United Arab Emirates entry requirements for Taiwan 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
Taiwan passport holders need an eVisa to enter the United Arab Emirates. The process is entirely online and takes about 3–5 business days. As of 2026, you must apply before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Taiwanese nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your UAE eVisa at the ICA Smart Services portal. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Taiwan passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into the UAE. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may check it before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host in the UAE can speed up immigration. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. UAE immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Taiwan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in the UAE. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply at least 7 days before departure to avoid last-minute stress.
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. If your passport expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the ICA smart services portal (smartservices.ica.gov.ae). Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation. Pay the fee online (approx. AED 100–150). You'll receive the eVisa by email in 3–5 business days.
2
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, print a paper copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at UAE immigration.
3
Arrive at the airport in the UAE
At Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah airport, go to the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer clearly — it's usually quick.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a visit entry. Check the stamp says the correct validity (usually 30 days). Keep the stamp visible until you leave.
Download United Arab Emirates Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan 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, non-extendable
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 350 (~$95 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity60 days from issue
CostAED 650 (~$177 USD)
Ideal for multiple short trips.
Long-term tourist visa (5 years, multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, 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) application fee + medical insurance
For residents 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 (Dubai)
1 year, renewable
AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) + medical insurance
For remote workers with a minimum monthly income of $5,000 USD. Includes health insurance and allows stay in Dubai.
investor visa
UAE Investor Visa (Property)
2 years, renewable
AED 2,500 (~$681 USD) + property value of AED 1 million minimum
For those purchasing property worth at least AED 1 million. Allows residency and family sponsorship.
work visa
UAE Employment Visa
2–3 years, renewable
Sponsored by employer
For those with a job offer from a UAE company. Employer handles visa process and costs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist eVisa for Taiwan passport holders. | AED 350 (~$95 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within 30 days. | AED 650 (~$177 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed after visa expiry. | AED 50 (~$14 USD) per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay, typically after 20 days. | AED 1,000 (~$272 USD) |
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
Taiwan passport holders can transit through UAE airports without a visa for up to 48 hours if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 96 hours.
Transit hubsDubai International Airport (DXB) · Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) · Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Health & vaccines for United Arab Emirates
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme summer temperatures can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from street food or improperly handled food; choose reputable eateries.
Respiratory infectionsModerate risk
Air conditioning and dust can exacerbate respiratory issues; 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
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)
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 TW 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Processing can take longer during peak travel periods.
No, the eVisa for Taiwanese passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
You will be denied boarding. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into the UAE.
If you stay airside and your layover is under 12 hours, you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or have a longer layover, you need the eVisa. Check with your airline for transit rules.
No. The eVisa must be approved before you travel. There is no visa on arrival for Taiwanese passport holders. Apply online before you fly.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), the printed eVisa, your return or onward ticket, and your first night hotel booking. Keep them all together in a folder or on your phone.
Not officially required for the visa application, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in the UAE are very high — a simple hospital visit can cost $500–$1,000 per day. Insurance covers that risk.
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.