United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can travel to the UAE visa-free for up to 30 days, with the entry permit issued free at the port of arrival. No prior application required.
Great news! Austria passport holders can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No prior application required. Present your Austrian passport at the UAE port of entry. The entry permit (30 days) is stamped or issued digitally on arrival at no charge. An extension to 60 days is available for AED 600 at GDRFA offices. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
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
Austria to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The UAE, comprising Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and five other emirates, is a major travel hub for Austrians heading to Asia, Africa, and beyond. Emirates airline operates direct daily flights from Vienna to Dubai, making the UAE one of the most accessible non-European destinations. Dubai has positioned itself as a global luxury and leisure destination, while Abu Dhabi offers cultural experiences including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The 30-day visa-free stay can be extended to 60 days at immigration offices.
How to Get There
Emirates flies Vienna (VIE) to Dubai (DXB) daily, nonstop, in about 6 hours. Flydubai also operates this route. Etihad flies Vienna to Abu Dhabi (AUH) directly. The UAE is a major hub for onward connections to Asia and Africa.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE Dirham (AED). Cards are universally accepted including contactless. Cash is useful for souks and small vendors. The UAE is expensive for accommodation and alcohol but cheap for taxis and food in non-tourist establishments. ATMs are plentiful everywhere.
Practical Tips
Dubai is extremely hot from June to September (40C+); visit October-April for comfort. Dress modestly in malls, markets, and non-beach public areas: cover shoulders and knees. Alcohol is served at licensed hotels and restaurants only; public intoxication is illegal. Dubai Metro covers the main tourist corridor from the airport to the Marina. Taxis (and Careem/Uber) are affordable. Bargaining is expected in the Gold Souk and spice markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit the UAE?
No. Austrian passport holders receive a free visa on arrival in the UAE for 30 days. No prior application is needed. The entry permit is issued at the port of entry at no charge.
How long can Austrians stay in the UAE?
The initial visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and can be extended to 60 days at a GDRFA office for AED 600. For longer stays, a UAE residence visa or long-term visit visa must be applied for in advance.
Is alcohol allowed in the UAE?
Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Public intoxication, drinking in unlicensed venues, and drinking in dry emirates (Sharjah) are illegal. During Ramadan, alcohol service hours are restricted.
What should I wear as a tourist in Dubai?
Dubai is relatively liberal by Gulf standards. Western dress including swimwear is fine at beach clubs and hotels. In public spaces, malls, and souks, avoid very revealing clothing: cover shoulders and knees. Abaya (for women) is required inside mosques.
How do I get from Dubai Airport to the city center?
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line from Dubai International Airport (Terminal 1/3) to central stations (Union, BurJuman, Dubai Mall). A single fare costs AED 8-12 with a Nol card. Taxis and Uber/Careem are also widely available.
Is the UAE a good transit hub for Austrian travelers going to Asia?
Yes. Emirates hub Dubai (DXB) is one of the world's busiest transit airports. Direct daily flights from Vienna to Dubai make it a convenient connection for Asia-Pacific, Africa, and India. A long layover in Dubai can include a city visit.
What are the must-see attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Dubai: Burj Khalifa observation deck (book online), Dubai Mall, Gold and Spice Souks, Palm Jumeirah, and the desert safari experience. Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's largest and most beautiful), Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Corniche.