United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Tunisia 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
Tunisian passport holders need an eVisa to visit the United Arab Emirates. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Tunisian passport holders need an eVisa to enter the UAE. Apply through the ICA Smart Services portal at smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Processing takes 3–5 working days, and you'll receive a PDF visa to print and carry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for all visitors | Immigration officers at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy ready — if you can't show one, you may be refused entry. | 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're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to show at least 500 AED per day of your stay. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
eVisa processing can take up to 3 business days. If you apply too close to your departure date, you risk not getting approval in time. Always apply at least 7 days ahead.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa, flight booking, hotel confirmation, and passport photo on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose a printed copy, you can still show them at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services website (smartservices.ica.gov.ae) and fill out the eVisa application. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around AED 100-150) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 1-3 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in the UAE.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave for the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return flight booking, hotel confirmation, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at a UAE airport and go through immigration
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly. You'll get a free entry stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia 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
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity2 months from issue date
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity2 months from issue date
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Good for multiple short trips.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity5 years
CostAED 2,500 (~$681 USD)
Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
retirement visa
UAE Retirement Visa
5 years, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) processing fee + proof of income/savings
For retirees aged 55+ with monthly income of AED 15,000 or savings of AED 1 million. Allows long-term stay without a sponsor.
digital nomad visa
UAE Virtual Work Programme
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + health insurance
For remote workers with proof of employment and minimum income of $3,500/month. Allows stay in UAE while working for foreign employer.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) + property worth AED 1 million
For property investors who purchase real estate worth at least AED 1 million. Includes residency for family.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Employer-sponsored; processing fee ~AED 3,000 (~$817 USD)
For those with a job offer from a UAE employer. Includes residency and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa for Tunisia passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; fines accumulate daily. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
No transit visa needed
Tunisia passport holders transiting through UAE airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may obtain a visa on arrival for transit purposes.
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 ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heat-related illnessHigh 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
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport and visa copy.
Abu Dhabi
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi
Mon–Thu 07:30–14:30, Fri 07:30–12:00
Main immigration office for visa services.
Practical information for TN 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
Processing usually takes 1-3 business days. Apply at least 7 days before your trip to be safe. You'll receive the eVisa by email. The fee is around AED 100-150.
The standard eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are not available for this visa type. If you need more time, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before your current one expires.
Yes, immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight booking ready.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. You will be denied boarding otherwise.
It is not mandatory for the visa application itself, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are high, and insurance can save you thousands in an emergency.
The UAE may deny visas to individuals with certain criminal records, especially for drug offenses or fraud. Each case is reviewed individually. It's best to check with the UAE embassy before applying.
You will receive a rejection notice by email. Common reasons include incomplete documents, passport validity issues, or security concerns. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is non-refundable.
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.