United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian 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. No advance application or fee is required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in the UAE. Airlines and immigration officers do not enforce the 6-month validity rule for Italian passport holders, but your passport must not expire before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from UAE | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in the UAE. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to at least 3,000 AED (about 750 EUR) for your stay — either cash, credit card, or bank statement. Officers rarely check this for Italian passport holders, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Overstaying is expensive
The fine for overstaying your 90-day visa-free period is 50 AED (about 12 EUR) per day. There's no grace period — the clock starts ticking the day after your 90 days end. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Alcohol and public behavior
The UAE has strict laws on public behavior. Drinking alcohol is allowed only in licensed venues (hotels, bars). Public intoxication, swearing, or offensive gestures can lead to arrest. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at UAE Immigration
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airports, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for non-GCC nationals.
2
Present Your Passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will scan it and may ask for your return ticket or accommodation details. Answer clearly and calmly.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
You'll get a free entry stamp valid for 90 days. No fingerprints or photos are taken for Italian passport holders. Collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity60 days from issue
Cost~350 AED (~$95 USD)
Apply online or through a sponsor. Allows a stay beyond the visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity60 days from issue
Cost~650 AED (~$177 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Each entry allows up to 30 days.
Visit visa (sponsored)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity60 days from issue
Cost~500 AED (~$136 USD)
Sponsored by a UAE resident or company. Allows longer stays.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
~1,000 AED (~$272 USD) application fee plus financial requirements
For retirees aged 55+ with a minimum monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Working Program
1 year, renewable
~1,000 AED (~$272 USD) plus health insurance
For remote workers with a valid employment contract from outside the UAE, minimum salary of $3,500/month. Allows living in the UAE while working for a foreign employer.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property Owner)
2 years, renewable
~2,000 AED (~$544 USD) plus property value of at least AED 1 million
For those who purchase property worth at least AED 1 million. Allows residency and family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Varies by employer, typically covered by company
Sponsored by a UAE employer. Requires a valid job offer and labour contract. Includes residency permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies after exceeding 90-day visa-free stay. No maximum cap mentioned officially. | 100 AED (~27 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 30 days, extendable. Alternative to visa-free entry. | 350 AED (~95 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 30 days per entry, multiple entries within visa 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
Italian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in the UAE, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but serious respiratory illness; avoid contact with camels and raw camel products.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low due to high hygiene standards, but travellers should still practice safe eating and drinking.
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, overstay fines, and residency matters. Bring passport and visa documents.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for IT 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying incurs a fine of 50 AED per day (about 12 EUR). If you need to stay longer, you'd need to exit and re-enter, but be aware that frequent back-to-back visits may raise questions.
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 can enter visa-free as an Italian passport holder for up to 90 days.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to contact the Italian embassy in Abu Dhabi or the consulate in Dubai for an emergency travel document before you can leave.
No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and business visits (meetings, conferences). You cannot take up employment or enroll in a course. For work or study, you need a proper visa sponsored by your employer or educational institution.
No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in the UAE are very high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of euros. Most travel insurance policies also cover trip cancellation and lost luggage.
Always carry your passport (or a clear photocopy) and your entry stamp. Police can ask for ID at any time. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup. Your hotel may also ask to see your passport for registration.
Yes, Italian driving licenses are accepted in the UAE for tourists. You can rent a car with your Italian license and passport. No international driving permit is needed. Just be aware that traffic rules are strictly enforced and fines are high.
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.