United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Afghanistan passport holders
Afghan citizens can obtain a UAE visitor visa, costing approximately $100 (AED 370). The UAE has one of the largest Afghan diaspora communities in the world and remains a critical hub for Afghan travelers seeking onward visa applications to other countries. Dubai is the most accessible major international destination from Afghanistan.
Afghanistan passport holders require a visa to enter United Arab Emirates.
UAE visas can be obtained through a UAE-based airline (Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai) when booking a flight, through a registered UAE travel agency, through a hotel or tour operator sponsor, or through the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal. Afghan nationals who already have a US, UK, or Schengen visa may qualify for a free visa on arrival. Otherwise apply for a 30-day e-visa online at ICA.gov.ae or through Emirates, which sponsors visas for flight passengers. Required documents: valid Afghan passport (at least 6 months validity), return flight ticket, and accommodation proof. The process is generally quick, often approved within 24 to 48 hours.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Afghanistan to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The UAE has maintained visa access for Afghan nationals despite the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, which has made Dubai a vital transit hub and staging point for Afghans seeking to travel internationally. The UAE visitor visa costs approximately AED 370 ($100) and allows a 30-day stay, extendable. Dubai is home to a large Afghan diaspora community and hosts many Afghan businesses. Most international embassies that suspended Kabul operations continue to accept Afghan visa applications in Dubai, making the UAE particularly important for Afghans needing third-country visa applications. Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air operate direct Kabul-Dubai routes.
How to Get There
Ariana Afghan Airlines operates direct flights from Kabul (KBL) to Dubai (DXB), with flight times of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Kam Air also operates the Kabul-Dubai route. These are among the most frequently operated international routes from Afghanistan. Dubai is thus one of the most easily reached international destinations for Afghans. Flights are also available from Herat (HEA) and Kandahar (KDH) to Dubai.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the USD at approximately 3.67 AED = $1. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. ATMs are available throughout. Dubai is expensive by regional standards: budget accommodation from AED 150 ($40) in Deira or Bur Dubai, mid-range hotels from AED 350 ($95). However, the food court scene at shopping malls and independent restaurants offer affordable options. Many Afghan restaurants operate in the Al Karama and Deira areas of Dubai.
Practical Tips
Dubai's Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building at 828m) has observation decks on floors 124 and 148 with stunning views. The Dubai Mall is the world's most visited shopping centre. Dubai Creek and Deira's gold and spice souks connect the city to its trading heritage. The Palm Jumeirah artificial island has luxury hotels and beaches. Abu Dhabi has the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry), one of the world's most beautiful mosques. The UAE is Muslim-majority with a modern, internationally-oriented culture. Dress modestly in traditional areas.