United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek 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 in 2026. No advance application is needed — just show up at immigration with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in the UAE | Your Greek passport needs to be valid for at least the full duration of your 90-day stay. Airlines at departure check this before you board — if your passport expires sooner, they may deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the UAE | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Budget airlines check this at check-in too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation ready. If staying with a friend or relative, the host needs to register you via the ICA or local police station — otherwise you may face delays at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry a credit card or bank statement showing enough funds for 90 days. Officers rarely ask for this for Greek passport holders, but having it avoids any surprises. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If you have less than 6 months remaining from your entry date, you will likely be denied boarding. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew before booking flights.
Overstaying is expensive
The fine for overstaying is 50 AED per day (about $14 USD). If you overstay by even a few hours, you'll be charged. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Print or save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance. Keep them in a folder on your phone or in your carry-on.
2
Arrive at UAE immigration
At Dubai (DXB/DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), or Sharjah (SHJ) airports, join the 'All Passports' or 'Foreign Passports' queue. Present your passport and any requested documents.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visitor permit. No fee is charged. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity60 days from issue
Cost~350 AED (~$95 USD)
Requires sponsor or online application via UAE visa service. Can be extended once for 30 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity60 days from issue
Cost~650 AED (~$177 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple entries; extension possible.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity5 years
Cost~2,500 AED (~$680 USD)
For frequent visitors; requires proof of funds and accommodation.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa (5 years)
5 years, renewable
~2,500 AED (~$680 USD) plus medical insurance
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of at least 20,000 AED or equivalent savings. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme (1 year)
1 year, renewable
~1,000 AED (~$272 USD) plus medical insurance
For remote workers with proof of employment outside UAE and minimum income of 5,000 USD per month. Allows stay with family.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (3 years)
3 years, renewable
~3,000 AED (~$817 USD) plus investment
For investors who purchase property worth at least 1 million AED or invest in a UAE business. Includes family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2 years, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Employer handles visa process and costs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine accrues daily after visa-free period expires; no maximum cap but can be waived in some cases. | 50 AED (~$13.60 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)For longer stays beyond visa-free period; requires sponsor or online application. | ~350 AED (~$95 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for regional travel. | ~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
Greek passport holders can transit through UAE airports without a visa for up to 48 hours (airside) or 96 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and hotel booking.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and hotel booking can obtain a 96-hour transit visa on arrival.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in urban areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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. Bring passport, visa copy, and payment.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) – Abu Dhabi
Al Ma'arid, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services and extensions. Online appointments recommended.
Practical information for GR 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 visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying results in fines — typically 50 AED per day (about $14 USD). If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before traveling.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for Greek passport holders. Just show up with your passport and documents. No eVisa or pre-registration is needed.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at UAE immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure date.
No. The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Any paid work or study requires a proper work or student visa arranged in advance. Working on a visitor permit can lead to deportation and a ban.
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 thousands per day. Insurance also covers trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other issues.
You cannot extend the visa-free stay. Options include leaving the UAE and re-entering (resets the 90-day clock, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits), or applying for a longer-term visa (e.g., remote work visa, investor visa) before your trip. These require separate applications and fees.
No, if you're transiting through a UAE airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you can enter visa-free for up to 90 days as a Greek passport holder.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.