United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Egypt passport holders
Egyptian citizens require a UAE tourist visa. Apply at ica.gov.ae or through Emirates/Etihad/Abu Dhabi hotels. Fee ~$100, valid 30 days.
Egypt passport holders require a visa to enter United Arab Emirates.
Apply online at the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website (ica.gov.ae), or through UAE airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia) and hotel sponsors. A hotel or tour operator can sponsor a tourist visa. Required documents: valid Egyptian passport (6+ months validity), digital passport photo (white background), return flight booking, and hotel confirmation. Fee: approximately AED 350-400 ($95-110 USD) for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. Processing: 3-5 business days online. Alternatively, Egyptians with UAE resident family members can obtain a sponsored family visit visa. Note: a UAE visit visa is specifically for tourism; Egyptians with existing UAE residence permits have different status and do not need a tourist visa.
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
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Egyptian Passport
Valid for at least 6 months with sufficient blank pages
Digital Passport Photo
Recent photo with white background meeting UAE ICA specifications
Return Flight Booking
Confirmed return flight from UAE; required for tourist visa application
Hotel Confirmation
Booking confirmation from UAE hotel or resort; hotel can also sponsor visa directly
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for UAE entry; some visa types require it
Required at Entry
Printed UAE Visa
Print the approved electronic visa and carry with your passport; present at UAE immigration
Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank card or cash for the duration of stay; UAE immigration may query funds
Current Travel Situation
Egypt to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The United Arab Emirates is the most important destination for Egyptians abroad: the UAE hosts approximately 1 million Egyptian workers and residents, the largest single-country diaspora of Egyptians in the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are extraordinary modern cities in the Gulf Desert. Dubai has the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building at 828m), Dubai Mall (world's largest mall by total area), Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Frame, the Gold and Spice Souks of Deira, Dubai Creek, and a rapidly evolving arts scene in Alserkal Avenue. Abu Dhabi has the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's most magnificent mosques, with capacity for 41,000 worshippers), the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, and Yas Island theme parks. Despite the massive Egyptian community, UAE visa requirements for Egyptians are surprisingly strict compared to many other Arab countries.
How to Get There
Dubai to Oman (Muscat) by bus 5h or flight 1.5h (Omani visa requirements for Egyptians apply). Dubai to Bahrain by flight 1h. Dubai to Doha, Qatar by flight 1.25h. The UAE is a hub for intercontinental travel with Emirates connecting Cairo to virtually every destination worldwide.
Money & Banking
UAE uses the UAE Dirham (AED). Cards accepted everywhere but cash needed for Gold and Spice Souks and taxis (some). UAE is expensive for accommodation and dining at tourist venues but has a range of options. Deira area and Karama neighborhood offer affordable restaurants (Egyptian, Lebanese, Indian food from AED 15-35). Egyptian supermarkets and restaurants are widely found in Deira and Al Quoz. Ramadan: restaurant operating hours change significantly; alcohol is available in licensed hotel restaurants year-round.
Practical Tips
Dubai: Burj Khalifa observation deck At The Top (level 124, book online at burjkhalifa.ae; sunset slots sell out weeks in advance). Dubai Frame connects old and new Dubai visually. Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for Gulf history. Deira Gold Souk and Spice Souk: most atmospheric in early morning. Desert safari: essential experience, book with reputable operators (4WD dune bashing, camel ride, falconry, BBQ dinner). Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (free entry, strict modest dress code, closed during Friday prayers). Louvre Abu Dhabi: AED 63 entry, outstanding architecture and collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Egyptian citizens need a visa for UAE?
Yes. Despite Egypt's close ties with the UAE and the large Egyptian community there, Egyptian passport holders require a tourist visa for the UAE. Apply online at ica.gov.ae, through UAE airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia), or via UAE hotels. Fee: approximately AED 350-400 ($95-110 USD) for a 30-day single-entry visa.
How can Egyptian nationals living in the UAE help family visit?
Egyptian residents of the UAE (with valid UAE residency visa) can sponsor tourist visit visas for immediate family members (spouse, parents, children). The sponsor applies through ICA (ica.gov.ae) or through their employer/PRO. A family-sponsored visit visa is often easier and cheaper to obtain. The UAE resident must have a valid Emirates ID and residency visa valid for at least 6 months.
What is Dubai like for Egyptian tourists?
Dubai is a familiar and welcoming destination for Egyptians. Arabic is spoken everywhere, Egyptian Arabic is understood and respected, Egyptian food (koshari, ful medames, Egyptian pastries) is available in restaurants across Deira. The Dubai Gold Souk in Deira is one of the world's largest gold markets and has significant price advantages over Cairo. Key attractions: Burj Khalifa (world's tallest, 828m), Dubai Mall (world's largest by total area, includes an aquarium and ice rink), Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis resort, Dubai Frame connecting old and new Dubai visually, the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi fort, and desert safari experiences.
What is Abu Dhabi like for Egyptian visitors?
Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, is an hour drive from Dubai and presents a different, more traditional Emirati character. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most magnificent mosques in the world, with a capacity of 41,000 worshippers; entry is free, dress code strictly enforced (women must wear abaya provided at entrance). Louvre Abu Dhabi is a world-class art museum designed by Jean Nouvel with universal art history across cultures (AED 63 entry). Yas Island: Ferrari World (world's fastest roller coaster), Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World. The Corniche waterfront promenade is beautiful for evening walks.
How much does a trip to the UAE cost for an Egyptian tourist?
The UAE is expensive compared to Egypt but more affordable than European destinations if you are strategic. Visa: ~$100. Flights: Cairo to Dubai is 3h, tickets $150-400 return depending on airline. Budget hotels in Bur Dubai or Deira: AED 150-350/night ($40-95). Midrange: AED 400-700/night. Dubai Mall, most parks, and beach access are free or low-cost. Emirates Mall and Dubai Mall food courts offer affordable halal meals from AED 20-50. Avoid tourist restaurants on the Marina; instead eat at Deira or Bur Dubai for authentic and affordable food.
Is Ramadan a good or bad time for Egyptian tourists to visit UAE?
Ramadan is a culturally rich time to visit the UAE but requires planning. During daylight hours, eating, drinking, and smoking in public is prohibited by law (even for non-Muslims); only designated areas allow daytime food. However, iftar after sunset transforms Dubai and Abu Dhabi into festive scenes. Iftar buffets at hotels (AED 150-300/person) are lavish; iftar at Ramadan tents in Deira is more affordable and atmospheric. Many restaurants open only after Maghrib prayer during Ramadan. UAE's Ramadan is more conservative than Egypt's but the festive evenings and suhoor culture are very familiar for Egyptian visitors.
What is the Gold Souk in Dubai and is it worth visiting?
The Dubai Gold Souk in Deira is one of the world's largest gold markets, with over 300 retailers selling 18k, 21k, and 24k gold jewelry, as well as platinum and diamonds. The prices are generally competitive with or better than Cairo (especially for higher karat gold), partly due to Dubai's tax-free status. Bargaining is expected; start at 10-15% below the quoted price. Go in the evening (5-9 PM) when it is busiest and most atmospheric. The adjacent Spice Souk sells dried fruits, spices, and saffron at prices lower than Egyptian markets for some imported goods.
Can Egyptian tourists work legally in the UAE on a tourist visa?
No. A UAE tourist visa strictly prohibits any paid work. Egyptians who wish to work in the UAE must obtain a work permit and residence visa through an employer, which is a separate process from the tourist visa. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and a ban. Many Egyptians live and work legally in the UAE on employment visas; those are issued by employers through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.