants should have confirmed return flight tickets.
  • A valid travel insurance is needed to be tendered.
  • A copy of your itinerary during the duration of visit.
  • Recent passport sized photograph taken with a white background that follows the passport format for visa application.
  • South African international passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the time of travel.
  • A letter of invitation from friend or relative a traveler is going to visit.

United Arab Emirates Visa for South Africans

Facts about United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a dream destination for tourists. There are a lot of breathtaking views scattered around the city. You should make sure to have a very good camera on this journey because you will not be able to resist the sight and you will need a reminder. From the view of the Burj Khalifa to the Ferrari world the mosque with a chandelier of crystals, you definitely have enough to keep you wanting more.

The number of international tourists visiting Dubai yearly is about 20.7 million people and this number is going to take a considerable jump in the years to come. The most populous city in the UAE is in Dubai.

Only non-muslims are allowed alcohol consumption in restaurants, bars, clubs, private venues and at home. Tourists are not allowed to purchase alcohol in general stores and supermarkets. E-cigarettes and vaping are banned in Dubai and UAE.

The UAE has the seventh largest oil reserves and also the seventeenth largest natural gas reserves in the world. The company is not dependent on this abundant reserve but is instead focusing its economy on tourism and business. The UAE government does not levy income tax, only corporate tax of 5%.

Types of United Arab Emirates Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 - 4 working days 30 days

General Requirements for United Arab Emirates Visa

  • Applicants should ensure they have a completed and signed application.
  • 3 months bank statement which is a proof that you have sufficient and continuous funds for the duration of your stay.
  • Applicants should have confirmed return flight tickets.
  • A valid travel insurance is needed to be tendered.
  • A copy of your itinerary during the duration of visit.
  • Recent passport sized photograph taken with a white background that follows the passport format for visa application.
  • South African international passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the time of travel.
  • A letter of invitation from friend or relative a traveler is going to visit.
United Arab Emirates Tourist visa

United Arab Emirates 96-hour Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is a visa type for people whose stay in Dubai is intended for less than 4 days.
  • It serves as a transit visa if your layover is at least 8 hours in the UAE.
  • The visa takes about 3-4 working days to be processed.
  • This visa is meant for vacation, recreational and relaxation purposes.
  • A valid medical insurance is needed during the period of application.
  • Letter of invitation from your host in the country is required.
  • If you are traveling with a minor, original copy of the minor’s birth certificate should be provided.
  • Applicants who have dual nationality should ensure the passport submitted upon entry is the same passport submitted on departure.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to take up paid employment in the country.
  • It is a single-entry visa.
  • The visa typically costs $10.

United Arab Emirates 30-day Short Term Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa category for those staying in Dubai for less than 30 days.
  • The visa category allows its holders visit friends and relatives.
  • Applicants should have return ticket to South Africa.
  • All the documents submitted should not be more than 6 months old.
  • Minors should have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • If you are visiting a family or relative in the country, a letter from your host should be provided.
  • The letter should contain valid home address of the host.
  • You cannot work during your time in the country.
  • Applicants are expected to abide by all the rules and regulations in the country.
  • It has a processing time of 3 – 4 working days at a fee of $90.
  • It allows only for a single-entry.

United Arab Emirates Multi-Entry Short Term Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is a short-term visa that allows you to leave the country and return as many times as you want.
  • This visa type allows you to stay up to 30 days per visit.
  • Applicants who have dual nationality should ensure the passport submitted upon entry is the same passport submitted on departure.
  • A valid medical insurance is needed during the period of application.
  • Applicants are expected to abide by all the rules and regulations in the country.
  • Visitors without a return ticket may be refused entry.
  • You will be refused entry if you have an extended validity on your passport.
  • It takes about 3 – 4 working days to be processed.
  • You can visit family and friends.

United Arab Emirates 90-day Long Term Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • It allows its holder to stay in the country for 90-days.
  • It is commonly used by people travelling to any of the other seven Emirates for events.
  • You can visit tourist sites in the country.
  • If you are in the country for business you can apply for this visa type.
  • If applicant is not a South African, a photocopy of South African stay permit is needed.
  • Applicants without valid return ticket may be refused entry.
  • Visitors with extended validity on their passport will not be allowed into the country.
  • You are not allowed to take up work with this visa type.
  • Applicants should make sure all the documents submitted are valid not more than 6 months old.

United Arab Emirates Multi-Entry Long Term Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is for those whose travelling in and out of the UAE take longer than a month.
  • You can make many entries into the country at 90 days per stay.
  • It is commonly used by business people travelling in and out of the UAE for business.
  • This visa allows you to visit friends or relatives. You can also visit several tourist sites in the country.
  • Holders can go in and out of the UAE as many times as they desire.
  • Applicants should have valid medical insurance.
  • Minors should ensure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • If applicant is not a South African, a photocopy of South African stay permit is needed.
  • Visitors are expected to abide by all the rules and regulations in the country.
  • The visa fee is $460

United Arab Emirates Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

96-hour Visa

30-day Short Term Visa

Multi-Entry Short Term Visa

90-day Long Term Visa

Multi-Entry Long Term Visa

111.00 (USD)

96.00 (USD)

178.00 (USD)

275.00 (USD)

690.00 (USD)

United Arab Emirates Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, 992 Arcadia Street, Arcadia

Null

uae@mweb.co.za

+27 12 342 7736

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dubai visa cost from South Africa??
The cost of a visa to Dubai depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
Can I ask for a refund of visa fee if my visa is rejected??
The fee paid is non-refundable.
Is there a visa for all UAE countries or I have to apply for separate visa for each country??
The UAE is a single entity comprising of 7 emirates. One visa is enough for you to see the whole country.
How long does it take to get a Dubai visa??
Dubai visa takes 3 – 4 working days to be processed.
Is Dubai visa on arrival for South Africans??
No, South Africans cannot obtain visa on arrival in Dubai.