United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Pakistani passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates. Apply and receive approval online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you meet the requirements.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your UAE eVisa at the ICA Smart Services portal. Processing takes 2–5 working days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Dubai and Abu Dhabi will scan the barcode.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Pakistani passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in the UAE routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in the UAE. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed booking avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show at least AED 3,000 (approx. PKR 230,000) for a short visit. | Recommended |
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Pakistani passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You must apply and receive an eVisa before you travel. Without it, you'll be denied boarding and entry.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in the UAE, not from your departure date. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and submit your eVisa application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Save it to your phone and print a backup copy. Keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at a UAE airport
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, proceed to the immigration counters. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will scan your passport and stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're free to go.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard eVisa; extension possible once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires 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 long-term residence without a sponsor.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property Owner)
2 years, renewable
~AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) + property worth AED 1 million (~$272,000 USD)
For individuals investing in UAE real estate. Requires property ownership and proof of investment.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; processing fee ~AED 5,000 (~$1,361 USD)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Includes residency and work permit.
student visa
UAE Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~AED 3,000 (~$817 USD) per year
For enrolled students at accredited UAE universities. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa fee for Pakistan passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30-day validity. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged after visa expiry; no official cap but can accumulate. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
| Visa extension (30 days)Possible once via immigration; must apply before current visa expires. | AED 600 (~$163 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
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
Transit visa required
Pakistan passport holders need a transit visa to leave the airport during a layover in the UAE. For airside transit (staying in the international zone), no visa is required for up to 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe, but risk increases with street food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can aggravate respiratory conditions; consider masks in crowded areas.
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
For visa extensions, overstay fines, and re-entry permits.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Ma'arid, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services.
Practical information for PK 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Arab Emirates — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Pakistani passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival option.
Typically 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The cost varies by visa type — a 30-day single entry eVisa is around AED 350 (about USD 95).
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes. Immigration requires proof of onward travel — a return or onward ticket. Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry.
The standard eVisa is not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type (e.g., a visit visa sponsored by a UAE resident) before you travel.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are high — insurance covers emergencies and hospital stays.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. Airlines also check for valid visas before boarding — you won't be allowed to fly without one.
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.