United Arab Emirates: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to the United Arab Emirates. You can stay up to 60 days per visit, and you can apply to extend.

Visa required in advance. South Africa is listed as 'visa required' on the UAE MOFA visa information page; South Africans are NOT on the 30-day or 90-day visa-on-arrival lists. The visa is an electronic entry permit issued by ICP/GDRFA and applied for through a sponsor (UAE airline, hotel or licensed tourism establishment). Exception: since the 25 June 2026 MOFA/ICP announcement, South Africans holding a valid residence permit from the USA, an EU member state, the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada can get a visa on arrival.1 2 3

The United Arab Emirates is one of 51 countries where South Africans apply online before travelling. See them all.

UAE visa on arrival for South Africans with a US, UK or EU residence permitSouth Africans who hold a valid residence permit from the US, an EU country, the UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada can now get a visa on arrival: 14 days for AED 100 or 60 days for AED 250. Everyone else still needs a visa arranged before travel. Source: mofa.gov.ae

Before you travel

Purpose of visit

Tourist entry permit covers tourism/visiting. Business visits, work and residence need separate entry permits (ICP/GDRFA service catalogue). Transit passengers who leave the airport need a 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa.3 4 5

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Passport validity

At least 6 months from date of entry.3 6

Confirmed on an official government source

How to apply

Through a sponsor: Emirates/flydubai/Etihad/Air Arabia when flying with them, a UAE hotel or a licensed tourism establishment, which files with ICP (smartservices.icp.gov.ae, Abu Dhabi/other emirates) or GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae). GDRFA Dubai government fee: AED 200 (30-day) or AED 300 (60-day) plus 5% VAT; sponsor/airline charges are added on top (Emirates lists USD 90 single / USD 136 multiple for 30 days, USD 177 / USD 231 for 60 days; 96-hour transit visa USD 49, 48-hour USD 10). Processing about 48 hours. Conditional visa on arrival (residence permit holders): AED 100 (14 days) or AED 250 (60 days) at the airport.2 3 4 5

Confirmed on an official government source

Where South Africans apply

No consular application in South Africa for ordinary tourist visas: the entry permit is arranged online through the airline, hotel or a UAE tour operator. Embassy of the UAE in Pretoria handles diplomatic/consular matters.3 5

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Travel insurance

Mandatory for the tourist entry permit: 'valid medical insurance recognised in the UAE' (GDRFA Dubai) / 'health coverage is mandatory' (ICP FAQ). No minimum cover amount published on the pages checked.3 4

Confirmed on an official government source

Return or onward ticket

Required: GDRFA Dubai lists a travel ticket for the onward journey; Emirates requires a confirmed return ticket for visas it arranges.3 4 5

Confirmed on an official government source

Proof of funds

Not published by official sources

Accommodation or invitation

Hotel reservation required for tourist visas arranged by Emirates; GDRFA requires a licensed tourism establishment as sponsor.3 5

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Yellow fever certificate only if arriving from a yellow-fever transmission-risk country (UK FCDO). The UAE is not a yellow fever risk country, so South Africa's own certificate rule is not triggered on return.6

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Arrival forms

No general arrival card for visitors. Prior Ministry of Health approval needed for narcotic/psychotropic/controlled medications.6

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Extending your stay and overstaying

Tourist entry permits can be renewed/extended inside the UAE via ICP/GDRFA (fees apply, e.g. AED 500 'fee inside UAE' plus surcharges at GDRFA). Conditional VOA: 14-day extendable once, 60-day not extendable. Overstay: AED 50 per day (MOFA June 2026 announcement); exit bans possible for debts/legal cases.2 3 6

Confirmed on an official government source

Transit

Airside transit without passing immigration: no visa. Leaving the airport: 48-hour or 96-hour transit visa arranged by the UAE airline (Emirates: USD 10 / USD 49). Passport valid at least 3 months for transit (FCDO).6 5

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

25 June 2026UAE MOFA/ICP extended conditional visa on arrival to nationals of South Africa, Kenya, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines who hold a valid residence permit from the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. 14-day visa AED 100 (extendable once), 60-day visa AED 250 (non-extendable); overstay AED 50/day.

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

1UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs mofa.gov.ae
2UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs mofa.gov.ae
3GDRFA Dubai gdrfad.gov.ae
4Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) icp.gov.ae

Other government

Official advice from other governments

6UK FCDO gov.uk

Commercial

Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies

5Emirates (UAE state airline) emirates.com

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book. Spotted something out of date? Report a change.