A Dubai single-entry tourist visa lets you enter the UAE once for tourism, for either 30 or 60 days.
Leave the country and it’s used up. Here’s what it covers, who it’s for, and how to apply.
What Is a Single-Entry Visa
A single-entry visa is valid for one visit only. You enter Dubai once, and once you exit the UAE, the visa can no longer be used — even if days are left on it.
It’s issued by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for tourism purposes, in two lengths: 30 days or 60 days.
It is now processed quickly. See our news update on Dubai issuing single-entry visas within 48 hours.
Who Can Apply and What You Can Do
This visa suits travellers coming to Dubai for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends. Your sponsor must be a registered establishment in the tourism sector, which is handled when you apply.
What it allows — and what it doesn’t:
- Allowed: tourism, sightseeing, short family or social visits
- Not allowed: paid work or employment of any kind
- Not allowed: re-entering the UAE after you’ve left on it
If you’re moving to the UAE rather than visiting, read our guide to living in the UAE for the residency routes instead.
Documents and How to Apply
You can apply through the GDRFA website or the GDRFA DXB smart app, both available 24/7. Accredited tourism offices and many airlines can also apply on your behalf.
What You Need
Keep these ready before you start. Most applications are straightforward when the documents are clear.
- One recent personal photograph
- A copy of your passport, valid for at least six months
- A national ID card from your home country — required for certain nationalities, including Iraq, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan
- A confirmed return or onward ticket
- Valid medical insurance covering the UAE
Travelling with family? Each traveller needs their own application and documents.
Fees, Validity, and Extensions
The fee depends on the length you choose. A 5% VAT applies on top of the base fee, and applying from inside the UAE costs more.
| Option | Stay | Base Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | 30 days | AED 200 + 5% VAT |
| Single-entry | 60 days | AED 300 + 5% VAT |
The visa can be extended, but your total continuous stay cannot exceed 120 days. The GDRFA extension fee is AED 600 plus VAT.
For the full step-by-step, see our guide on how to apply for a UAE visa extension.
Single-Entry vs Multiple-Entry
If you plan to leave and return — say, a side trip to Oman or a quick hop home — a single-entry visa won’t work for the second entry. A multiple-entry visa would.
| Feature | Single-Entry | Multiple-Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Entries | One only | Several within validity |
| Best for | A single trip | Frequent visitors |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
For most one-off holidays, the single-entry visa is the cheaper, simpler choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Dubai and come back on the same single-entry visa?
No. Once you exit the UAE, a single-entry visa is used up, even if days remain. You would need a new visa or a multiple-entry visa to return.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. The single-entry tourist visa is strictly for tourism and short visits. Paid work requires a separate work or employment visa.
Can I extend a 30-day visa instead of buying a 60-day one?
Yes. A single-entry visa can be extended after you arrive, as long as your total continuous stay stays within 120 days. Compare the extension fee against simply choosing the 60-day visa upfront.
How long does it take to get the visa?
GDRFA processes single-entry tourist visas within 48 hours of a complete application. Some are approved sooner. See our 48-hour processing update for details.
Sources
- GDRFA Dubai — Issuance of a Single-Entry Tourist Visa
- GDRFA Dubai — Extending a Tourist Visa
- General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
