United Arab Emirates Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens receive a free visa on arrival in the UAE for up to 30 days, extendable for a further 30 days.
Great news! Greece passport holders can enter United Arab Emirates without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
Greek nationals receive a free visa on arrival at UAE airports (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah). Present a valid Greek passport with at least six months validity. The visa is stamped on arrival at no charge. Extensions of 30 days can be arranged through GDRFA online or at a typing centre. No prior application is required.
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
Greece to United Arab Emirates: What You Need to Know
The United Arab Emirates grants Greek nationals a free visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, extendable once for a further 30 days at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The UAE is a major hub for Greek travellers transiting to Asia, Africa or Australasia, and a popular destination in its own right. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the main destinations. Greek shipping and business communities have a presence in the UAE.
Money & Banking
The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar. ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are universally accepted in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expensive cities; accommodation and dining costs are high compared to the regional average.
Practical Tips
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) are major global hubs with frequent connections to Athens (ATH) via Emirates and Etihad. Dubai is known for its modern architecture, shopping and beach resorts. Abu Dhabi offers cultural attractions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek passport holders need a visa for the UAE?
Greek nationals receive a free visa on arrival in the UAE for up to 30 days. No prior application is required.
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit the UAE?
No. The UAE grants Greek citizens visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days. No prior registration or application is needed.
How can Greek visitors extend their UAE stay beyond 30 days?
The visa on arrival can be extended once for an additional 30 days through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) online or at an authorised typing centre.
Can I extend my 30-day visa-free stay in the UAE?
Yes. The 30-day visa-free stay for Greek citizens can typically be extended once for an additional 30 days through the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The extension involves a fee. Alternatively, exiting the UAE and re-entering resets the 30-day clock, though this practice (visa runs) is regulated.
What currency does the UAE use?
The UAE uses the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar. ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are universally accepted throughout the UAE.
What is the commercial relationship between Greece and the UAE?
The UAE and Greece have strong bilateral economic ties. Emirates Airline operates one of the world's busiest routes between Dubai and Athens, reflecting high travel demand. The UAE has invested in Greek infrastructure (Hellinikon development project in Athens), and Greek shipping companies have operational offices in Dubai Maritime City and Jebel Ali Free Zone. Trade in petroleum products, maritime services, and tourism are the main bilateral economic areas.
Is the UAE a good transit hub for onward travel?
Yes. Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) are among the world's busiest hubs, with excellent connections to Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas.
What should Greek visitors know about cultural rules in the UAE?
The UAE is a Muslim-majority country with specific cultural rules: alcohol is available in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants but drinking in public spaces is illegal. Dress modestly in public areas and traditional neighborhoods; swimwear is appropriate only at beaches and pool areas. Ramadan restrictions apply to eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. Physical affection in public should be restrained.
What are the top attractions in the UAE?
Dubai (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Frame), Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World), and the desert dunes are the main attractions.
What are the differences between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Dubai is the UAE's commercial and tourism hub: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Marina, Gold Souk, Deira Spice Souk, and Jumeirah Beach. Abu Dhabi is the UAE capital: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (one of the world's largest and most beautiful mosques), the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi F1 circuit), and the Corniche waterfront. Both are worth visiting; Abu Dhabi is often quieter and more cultural.
Do cultural dress codes apply in the UAE?
The UAE is a Muslim country. Modest dress is expected in public spaces, malls and religious sites outside beach or resort areas. Alcohol is available in licensed venues.
What is the best time to visit the UAE?
The ideal visiting months are October through April, when temperatures are 20-30 degrees C. The summer months (June-September) are extremely hot (40-50 degrees C with high humidity in coastal areas) and most outdoor activities are impractical. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are almost entirely air-conditioned, making even summer visits manageable for mall and indoor activities.
How do I get from Greece to the UAE?
Direct flights from Athens to Dubai (DXB) with Emirates operate several times daily. Flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Etihad also operate from Athens. Flight duration is approximately 4 hours, making the UAE one of the most conveniently located long-haul destinations for Greek travelers.
Is the UAE safe for tourists?
The UAE has extremely low crime rates and is considered one of the world's safest countries for tourists. The judicial system is strict and law enforcement is efficient. Standard precautions apply for personal valuables, but violent crime against tourists is exceptionally rare.