United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders can enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism and business visits as of 2026. Just show up at any UAE airport with your passport and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Colombian passport must be valid for at least the full period you plan to stay in the UAE. Airlines at Bogotá and other Colombian airports will check this before boarding. No minimum 6-month validity is required for UAE entry. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended to show at immigration | Immigration officers at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines may also check this before departure from Colombia. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel reservation or host's address and contact details ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A printed booking confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Carry enough funds for your stay — around 500 AED per day is a safe benchmark. Immigration rarely asks, but having a credit card or bank statement showing available funds avoids any issues. | Recommended |
Overstaying fines are steep
If you stay beyond the 90-day visa-free period, you'll be fined 50 AED (about $13.60 USD) per day. The fine is calculated from the day after your visa expires. Pay it at the airport before departure or you may be banned from re-entering the UAE.
Keep a digital copy of your passport
Take a photo of your passport's main page and your entry stamp. Store it in your phone's cloud or email it to yourself. If you lose your passport, this makes replacement much faster at the Colombian embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at UAE Airport
When you land at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other UAE airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for GCC nationals and other nationalities — join the 'All Passports' or 'Foreign Passports' line.
2
Present Your Passport
Hand your passport to the immigration officer. They will check your passport validity (must be 6+ months from entry date), scan it, and may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. Answer any questions clearly and politely.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor visa. This stamp shows your entry date and the last day you're allowed to stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if the dates look wrong, ask the officer to correct it immediately.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then go through customs (green channel if you have nothing to declare). Exit into the arrivals hall. Your 90-day stay starts from the date on the entry stamp.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
Validity2 months from issue date
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Apply online or through a UAE airline/hotel. Requires passport copy, photo, and travel itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, up to 6 months total
Validity6 months from issue date
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must have a confirmed return ticket and sufficient funds.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years)
Max stay90 days per visit, renewable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$680 USD)
Available for frequent visitors with proof of funds (AED 10,000 monthly income or equivalent).
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) processing fee + proof of AED 1 million (~$272,000 USD) in savings or property
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient financial resources. Allows 5-year residency with no sponsor. Requires health insurance and a valid passport.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme (Dubai)
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + health insurance
For remote workers with a minimum monthly income of AED 15,000 (~$4,080 USD). Allows you to live in Dubai while working for an overseas employer.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$680 USD) + property worth AED 1 million (~$272,000 USD)
For those who purchase property in the UAE. Grants residency for the investor and family. Requires a valid passport and property title deed.
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 processing and costs. Includes residency and work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed stay. No official cap, but fines can accumulate. | 50 AED (~14 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For stays beyond visa-free period or if visa is required. | 350 AED (~95 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | 650 AED (~177 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Colombian passport holders can transit through UAE airports without a visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or have a layover longer than 24 hours, you must obtain a transit visa (AED 100 ~$27 USD) or use visa-free entry if eligible.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious; avoid contact with camels and raw camel products.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Immigration Office (Al Shahama)
Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa copy, and payment.
Dubai
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Al Jafiliya
Al Jafiliya, Dubai
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main office for visa services. Use the smart lobby for faster processing.
Practical information for CO 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, the 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying results in a fine of 50 AED per day (about $13.60 USD). If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit the country and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.
No, if you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need to go through immigration and will be granted the 90-day visa-free entry as long as your passport meets the validity requirements.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, renew it before traveling. There are no exceptions for emergency travel.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only (meetings, conferences, etc.). You cannot take up employment or enroll in a course of study. For work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa through a UAE sponsor before traveling.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Having a credit card or a bank statement on your phone is usually enough. There's no set minimum amount required.
Report the loss immediately to the nearest police station and get a police report. Then contact the Colombian embassy or consulate in Abu Dhabi or Dubai to apply for an emergency travel document. You'll need the police report and a copy of your passport (keep a digital copy).
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are very high — a simple emergency room visit can cost $500+, and a hospital stay can run into thousands per day. Insurance also covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other issues. Many travelers use SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.