Visa requirement

United Arab Emirates visa for American citizens

Official-source answer with stay limit, cost, required documents and last verification date.

Verified answer

American citizens can get a visa on arrival in United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days in any 180.

Last verified: (today)

Visa on arrival

What this means: A visa on arrival is a real visa issued at the border after you land — you still need it, and approval is not guaranteed before you travel.

Confidence: Medium Likely current — confirm details with the official source.

Max stay
90 days / 180
Official cost
Free
Before departure
Obtain on arrival

Shareable verdict: American citizens can get a visa on arrival in United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days in any 180. Checked 24 Jun 2026.

Open SVG card

Cost note

No pre-arranged tourist visa fee is normally due for visa-on-arrival / visa-not-required passports.

Passport and transit notes

Passport validity
passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival; UAE visa guidance requires the passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the expected arrival date.
Validity source (opens in a new tab) Validity guide
Transit
airside transit: not required; landside transit: not required; Visa-on-arrival / visa-not-required travellers normally do not need a pre-arranged UAE transit visa. Entering the UAE is still subject to immigration checks and passport validity.
Transit source (opens in a new tab) Transit guide

What you need

  • American passport valid for at least 6 months from expected arrival
  • confirmed return or onward ticket
  • proof of accommodation or host details may be requested

Why this verdict

U.S. citizens are not required to apply for a visa before travelling to the UAE. The UAE Embassy says a visa is issued upon entry for a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days.

Frequently asked questions

Do American citizens need a visa for United Arab Emirates?
American citizens can get a visa on arrival in United Arab Emirates for up to 90 days in any 180. (Visa on arrival.) Verified 24 Jun 2026 against the official source.
How long can American passport holders stay in United Arab Emirates?
Up to 90 days within any 180.
How much does the United Arab Emirates entry cost for American citizens?
It is free. This page tracks the official government fee only, not agent markup.

Related countries

United Arab Emirates visa for other passports

Related guides

All American visa requirements